Outreach
Rory (back right) with his Clubes de Ciencia, Mexico class at Celestun Biosphere Reserve in Yucatan, MX
Most people spend a tiny portion of their lives in science class, yet a basic understanding of up-to-date science is necessary for making important choices in the modern world, particularly at the doctor’s office or voting booth. We believe that an important responsibility is to disseminate modern scientific thought to the broader public. To this end, we continuously strive to participate in informal education and outreach and have partnered with multiple zoos, museums, schools and and charitable organizations to do this.
We provide presentations concerning a broad array of ecological and evolutionary topics for numerous groups each year. If you have an idea for a seminar or program for your group in the Central Valley that my colleagues or I could assist with, please let us know - we are always looking for ways to become more involved with our community!
Students in the field with a greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi, at bottom)
Rory presenting at "Scientist on a Stage!" at Pacific Science Center.
Rory presenting at "Meet a Scientist" at the Pacific Science Center. These young guests were conducting an experiment to determine the thermal preference of crickets!
Recently, Rory appeared on "Science Friday" from National Public Radio to speak with host, Ira Flatow, about the diverse ways that animals can thermoregulate. Follow the link to listen.
Rory also appeared on Public Radio International's "Living on Earth" to discuss the results of our study (Telemeco et al. 2013. Am Nat 181:637-648) examining how well adjusting nesting date will buffer painted turtle populations from climate change.
Rory then appeared on Iowa Public Radio's "River to River" with Robert Literman to discuss temperature-dependent sex determination and climate change.
Rory demonstrating behavioral thermoregulation for Clubes de Ciencia, MX, at Modelo University, Merida, MX