Research

Research Unplugged speaker series to kick off spring 2019 season April 4

Popular discussion series to be held each Thursday in April

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Research Unplugged, the popular series of stimulating conversations with Penn State researchers, returns to Schlow Centre Region Library in April for its spring 2019 talks.

Research Unplugged is presented in collaboration with Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations and is held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. each Thursday in April in Schlow Library’s Downsbrough Community Room.

The spring schedule will begin April 4 with Carleen Maitland, associate professor of information sciences and technology, presenting “Digital Lifeline? Information and Communication Technologies for Refugees and Displaced Persons.” Maitland will present how cellphones and other information and communication technologies have changed the lives of refugees around the globe.

On April 11, Iliana Baums, associate professor of biology, will look at “How Corals May Survive Climate Change.” Baums will discuss the future of preserving coral reefs against the rising tide of climate change.

John Gastil, professor of communication arts and sciences and political science, will present “Disrupting Democracy: How to Redesign Online Life to Strengthen Democratic Governments” on April 18. The internet is implicated in some of the worst pathologies of modern politics. Gastil will share his vision of an alternative that encourages deliberation, effective public consultation, and an engaged citizenry.

On April 25, Sujit Kumar Pujhari, assistant research professor in the Department of Entomology, will discuss “Mosquito Borne Viral Infections: A Global Program.” Transmitting a host of human pathogens, mosquitoes, and the diseases they bring with them, have become a matter of global concern. How can we fight back?

A special Research Unplugged event will be held on May 2 with the Graduate Student Panel, where Penn State graduate students will discuss the newest trends in their fields.

All Research Unplugged events are free to the public and include a presentation, a Q&A period, and light refreshments. For more information, visit schlowlibrary.org.

Last Updated March 13, 2019