SPECIAL ECOLOGY SEMINAR FOR

THE RESEARCH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE

Why are Chilies Hot: The Evolution of Plant-Animal Interactions

Doug Levey

University of Florida

Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 4-5 P.M.

SEM 2 E1105

The Research Ambassador Program is a National Science Foundation-funded effort at The Evergreen State College that fosters creative public engagement by bringing science and scientists to non-traditional public audiences through direct communications. We provide training and appropriate rewards to overcome academic barriers to outreach.

As part of this program — from January to June 2011 — we are bringing a series of 8 scientists to Olympia for outreach events, seminars, and community dialogue.

Our eighth and final presentation is a research seminar by Doug Levey, an evolutionary ecologist focused on plant-animal interactions. He is a professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Florida.  His recent research focuses on the effectiveness of habitat corridors in conservation, functions of secondary compounds in ripe fruits, and understanding the mutual importance of birds and fruiting plants.

The seminar will occur on Tuesday May 17, 2011, 4-5 p.m. in SEM 2 E1105. All Evergreen faculty, staff, and students are invited.

During his visit Doug will also be carrying out public outreach activities at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, at the Evergreen Children’s Center, and with community groups in Olympia.