Lecture format

Distinguished Lecturers have prepared two separate presentations catering to a science audience and a general public audience. They can deliver one or both of these lectures at each host institution that they visit.

Science community lecture

Similar to a departmental lecture, this presentation targets undergraduate and graduate level students. We ask the host department to include other relevant departments on campus as co-hosts, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of oceanic ridge science, where the cutting edge is often found at disciplinary interfaces. We also recommend inviting faculty and students from nearby campuses, as well as professional and scientific non-profit organizations in the area (e.g., geological society).

General public lecture

Targeting the general public, this lecture capitalizes on the unique characteristics of deep-ocean ridge science (volcanism, mysterious black smokers, exotic tubeworms, etc.) to tell compelling scientific stories for the non-scientific audience. Previous host institutions have had success working with their campus outreach and news agencies to organize and advertise the public event, often resulting in capacity audiences. We especially recommend personal invitations and publicity to local high school and middle school science teachers and students, which are target audiences for NSF and the Ridge 2000 outreach program.