Alec Austin ’19, Michael Zeng ’19:
The Clare Foundation Speaker Series, having begun in February, is set to continue at Episcopal throughout the spring, as highly innovative and intellectually gifted professors and professionals from several prestigious universities and institutions will speak to students and faculty.
The series itself revolves around topics in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Jump started with a presentation called That Physics Show, an exhilarating performance given by David Maiullo, a member of the Physics and Astronomy Department at Rutgers University. Maiullo’s presentation included several experiments to demonstrate how the world is revolved around energy.
Photo Courtesy of EA Website
In the Upper School, Bonnie Bassler, Chair of the Molecular Biology Department at Princeton University and Robert Sapolsky, Biology and Neuroscience Professor at Stanford University, each delivered speeches on their respective fields and worked with students in several Upper School science classes.
In the coming weeks, students and faculty will get to listen to Talithia Williams, Associate Dean for Research and Experiential Learning and Associate Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, Craig McLauchlan, Chair of Chemistry from Illinois State University and son of V Form Dean Cheryl McLauchlan, Gregory Ott, Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Ralph Sando, Chief of Ophthalmology Service at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
The selection process for these speakers is done with careful consideration as Grace Limaye, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, states, “We hope that these speakers will engage our students and faculty and challenge them to consider science, math, and technology in new ways.” She continues, “Personally, I would love for at least one of our speakers to entice at least one of our students to consider exploring a STEM field in college and beyond.’
Robbie Copit 19’ says “I really thought Dr. Sapolsky had an interesting outlook on life, I’d like to hear more talks similar to his”.
James Leroux 19’ agrees, saying, “Once I heard Dr. Sapolsky’s talk, it made me want look into the study on human behavior, it sounded interesting.”
Limaye says, “The Clare Foundation has generously provided us with the resources to bring thought-leaders in STEM to EA this year, and we hope that these speakers stimulate conversation and provoke students and faculty in considering science, math, and tech fields.”