Science, technology, and the environment
Achieving Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change and Food & Energy Security
Dr. Chuck Rice, Professor of Soil Microbiology
The ability of agricultural systems to provide food and energy and maintain soil are major concerns under a changing climate. Crop production inKansascan help provide global food and energy needs. Changing climates inKansasand around the world will complicate the need of sustainably meeting food and energy security goals. Understanding the impacts of climate change variables and their progressive interactions is critical to developing agricultural systems that will enhance productivity even in changing climates.
Biomedical Research and Technology for a Connected Wireless World
Dr. Steve Warren, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
This seminar presents an overview of biomedical research, development, and service activities supported by the K-State Medical Component Design Laboratory (K-State’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) in cooperation with other academic and industry partners. It begins with a perspective on where health care is headed in this increasingly connected world by addressing telemedicine, home care, and emerging wearable sensor technology for real-time health assessment and prediction.
The presentation specifically addresses K-State’s work in wearable, game-changing health monitoring systems/devices for both humans and animals. This is followed by a summary of ongoing K-State/NASA partnerships for the development of biomedical systems for use in reduced-gravity environments such as Mars. Finally, the speaker addresses efforts to design health monitoring tools and educational aids that improve the quality of life for disabled children.
Chaotic Fluid Motions: How Sparrows Affect the Weather
Dr. Larry A. Glasgow, Professor of Chemical Engineering
Since the publication of the classic paper by Edward Lorenz in 1963, scientists and engineers have come to a greater appreciation of the consequences of nonlinearity with respect to familiar events. In particular, the complexities of atmospheric phenomena and the sensitivity of such fluid motions to initial conditions are now better understood.
In this presentation we look at trajectory constructions in phase space to aid comprehension of system dynamics. Some simple physical demonstrations are used to help explain concepts like steady-state, stability, and catastrophe. The probability of successful long-term prediction of the weather is the focus of concluding remarks.
Chemistry in Outer Space
Dr. Kenneth J. Klabunde, University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
This lecture will explore a combination of physics and chemistry, from the big bang theory, the formation of stars and to the formation of planets, all through a chemist’s eyes. Solar synthesis of the elements is emphasized, as well as chemicals found in outer space.
Climbing Colorado’s Highest Mountains
Dr. Kevin Blake, Professor of Geography
The highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains are in Colorado, where there are more than 50 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet above sea level (the Fourteeners), far more than any other state or province in North America. These varied and stunning peaks have long attracted vacationers from the Midwest and the world to gaze upon their majesty, and at times, attempt to climb to the highest points. This presentation explores the allure of the Colorado Fourteeners, especially for those who heed the “peakbagging” call to climb every mountain. Many photographs from the presenter’s hikes address what the Fourteeners are, why some mountains are more famous than others, some of the risks and rewards of climbing the mountains (including wildlife encounters), and how mountain climbing informs the geographical study of how people idealize nature.
A Cubic Mile of Oil
Dr. Kenneth J. Klabunde
In a year, we consume, worldwide, about one cubic mile of oil (CMO). Counting electricity production, nuclear and other forms, we consume the equivalent of three cubic miles of oil. This talk emphasizes the challenges to replace a CMO and what types of renewable energy are most promising – solar, thermal, solar electric, hot rocks, wind, biofuels, nuclear and others.
Dig It: Secrets of the Soil
Dr. Chuck Rice
Did you know that soils are part of our everyday lives? Soil contributes to medicines,
paint, food, energy, and clean water. We build on it, we bury things in it. Soils
sustain us and are a critical resource of the earth. Soils aid in regulating climate,
flooding, and disease. Soils act as an interface between the atmosphere and the groundwater,
providing a filter for air and water. A change in soil due to global change could
result in a loss of this genetic resource and the ecosystems services supplied through
the soil.
Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Japan 2011 and Indian Ocean 2004
Dr. Don Von Bergen, Head of Arts, Sciences, and Business at K-State Salina
This presentation provides an overview of the geology behind earthquakes and the resulting tsunamis. Much of the talk will focus on the devastating earthquakes and resulting tsunamis that occurred in Japan and Indonesia in 2011 and 2004. The format of the talk is an interactive PowerPoint slideshow. Questions and discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge is needed. This talk can be adapted to any age group.
Exploration, Drilling and Oil Production in the Gulf of Mexico
Dr. Don Von Bergen
This talk is an overview of the geology and operations involved in exploring for, drilling, and ultimately producing oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. It is designed to give the audience a better understanding of the methods used to find oil/natural gas in the Gulf, major steps and technology involved in safely drilling an oil well, and the steps taken to safely and efficiently produce it. Some of the discussion will focus on the factors that can lead to a “blow-out” and subsequent explosion like occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, resulting in the “infamous” April 2010 oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The format of the talk is an interactive PowerPoint slideshow. Questions and discussion are encouraged. No prior knowledge is needed. The talk can be adapted to any age group.
Friend or Defriend: Managing Your App
Dr. Thomas Gould, PhD, Associate Professor of Advertising and New Media
From Molecular Sociology to Smart Materials
Dr. Christer Aakeroy, Professor of Chemistry
How do molecules communicate with each other? Why do some molecules like each other and others do not? Any biological system relies on molecular recognition, binding, and function, and if we could improve our understanding of these processes we would be able to build new materials that are faster, smarter, or cheaper than current alternatives.
This lecture will (a) present some strategies for how we can begin to build new molecular architectures and (b) describe how these structures can be used for materials applications, including molecular filters that will selectively capture and destroy a variety of toxins.
Greening the Greyscape: Sustainable Urban Stormwater Management
Dr. Stacy Hutchinson, Associate Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Urban stormwater runoff has been identified as a major non-point source contributor. Loadings of heavy metals, sediments, and excess nutrients have been identified in urban runoff. Impervious surfaces in urban areas exacerbate the problem by increasing the volume and flow rate of runoff and providing an area for contaminants to accumulate before wash off. The most effective mechanism for controlling urban NPS pollution is to reduce the amount of runoff through infiltration and storage on the landscape. Moving water into the ground reduces the volume of water immediately hitting steams, ditches, and channels. Vegetation helps in stormwater structures by reducing erosion, increasing filtration, and using water and nutrients for normal plant functions.
Lasers: The Light Fantastic
Dr. Chris Sorenson,Cortelyou-Rust University Distinguished Professor of Physics
We will look at lasers and other light sources to determine what is special about
lasers. We will then delve deeper into the nature of light, its color and how it is
created. We will also discuss feedback and how it can be used to create very intense
light. All this comes together when we take a laser apart to see how it works. Time
permitting we will explore some applications of laser light. This talk is very demonstration
intensive and has proven to be very entertaining for both the students and the lecturer.
New Media and Global Everything
Dr. Thomas Gould
New Media and Your Hometown
Dr. Thomas Gould
Some Serious Fun in Fluid Mechanics
Dr. Larry A. Glasgow
This presentation consists of an introduction to rheology and elementary flows; the material is related to everyday physical experience through numerous examples and demonstrations. For example, flow regimes (laminar and turbulent) are discussed with the introduction of the Reynolds number, and examples of both are brought forward.
Basic features of lift and drag are described within the context of sports: the behavior of balls in flight can be used to explain a number of important concepts in fluid mechanics. Also, a number of common rotational fluid motions (vortices) are described with examples. This talk should make it possible for audience members to explore their environment with appreciation for the importance of dynamic fluid behavior.
Technology in Animal Agriculture: Frankenfoods or Solution to Hunger?
Dr. Barry Bradford, Associate Professor of Animal Sciences and Industry
A wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, recombinant proteins, assisted reproductive techniques, modern genetics, and probiotics are used to improve production efficiencies in animal agriculture. A number of these technologies raise concerns among consumers, yet few understand the issues involved. This presentation will discuss the logical framework that is used to evaluate technologies for use in animal agriculture, the regulatory process by which new technologies are evaluated and the tradeoffs between very broad or very limited use of such technologies.
Upcycle Your Life: Going Green through Repurposing, Recycling and Reusing
Dr. Donita Whitney-Bammerlin, Academic Program Coordinator, Department of Management
At a time when society has concerns about the ozone layer, footprints, and global warming, appreciation and awareness for our environment is higher than before in history. The mass media utilizes words such as “accountability” and “responsible use” as a means for emphasizing the fact that conscientious consumption of our natural resources and recycling is everybody’s business. Individuals or groups cannot participate in this effort unless they are aware of the need and know some strategies for integrating environmental awareness into their daily lives. Many organizations do not reinforce or reward environmental awareness. There is little few formal training that teaches reuse and recycling and much of society views these activities as something that is everyone else’s responsibility. This workshop will share ways your entire organization can be a part of these efforts without a huge budget, hiring on extra staff, or implementing time-consuming programs.
The objectives for this session are to:
1. Explain the benefits of knowing factual information related to nature and our environment.
2. Explore how lifestyles affect our natural environment.
3. Discuss various strategies that contribute to sustainability.
4. Provide practical ideas of how individuals can be conscientious consumers.