Public invited to 'Science at Sunset' to learn about environmental research at Notre Dame

Author: Brett Peters

Science At Sunset
Science At Sunset

The Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF) will host an event in its “Science at Sunset” series from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 19 (Thursday). This event will take place at the ND-LEEF Morrison Family Pavilion within St. Patrick’s County Park located on Laurel Road in South Bend.

ND-LEEF will provide food for the free program and attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages, including beer and wine. Other alcoholic drinks and glass containers are prohibited; all beverages must be brought in plastic or metal containers. The “Science at Sunset” series is unique in that it is designed for adults. 

In discussing the event, Evie Kirkwood, director of St. Joseph County Parks, said, “It’s an opportunity for adults to hear about environmental science in an informal outdoor setting, enjoy some food and chat with the researchers and each other.” 

The event will feature a presentation titled, “Disentangling the Language of Nature: How mathematics helps us understand the world we live in” by Diogo Bolster, professor of civil and environmental engineering and earth sciences, Frank M. Freimann Collegiate Chair in Hydrology and associate director of the Environmental Change Initiative for ND-LEEF.

“I grew up in a family where literature, language and music were important, but I simply loved mathematics. I remember being fascinated by the idea that mathematics can describe and explain so much of what happens around us – and feeling sad that others had such a fear of mathematics and that they could not join me in this experience,” said Bolster. “Sharing this passion and knowledge with everyone is one of the reasons I became a professor and the chance to do so for the community in the beautiful park setting is really exciting.”

The program is free, but registration is required by calling the county parks’ program reservation line 574-654-3155 by July 13 (Friday). 

The Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI) at the University of Notre Dame brings together more than 50 researchers across disciplines to help people and ecosystems adapt to climate change, mitigate the effects of land use change, predict species occurrences in a shifting world and improve water quality. The initiative works hand-in-hand with partners to support research that matters to society, answering the most critical environmental questions of our time. To learn more about ND-ECI, visit environmentalchange.nd.edu.

Contact: Brett Peters, ND-LEEF assistant director, Environmental Change Initiative, University of Notre Dame, bpeters2@nd.edu, 574-367-7621; @NDLEEF

Originally published by Brett Peters at environmentalchange.nd.edu on June 25.