Call for nominations for 2019 Geddes W. Simpson Distinguished Lecturer
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture Series Selection Committee is calling for nominations for the 18th Geddes W. Simpson Lecture, which will be held fall 2019.
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture invites speakers of prominence who have provided significant insight into the area where science and history intersect.
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture Series Fund was established by the University of Maine Foundation in 2001 by the family of Geddes Wilson Simpson, a well-respected faculty member who began his 55-year career with the College of Life Sciences and the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station in 1931. Simpson was named chair of the Entomology Department in 1954 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1974. Upon his retirement, he was awarded emeritus status and thereafter worked part time with the Experiment Station as editor.
A one-page letter of nomination, along with the nominee’s curriculum vitae, should be emailed to James Weber, chair of the selection committee, at jaweber@maine.edu; or mailed to Jim Weber, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, 5735 Hitchner Hall Room 130B Orono, ME 04469-5735 by April 24.
Speakers are welcome from any field that bridges science and history. The lecture series has hosted a range of speakers from various academic disciplines.
Recent Geddes W. Simpson Distinguished Lecturers include:
- Dan Sandweiss, professor of anthropology and climate studies, University of Maine, “Climate, Catastrophe, Collapse? Using Climate and Cultural History to Understand El Niño’s Role in Ancient Peru” (2018);
- Sharrona Pearl, assistant professor at Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, “Face Transplant Surgery and the Meaning of Identity: A history and case study” (2017);
- David Green, senior fellow at Baker Center for Public Policy, University of Tennessee, “Creating the Sustainable Car: History Lessons from 40 Years of Regulating Automotive Carbon Emissions” (2016);
- William Krohn, wildlife biologist, “Using Historical Information in Wildlife Science: A Personal Journey” (2014);
- Grace Brush, professor of biology (paleobotany), Johns Hopkins University, “A Paleoecological Record of Long Term Connections Between Land and Water” (2013);
- Joseph Kelley, professor of marine geology, UMaine, “People and Beaches: A Coupled Human and Natural System” (2011);
- Michelle Murphy, associate professor of history and women and gender studies, University of Toronto, “Avertable Life, Investable Futures: A Cold War Story of Sex and Economy” (2010); and
- Ted Ames, lobsterman and MacArthur Foundation Fellow, “Confluence of Fisheries Management and History” (2007).