Lake Effects: USU's Science Unwrapped Tackles Science, Policy Sept. 23

Can science foster a healthier world?

“The answer is yes and it’s important we encourage productive interaction between scientific knowledge and public policy,” says Utah State University alum Ben Abbott.

Abbott, assistant professor of ecosystem ecology at Brigham Young University, is the featured speaker at USU’s Science Unwrapped on Friday, Sept. 23. He presents “Lake Effects: Utah Lake Issues Reveal How We View Science and Policy” at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center on USU’s Logan campus. Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow Abbott’s presentation. The talk will also be livestreamed via AggieCast from the Science Unwrapped website.

Abbott, who earned a bachelor of science degree in watershed and earth science from USU in 2009, is an outspoken advocate for Utah Lake conservation efforts, along with policies that address Utah’s air quality concerns. His talk kicks off Science Unwrapped’s new “Ch-Ch-Changes” series, which explores the science of change from different scientific disciplines.

“With a nod to the late musical legend David Bowie, Science Unwrapped explores the science of change — including dramatic changes we see in our climate and environment, as well as a broad view of change from varied scientific perspectives,” says Greg Podgorski, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Biology. “We’re looking forward to hearing Ben Abbott’s thoughts on environmental changes happening right here in Utah and how we can address them.”

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is a public outreach program of USU’s College of Science. Science Unwrapped talks are recorded and posted online for continued viewing convenience.

For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the “Science Unwrapped at USU” Facebook page and Twitter profile.