Distinguished Lecturer Series
The Ridge 2000 Distinguished Lecturer Series brings recent mid-ocean ridge research to colleges and universities, concentrating on those without existing ocean-science programs. The aim is to share Ridge 2000 research with audiences not familiar with this kind of research, and to attract future students into ocean sciences programs.
Lecturers deliver exciting presentations on mid-ocean ridge research to undergraduate and graduate-level audiences, as well as to general public audiences. Each speaker is paired with a total of three host institutions around the country, conducting up to 2 presentations at each host site based on the schedules and interests of all parties involved.
Visit the Distinguished Lecturer Series web pages.
Please direct any questions regarding contributions to the Distinguished Lecturer Series to the Ridge 2000 Program office.
"I haven't heard that sort of enthusiasm from students for a science seminar speaker in many years."
- Dawn J. Anderson, Berea College, KY (Peter Girguis)
"Everyone got a lot out of hearing about the hydrothermal vents from one of the movers and shakers in that research effort."
- Thomas B. Hanley, Columbus State University, GA (Chris German)
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.
