IN PERSON: Symposia returns with in-person presentations by people in our community who are making a positive impact. Each week, a different speaker will offer you valuable new insights into an important subject that may not have caught your attention otherwise. The opportunity to pose questions to these experts is a key feature of Symposia. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 80.
Location: Croasdaile Village Retirement Community, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham NC 27705
Howard Koslow has taught numerous OLLI courses on using technology. He will share practical tips to organize your email and deal with spam on popular email services like Gmail and Outlook. Learn general techniques to manage an overcrowded inbox, specific features to use on your email app, and online resources to learn more about using email effectively.
Cancers in dogs and in humans share many parallels that have shed light on understanding and treatment of both species. Dewhirst's research has been focused at the intersection of human and canine oncology. He will report on an initiative by the National Cancer Institute to create a partnership between colleges of veterinary medicine and NCI-designated cancer centers to coordinate clinical trial designs between species. It has been said that cancer can be conquered if humans and dogs walk together on this journey. The reasons for this optimism will be discussed.
Nestled in the heart of Durham on the Duke University campus lies Sarah P. Duke Gardens. In this 55-acre botanical wonderland where the hum of traffic disappears, birds serenade visitors from treetops and streams flow alongside pathways connecting people to more than 2,500 colorful plant species. Over 600,000 people visit Duke Gardens every year to experience an artful expression inspired by nature and to enjoy hours of discovery, exploration and inspiration. Hong, Marketing and Communications Director of Duke Gardens, will discuss the Garden Gateway, the new renovation and expansion project that will update its welcoming entrance.
In 1925, the State of Tennessee prosecuted high-school teacher John Scopes for teaching about the scientific theory of evolution. On the centennial anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial, fights about science education and religion rage on. And the same dynamics play out in battles over public schooling and the contents of public and school libraries concerning race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and reproductive freedom. Katskee spent the past two decades leading litigation to preserve the separation of religion and government as a fundamental protection for sound science education, religious freedom, and the rights of women and minorities to be free from official discrimination. He will trace the legal and social history of these movements to open a conversation about where we are today and why much talk about religious liberty is at odds with real religious freedom and other fundamental rights for all.
In today’s hyper-connected world, privacy and security aren’t just personal - they’re collective concerns that affect us all. With the explosion of ‘smart’ devices, we've greatly expanded our attack surface and opened the door to unprecedented levels of surveillance. Our personal data is being mined, leaked, and stolen at an alarming rate, while our browsers, smartphones, TVs, and even our cars track our every move and sell this data to the highest bidder. In this talk, I’ll break down the biggest threats to our privacy and security and share practical ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
People of all cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds are seeking a return to simpler, more environmentally conscious forms of body disposition at death. Natural burial is a recent addition to the list of available options for a final resting place. Bluestem founders Masten and Hannapel have created a dignified, quiet, meditative conservation area consisting of native grasslands and early successional habitat hosting North Carolina's largest conservation cemetery. They will discuss how natural burial aligns with traditional values and respectful treatment of the deceased.
Transportation is now responsible for the largest percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions of any economic sector. Reducing emissions from this contributor to climate change can be effectively accomplished by converting much of transportation to electricity as a major energy source, displacing use of petroleum fuels. Gowdy, Research Lead at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, will discuss the progress being made in this conversion, barriers to its full implementation and opportunities for accelerating its expansion. He will provide an overview of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, summarizing the technology and policy.
Once a top predator throughout the southeastern United States, the Red Wolf is now categorized as critically endangered. The NC Museum of Life and Science - an AZA-accredited zoo - is a participant in the managed breeding program working to prevent extinction and foster reintroduction of these animals in an appropriate environment for them to thrive. Samuels, the Museum's Senior Director of Animal Care and AZA's Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Red Wolf steering committee member, will describe the thrill of welcoming a new litter of pups at the Museum in 2024, how Red Wolves under human care are managed, as well as the challenges of reintroducing Red Wolves to the wild.
In 1905 Einstein published five scientific papers that profoundly changed our view of the universe. The 26-year-old Einstein did this while working as a patent clerk (third-class!) in Bern, Switzerland. The story of 1905 is one of the greatest science stories ever. Ellison will present some of the details of Einstein’s personal life leading up to 1905 and a taste of the science he published that year. Much of Einstein’s scientific work remains relevant today.
Are you researching or interested in learning about an aspect of North Carolina but don’t know where to find resources? Agan, a librarian with the Orange County Public Library, will take you on a tour of the landscape of resources available for topics including state and local history, government information and records, genealogical research, and data and demographics. The wealth of online resources and digital collections that can be accessed from anywhere will be featured.
