Media Advisory: World-Famous marine biologists to speak at WFU
PRO+ECT welcomes to the Wake Forest University campus three women marine biologists who have dedicated their lives to saving the oceans: world-famous oceanographer and activist Sylvia Earle, renowned coral reef biologist Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian, and policy advocate Amanda Leland of the Environmental Defense Fund. The event is sponsored by the Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (CEES), the Wake Forest biology department, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Office of the Provost and the WFU Women’s Center.
They will offer perspectives during a panel discussion on the fundamental services oceans provide to the people of the planet and how climate change is affecting marine life.
Sylvia Earle is a diver, writer and scientist-in-residence for National Geographic, Earle is also the founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER), a research group that designs robotic sub sea systems. She has campaigned for public awareness of the need to protect ocean systems for more than 30 years. A film documentary of her life, “Mission Blue,” was released last year.
Nancy Knowlton is the sant chair for Marine Science at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and a scientific leader of the Census of Marine Life. She wrote the book, “Citizens of the Sea,” to celebrate the 10 years of the census. She founded the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California, San Diego. She has devoted her life to studying, celebrating and striving to protect the multitude of life forms that call the sea home.
Amanda Leland is vice president for oceans at the Environment Defense Fund that works to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends, focusing on the most critical environmental problems. She is responsible for leading a diverse team of 50 scientists, lawyers and advocates for healthy and abundant oceans. She focuses on strategies to transform resource management to achieve productive and profitable fisheries in the United States.
When and Where: Jan. 22, 2015, 7 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall
About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.
