Portland Science Nights to feature talks by three leading UO scientists

EUGENE, Ore. — (June 18, 2013) — The University of Oregon Alumni Association will kick off a lecture series called Portland Science Nights with UO archaeologist Tom Connolly at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, at Widmer Brothers Brewing, 929 N. Russell St., in Portland.

Portland Science Nights is designed to foster a stimulating environment that enhances continued critical thinking by UO alumni. Both UO alumni and the general public may attend the lectures, but advanced registration and paid admission fees are required.

Alumni Association banner"UO alumni have a desire to learn about the world and expand their minds," said Tim Clevenger, executive director of the association. "It's a perfect way for alumni to come together, learn something new and connect with other Ducks."

Future talks will feature UO physicist James Brau, director of the UO Center for High Energy Physics, who will detail his team's role in the search for the Higgs boson and what it means, on Aug. 21, and UO geologist Greg Retallack will focus on environmental factors involved in the evolutionary transition between fish and amphibians on Nov. 20. Locations for the future talks have yet to be named.

Connolly's series-opening talk, "The Sandals That Changed the World," will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the brewing company's second-floor banquet room, preceded by a reception that begins at 6 p.m.  Connolly is director of the research division at the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History. He has done archaeological fieldwork on the northern U.S. prairie and plains and in Scotland, but most of his work has been done in the Pacific Northwest. He also is a co-author of the recently revised book "Oregon Archaeology," which details the state's cultural history that began some 14,000 years ago.

The lectures are $5 per session for UO alumni members, or $10 for all three, and $15 per session for non-alumni, or $40 for all three. Registration can be done online or by calling 541-346-5656 or toll free, 800-245-ALUM (2586).

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.

Media Contacts: Jim Barlow, director of science and research communications, 541-346-3481, jebarlow@uoregon.edu ; Jeremy Olsen, assistant director of chapter and alumni relations, UO Alumni Association, 541-346-2148, jeolsen@uoregon.edu

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