Contact:

Blair Wolf, (505) 277-4122 or Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821

March 22, 2002

UNM BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT SPONSORS 11TH ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY

The University of New Mexico Department of Biology is sponsoring its 11th annual research day Thursday, April 4, featuring a variety of original research from undergraduates and graduates. Activities include oral and poster presentations and a keynote lecture by Dr. Sandra Postel, a leading authority on global freshwater issues and director of the Global Water Policy Project, in Amherst, Mass. Postel’s lecture will be followed by a discussion of New Mexico water issues with a panel of local experts, and will invite questions from the audience.

“Research day showcases the research of undergraduates and graduates in the laboratories in the Biology Department and invites participation from other Life Science departments around campus,” said Blair Wolf, biology professor and chair of research day. “It provides students the opportunity to talk about their research projects and to field questions.”

Student posters for research day will be displayed in Castetter Hall in the first and second floor hallways from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and will be judged in two sessions. Session 1 judging will take place from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., while Session 2 will be judged from 1 - 2 p.m.

Oral paper presentations begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in three sessions. Session 1 will be held from 9 - 10:15 a.m.; Session 2 will be held from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.; and Session 3 will be from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. The oral presentations will be held in Castetter Hall, room 100. A brief awards ceremony and a reception, which will be held in the atrium in Castetter Hall at 3:30 p.m.

Postel’s lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Building, 1634 University Blvd. Postel will feature the topic, “Dividing the Waters: Strategies for a Water-Scarce Era.” A panel discussion featuring local experts will follow Postel’s lecture. Postel’s research focuses on International water issues and strategies. She is the author of the book, “Pillar of Sand: Can the Irrigation Miracle Last?”

“Dr. Postel is a person with a global perspective on water issues,” said Wolf. “Local panelists can apply these perspectives to connect with local communities to help people become more informed on water issues and how they affect the economy and natural environment.”

Postel is an advisor to the Division on Earth and Life Studies of the National Research Council, and has served on the Board of Directors of the International Water Resources Association and the World Future Society, as a Council member of the UK-based Forum for the Future, and as an advisor to the Environmental Media Association, the Environmental Leadership Program, and the Global 2000 program founded by President Jimmy Carter.

Postel studied geology and political science at Wittenberg University and resource economics and policy at Duke University. She has been awarded the Duke University School of Environment’s Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as an honorary doctor of science degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

The panel discussion will feature: Cliff Crawford, professor emeritus of Biology, UNM. Crawford specializes in Riparian Ecology and Bosque Biology Management Plan; Marilyn O’Leary, director of the Utton Transboundary Resources Center at the UNM School of Law, who specializes in Indian water rights, Doctrine of Prior Appropriate and changing cemographics; Tom Turner, assistant professor of Biology, UNM. Turner’s emphasis is on conservation genetics of endangered native species, and Hydrologist John Shomaker.

For more information on research day call the Biology Department office at 277-3411.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981