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UT Tyler to Sponsor Darwin Day Events
Follow @UTTylerTweetJanuary 22, 2015
Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
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January 22, 2015
The University of Texas at Tyler Department of Biology will sponsor events celebrating
Darwin Day, Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean, announced.
Similar events are held worldwide on or near Feb. 12, the birthday anniversary of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin and seek to recognize the benefits of scientific exploration and discovery. This year’s Darwin Day celebration features evolutionary-themed video screenings, a keynote address and a development workshop for primary and secondary teachers.
Video screenings for three episodes of Neil Shubin’s PBS series, “Your Inner Fish” will be shown on Thursday, Feb. 12 in the UT Tyler University Center ballroom. Episodes and dates are: “Your Inner Fish” 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., “Your Inner Reptile” 1 – 2 p.m. and “Your Inner Monkey” 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Each video will be followed by a moderated discussion.
The 2015 Darwin Day Keynote Lecture will be 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in the University Center theater. Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York, serves as keynote speaker. He will present “Pseudoscience: Why Bother?” In addition to his distinguished research career in evolutionary biology, Pigliucci is the co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast and editor in chief for the online magazine, Scientia Salon. A reception will follow.
The teacher development workshop for elementary, middle and high school teachers will be 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Center for Earth and Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College. The workshop will provide teachers with activities to share with their classes about evolutionary biology and five hours of continuing education credits. Teachers interested in participating should email UT Tyler assistant professor of biology Dr. Josh Banta, jbanta@uttyler.edu.
Tyler Junior College serves as Darwin Day co-sponsor.
For additional information about events, contact Dr. Kate Hertweck, UT Tyler assistant professor of biology, 903.565.5882 or khertweck@uttyler.edu.
One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.