February 10, 2012
K-State Olathe and local high school collaborate on science lecture series
Kansas State University Olathe and Olathe North High School are partnering to bring the Life Science Lecture Series to high school students across Johnson County.
The free lecture series provides students an opportunity to learn from university and industry experts about science research in life sciences including areas in animal health and food safety.
The first two one-hour sessions were held at Olathe North, with the next two sessions to be at K-State Olathe. More than 75 students have attended the first two sessions.
At the Feb. 15 lecture, Joan Leavens, integration/outreach leader for One Health Kansas at Kansas State University, will present "One Health: Integrating Animal, Human and Environmental Health" which educates Kansans about new and re-emerging diseases in a changing world. A former teacher, Leavens served as education director for the Blue River Watershed Association for five years. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Missouri Environmental Education Association, Missouri Stream Teams, Kanza Sierra Club, Bridging the Gap and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
On March 7, also at K-State Olathe, Debra Ryder, education director at the Kansas City Zoo will present "Bears on Thin Ice." Her recent work with Polar Bear International took her to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, during fall 2010. She spent time with bears and the scientists who study them focusing on the influence of climate change on bear nutrition and reproduction. Her presentation will focus upon what the future holds for these magnificent bears.
"The life science lecture series is an opportunity for students to get engaged, empowered and educated on the possible careers in the animal health, food science, and life science areas," said Micheal Strohschein, director of K-12 Programs at K-State Olathe. "This lecture series is just one of the many opportunities that K-State Olathe is providing to students in Johnson County."
To view the full calendar for the lecture series, including topics, or to register, visit www.olathe.k-state.edu/academic-initiatives/k-12 and click on 6-12 resources page.
The series will continue through May, with a total of eight lectures.