ScienceFest to Explore EIU's Environmental Sustainability Efforts

March 23, 2009

Eastern Illinois University's College of Sciences will explore environmental sustainability efforts at EIU during ScienceFest, its annual celebration of student research and faculty activities.

The public is invited to attend the 14th annual ScienceFest, which will have events from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union.

At 9 a.m., attendees can attend a browsing session of undergraduate and graduate students' research posters. Coffee, tea, donuts and muffins will be provided. ScienceFest chair John Stimac, chair of the geology/geography department, will welcome attendees at 10 a.m.

A panel discussion on "Environmental Sustainability: The Past, Present and Future at EIU" will begin at 10:05 a.m., featuring moderator Doug Klarup, chair of the chemistry department; Mark Hartmann, an architect who is accredited by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; Ryan Siegel, EIU’s coordinator for campus energy and sustainability; Hui Lu, assistant professor of economics; and Jeff Ashley, associate professor of political science.

Mary Anne Hanner, dean of the EIU College of Sciences, will present the State of the College address at 10:50 a.m., followed by the College of Sciences Student Advisory Board's report on the Environmental Sustainability Initiative at 11:05 a.m.

At 11:15 a.m., awards will be presented for excellence in the College of Sciences, including honors for undergraduate and graduate research; faculty mentoring; and faculty teaching, research and service.

At 12:30 p.m., ScienceFest participants will move to the first-ever Showcase EIU event, which will be held in the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Showcase EIU is a campus-wide event that will showcase some of the university’s best undergraduate research and creative activities.