Nominations sought for 2016 Geddes W. Simpson Lecture
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture Series Selection Committee is calling for nominations for the 15th annual Geddes W. Simpson Lecture, which will be held in fall 2016.
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture invites speakers of prominence that have provided significant insight into the area where science and history intersect.
The Geddes W. Simpson Lecture Series Fund was established in 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.
To nominate a speaker, submit a one-page letter along with the nominee’s curriculum vitae to Samuel Hanes, chair of the selection committee, at samuel.hanes@maine.edu or Department of Anthropology, 5773 South Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469. The nomination deadline is Friday, April 1.
Speakers are welcome from any field that bridges science and history. The lecture series has hosted a broad range of speakers from various academic disciplines.
Geddes W. Simpson Distinguished Lecturers (2008–2015):
- Robert R. Steneck, professor of oceanography, University of Maine; “Considering the Future of our Seas Through the Lens of History” (2008)
- David R. Foster, professor of organismic and evolutionary biology and director of the Harvard Forest, Harvard University; “Reading and Conserving New England: Using History to Interpret and Manage Nature” (2009)
- 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)
- Joseph T. Kelley, professor of marine geology, University of Maine; “People and Beaches: A Coupled Human and Natural System” (2011)
- James R. Fleming, professor of science, technology and society, Colby College; “Fixing the Sky: The Checkered History of Weather and Climate Control” (2012)
- Grace S. Brush, professor of geography and environmental engineering, Johns Hopkins University; “A Paleoecological Record of Long Term Connections Between Land and Water” (2013)
- William B. Krohn, Ph.D., wildlife biologist; “Using Historical Information in Wildlife Science: A Personal Journey” (2014)
- Mark W. Anderson, senior instructor emeritus, School of Economics, University of Maine; “Open Season on Chickadees: A Field Guide to the Anthropocene” (2015)