Six-part lecture series to focus on environment, energy and sustainability

Vanderbilt University experts on various aspects of the environment, energy and sustainability will share insights during a six-part spring semester lecture series open to the general public

Vanderbilt University experts on various aspects of the environment, energy and sustainability will share insights during a six-part spring semester lecture series open to the general public.

Saturday University will meet on Saturdays Feb. 7 through March 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the multipurpose room of The Commons, on the southeast edge of campus near Peabody College.

Cost to attend the seven lectures is $99. To register, click here.

“This unique series allows inquisitive adult learners to rediscover the joy of education for its own sake, without entrance exams, homework assignments or final papers,” said Martin Rapisarda, associate dean of the College of Arts and Science. “We’ve taken pains to schedule this so working Nashvillians can participate and experience Vanderbilt’s outstanding faculty in action.”

The lecture series is presented by the Vanderbilt College of Arts and Science in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment.  Audio of the lectures will be recorded for posting on VUCast, the Vanderbilt News Service Web site, at www.vanderbilt.edu/news/.

Dates of specific lectures will be determined later, but the lineup will include:

George Hornberger, Distinguished University Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, speaking on “The Water-Energy Nexus.”

Brooke Ackerly, associate professor of political science; Steven Goodbred, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences; and Jonathan Gilligan, senior lecturer in earth and environmental sciences; speaking about the intersection of science, engineering and social issues.

James H. Clarke, professor of the practice of civil and environmental engineering, and professor of earth and environmental sciences, speaking on “Electric Power Generation: Is It Time to Build More Nuclear Power Plants?”

Jim Fraser, associate professor of human and organizational development, speaking on flood plain issues and why people participate in mitigation projects.

Michael Vandenbergh, professor of law, speaking on “The Behavioral Wedge: Individual Responses to Climate Change.”

Forrest Perry, lecturer in electrical engineering and computer science, moderating a panel discussion on “Ethics, Economics and the Environment.”