Biology Lecture Series to be Held at C.W. Post

Topics include blood-feeding creatures, ecology of coral reefs, evolution of shellfish; lectures scheduled 5-6 p.m., free and open to public

Brookville, N.Y. - The Department of Biology at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University is sponsoring a Biology Lecture Series this fall, bringing prominent scientists to the campus to interact with students, faculty, and staff and talk about their work.

"These lectures will provide rich learning opportunities for the academic community and the public," said Matthew Draud, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biology. "The topics are fascinating and the speakers are among the top researchers in their fields."

The lectures will be held in the Humanities Hall, Room 119 from 5 to 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, call (516) 299-2481.

The schedule includes:

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 - "Sanguivore Biology," presented by Bill Schutt, Ph.D., vertebrate zoologist, author, and associate professor of biology at C.W. Post

Zoologist Bill Schutt has explored the mysterious world of blood-feeding creatures, studying their habits and evolution, as well as their surprising benefits to the medical world. Note: This lecture will be held in Humanities Hall, Room 119.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 - "Parasites and Coral Reef Fish Behavior," presented by Paul Sikkel, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of biology, Centre College

Dr. Paul Sikkel's current research focuses on reproductive ecology, diel activity patterns, and host-parasite-cleaner interactions on coral reefs, and how climate-induced changes in the reef environment influence these activities.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 - "Solar Radiation and Coral Disease," presented by Erinn Muller, Florida Institute of Technology

A doctoral student in marine biology at Florida Institute of Technology, Erinn Mueller's research focuses on understanding the link between coral-bleaching events and disease outbreaks.

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 - "Marine Protected Areas in the Caribbean," presented by Graham Forrester, professor of natural resources science, Coastal Institute at Kingston, University of Rhode Island

Graham Forrester is an ecologist and conservation biologist who has been studying coral reefs, mountain streams and coastal wetlands for the past 23 years. For the past 17 years, he has focused on the Caribbean. His current research tries to better understand the details of how fish species on the reef interact with their predators, competitors and parasites.

Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 - "Habitat Constraints and Speciation in Decapods," presented by Joseph L. Staton, Ph.D., associate professor of biology/marine science, University of South Carolina

Dr. Joe Staton has studied the molecular evolution of invertebrates for over 20 years, with a primary focus on their biogeography, studying the biotic and abiotic factors influencing their dispersal and the overall effect on the adult and larval molecular diversity.

Posted: October 1, 2008