Program Schedule

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January 9, 2012

8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Registration

9:20 Doors Close - Welcome

9:30-10:30 Neglected Tropical Diseases: The Use of Molecular Biology to Eliminate Ancient Scourges of Mankind
Dr. Steven A. Williams, Gates Professor of Biology & Biochemistry – Smith College
Dr. Williams will discuss neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and his work at Smith College to help eliminate these diseases of poverty that disable and stigmatize millions of people living in the world’s poorest countries. These diseases keep the poorest and unhealthiest populations in the world poor and unhealthy, preventing children from attaining their full mental and physical growth potential, and many adults from being able to care properly for themselves and their families. As an infectious disease researcher, Dr. Williams believes that eliminating NTDs is the easiest way to break the cycle of disease and poverty. He will discuss his laboratory research and
his field work in developing countries from Haiti to Tanzania to Bangladesh. For more information, visit globalnetwork.org.

Website: http://www.smith.edu/biology/faculty_williams.php


10:45 - 11:45 Twentieth Century Germany: History in the Shadow of the Holocaust
Marc R. Forster, Henry B. Plant Professor of History – Connecticut College
The centrality of the Holocaust and the Nazi regime deeply influences all aspects of the history of modern Germany. Is all of German history a prelude to or even a cause of the Holocaust? How has the evolving memory of and engagement with the events of the 1930s and 1940s shaped every aspect of German politics and society, intellectual life and culture since 1945? Professor Forster will examine these and related issues in this troubled history.

Website: http://www.conncoll.edu/Academics/web_profiles/forster.html

11:45 - 12:30 Box Luncheon Served

12:30 - 1:30 Human-Wildlife Conflict and Conservation: Lessons from Around the World
Dr. Robert R. Alexander, Professor of Environmental Studies – Sweet Briar College
Dr. Alexander will discuss the role of economic incentives in the conservation or elimination of species, and identify the fundamental factors that influence peoples behavior with regard to wildlife around them. While the excessive extraction of wildlife is one of the principle causes of species loss, there are some circumstances under which well-managed harvests can provide powerful incentives for conservation and work to preserve species. Using data studies, he will discuss several cases and their application to the western U.S., and identify the characteristics that distinguish opportunities for protection from ecological devastation. For additional readings, please visit his website at www.wildearthnet.org.

Website: http://sbc.edu/environmental-studies/faculty

A question and answer period will follow each lecture • Free Parking Available

For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact: Nancy Patterson- 303-771-8615 or collegeforaday@gmail.com