Because Earth deserves more than a single day of recognition, the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will host a series of on-campus events celebrating our planet—from talks revealing Earth secrets to a community event with tree-planting, free food, and more!
The following events are open to the NSU community. For more information, contact Song Gao, Ph.D., associate professor at the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, at (954) 262-8388.
Wednesday, Apr. 16
Earth Secrets Lecture: Part I | “Earth’s Microbes: Big Impact on a Small Scale”
Noon–1:15 p.m.
Mailman-Hollywood Building | Second Floor Auditorium
Watch Live Stream Online
—“Microorganisms on Planet Earth: Then and Now”
Presented by Aarti Raja, Ph.D., assistant professor
Earth’s early organisms were prokaryotes, known as the Archaea. The microorganism environment has evolved over time as Earth has changed. The boom now is to learn about how the abundant microorganisms have shaped us, and to gain an understanding about the ones that inhabit us and what it means for them to be a part of us.
—“Environmental Disasters and Microbial Mayhem”
Presented by Joshua Loomis, Ph.D., assistant professor
Environmental disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods have played major roles in triggering the start of various epidemics throughout human history. Similarly, the encroachment and purposeful destruction of ecosystems by man have unleashed a number of dangerous pathogens on our population. This talk will provide an overview of these diseases and their causes.
—“The Microbes Within Us”
Presented by Emily Schmitt, Ph.D., associate professor and associate director of the college’s Division of Math, Science, and Technology
It’s becoming clear that at least 9 out of every 10 cells in our own bodies aren’t even human! This talk will present generalized results from the Human Microbiome Project and discuss ongoing efforts to categorize, understand, and manipulate the life within our own.
Wednesday, Apr. 23
“New Roots: Grand Opening for NSU’s Plant Lab Garden”
11:00 a.m.
Parker Building | Northwest Entrance
Join us as we celebrate the opening of NSU’s new Plant Lab Garden. Faculty member Venkatesh Shanbhag, Ph.D., associate professor, and students will discuss their current and upcoming plant research projects—important components to NSU’s ongoing green efforts!
Earth Secrets Lecture: Part II | “Oil Spills, Coral Reefs, and People on Earth”
Noon–1:15 p.m.
Carl DeSantis Building | Knight Auditorium (Room 1124)
Watch Live Stream Online
—“Truth and Consequences—Oil Spills”
Presented by Deanne Roopnarine, Ph.D., assistant professor and coordinator of biological sciences
The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion in 2010 resulted in the largest accidental maritime oil spill in history, the truth of which was evident in oil slicks, soiled beaches, and fouled, frequently dead wildlife. Beyond these, are there long-term consequences of this event, and if so, what are they and what have we learned?
—“Adversary and Recovery—Coral Reefs”
Presented by Nicole Fogarty, Ph.D., assistant professor at NSU’s Oceanographic Center
Florida is home to the only coral reef in the continental United States. Despite the incredible biological and economic importance of coral reefs, numerous factors threaten their existence, including pollution, overfishing, invasive species, excessive predation, and disease. In light of global climate change, the question remains: can corals recover in a changing environment?
—“Overpopulation vs. Overconsumption—People on Earth”
Presented by Eileen Smith-Cavros, Ph.D., associate professor
In societal terms, population means “people.” When we examine the concept of our ecological footprint, we find that our surface-level analysis of the current population situation doesn’t present the whole picture. With a focus on “overpopulation,” are we minimizing the true environmental and societal problem of “overconsumption”?
Saturday, Apr. 26
Earth Day Community Celebration
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
NSU Gold Circle Lake
This event will include a tree-planting ceremony (around noon), free ice cream, informational booths and faculty talks about Earth, live entertainment, music by Radio X, and activities for children. Come out and celebrate our planet!