For Immediate Release

For more than a decade, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has provided Anchorage residents the opportunity to learn about scientific research conducted at the University of Alaska. This annual series, sponsored and coordinated by the Geophysical Institute, features a handful of scientists from the University of Alaska, along with experts from state and federal agencies. These experts share their research with the general public in lectures that are full of animations and visuals that appeal to all ages.

This year, audiences will be wowed by lecture topics ranging from Arctic seals to tsunami preparedness. Lectures will take place every Monday at 7:15 p.m., in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, from January 23 through February 27. All lectures are free to the public.

For educators, an associated one-credit continuing education course will be offered. In the course, teachers will develop lesson plans that include topics from the lecture series. Lesson plans also will incorporate National Science Standards and assessment techniques.

2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series line-up:

Monday, January 23
"Seals on Thin Ice: An Effect of Climate Change"
Presented by Vice Provost for Research Brendan P. Kelly
University of Alaska Southeast

Monday, January 30
"Safety in Bear Country: The Science and the Nonsense"
Presented by Wildlife Biologist John Hechtel
Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Monday, February 6
"Warmer Climate, Thawing Permafrost: What Will Happen to Alaska's Water?"
Presented by Research Professor of Water Resources Larry Hinzman
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 13
"Surviving a Tsunami: Is Alaska Ready for the Next Big Wave?" 
Presented by Research Analyst Elena Suleimani
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 20
"Mirror Images: Exploring Auroras at Each of the Poles"
Presented by Professor of Geophysics Hans Nielsen
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Monday, February 27
"Recreating the World of Alaska's Dinosaurs"
Presented by Associate Professor of Geology Paul McCarthy
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

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

CONTACT:
Marc Perry, On-site Coordinator: (907) 786-1260
Amy Hartley, Statewide Coordinator and Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823