2012-13 Noosphere Award, an Evergreen grant endowed by the family of alumnus Adam Leveen Sher ‘02. Adam and his parents, Gerson and Margery Sher, have established the Noosphere Award to supports faculty-student projects that unify artistic, scientific, and spiritual elements to promote the advent of a worldwide culture of peace. Noosphere refers to a goal of unified human culture in harmony with the ecological values that support all life: diversity, creativity, interdependence, and communication. Eligible projects include but are not limited to special research projects, guest lectures or seminars, fairs, or other events consistent with the endowment’s purpose.
There were two Noosphere Award recipients in 2011-12, the program’s first year:
- Faculty member Sarah Williams and student collaborators received funding for the project, “Distracted Globes: Curating Awareness between Biosphere and Noosphere.” This project explores the role of mental activity in planetary sustainability through contemplative education activities.
- Faculty member Rebecca Chamberlain and students Miles Drake, Chandra Alduenda, Alex Hendrix, Tim Varney, and Marisa Schuler received funding for the project, “Cosmology and Consciousness—A Summer Lecture Series.”
Applications for the 2012-13 Noosphere Award will be accepted through April 30, 2012 at 5 pm. One award of approximately $1,300 is available. Each proposed project must include at least one faculty member and one student working together; larger collaborations are also welcome to apply. Eligible faculty must be teaching at the college and eligible students must be enrolled during the proposed project period. Staff may participate with faculty and students.
A project can begin this academic year, during the summer, or next academic year. It must be completed by May 31, 2013 – the end of the next academic year. For more information about the Noosphere Award and application procedures, visit the award web site: http://www.evergreen.edu/sponsoredresearch/noosphere. If you have questions, contact John McLain at 360.867.6045 or mclainj@evergreen.edu. Please share this with anyone you think might be eligible and interested.