For Immediate Release

For more than a decade, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has provided Anchorage residents the latest findings in scientific research relevant to all Alaskans. Traditionally, the lectures are offered during January and February, and serve as an educational and entertaining option for all ages on cold winter nights.

This year, lecturers will present on a range of topics that include the upcoming International Polar Year, volcanoes, glaciers and climate change. The first lecture, by Stuart Nelson, chief veterinarian for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, will be a draw for mushing enthusiasts and dog lovers in general.

Coordinated by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the free lectures will take place Mondays at 7:15 p.m., from Jan. 22 through Feb. 26 in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA

campus. Educational demonstrations will be provided by The Imaginarium prior to each lecture. New to the series is an online forum to discuss the topics being presented, available at www.scienceforalaska.com. For educators, an associated one-credit continuing education course will be offered statewide through UAF.

In the course, teachers will develop lesson plans stemming from content covered in the lecture series.

2007 Science for Alaska Lecture Series line-up:

Tuesday, Jan. 22
“Sled Dog Science”
Presented by Stuart Nelson Jr., DVM, chief veterinarian, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Tuesday, Jan. 29
“The International Polar Year 2007-08: Opportunities for Alaska”
Presented by Associate Professor of Geophysics Hajo Eicken, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 5
“A Different Season: People in a Changing Climate”
Presented by Associate Professor of Biology Lilian Alessa, University of Alaska Anchorage

Tuesday, Feb. 12
“Some Like it Hot: Volcanoes in the Infrared”
Presented by Research Associate Professor of Volcanology Jon Dehn, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 19
“Dynamic Glaciers of Southeast Alaska”
Presented by Assistant Research Professor Chris Larsen, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 26
“Alaska’s Beluga Whales: Distribution and Movement” 
Presented by Biologist Barbara Mahoney, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT:
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: 474-5823.
Melissa Hart, Geophysical Institute Public Relations Assistant: 474-7853.