University Libraries Geared Up to Host Science Caf Series Beginning Aug. 30

Are you interested in learning more about popular scientific topics from experts in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere? Then pull up a chair at The University of Southern Mississippi's new Science Café @ Cook Library.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 30 in Cook Library's Starbucks coffee shop, The Science Café Series will offer those with minimal or no background in science the chance to meet and discuss scientific issues in layman's terms in a relaxed social setting. The series is free and open to members of the campus community and general public.

“Science Cafés began in Europe and have spread and become popular across the United States and indeed worldwide, so we are adding Hattiesburg to the science café map,” said Dr. Carole Kiehl, dean of university libraries.

The presentations will be held on Mondays this fall from 6-8 p.m. and will feature members of the Southern Miss faculty sharing their expertise with a presentation and short video on a wide range of topics. The schedule and topics are as follows:

Aug. 30 – Topic: Aging. Presenter: Dr. Susan Hrostowski, assistant professor of social work.

Sept. 27 – Topic: Memory. Presenter: Dr. Vijay Rangachari, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry.

Oct. 25 – Topic: Personal DNA Testing. Presenter: Dr. Kuppareddi Balamurugan, assistant professor of criminal justice.

Nov. 29 – Topic: Gangster Birds. Presenter: Dr. Frank Moore, professor of biological sciences.

For more information, online visithttp://www.sciencecafes.org; or contact Tracy Englert at 601.266.6396 or e-mail tracy.englertFREEMississippi.