Over the summer and in the midst of a global pandemic, the College of Arts and Sciences started a virtual zoom series to engage with Appalachian alumni and friends. After great feedback, we plan to continue the series throughout the 2020-21 academic year, kicking off this fall with four sessions, open to the public. See registration links below and join us for one or all four!
Tuesday, September 22 from 4:30-6 p.m. Solar Cooking and Food Physics with Carla Ramsdell, Physics and Astronomy
Join us for a Zoom session that will include a solar cooking demonstration with a lot of other food physics sprinkled in from choosing the most sustainable skillet material to what food sources have the least environmental impact.
Carla Ramsdell is a food physicist, engineer, environmental steward and cooking evangelist. She is passionate about transforming our food system in a way that is more responsible to the earth, our health and our communities. By understanding some basic thermodynamic principles, she believes we can make more intelligent cooking tool purchases and use better cooking techniques so that we enjoy our cooking experience.
She completed a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. She worked in the energy sector as a registered thermodynamic design and test engineer for 17 years and for the past 11 years has been teaching and performing research on energy-efficient food. Check out her website: https://www.knowwattscooking.com.
Tuesday, October 6, 5-6:30 p.m. - Fall Foliage and Identification with Biology
Dr. Zack Murrell, professor, chair and curator of the Appalachian Herbarium
Howard Neufeld, professor and Appalachian Fall Color Guy
Andrew Jenkins, lecturer and curator of the Appalachian Herbarium
Murrell will give an overview of the Department of Biology. Jenkins will explore the diversity in the high country and Neufeld will present on fall color around the world and in Watauga county with time for questions at the end.
About Appalachian’s I.W. Carpenter, Jr. Herbarium
The I.W. Carpenter, Jr. Herbarium contains approximately 29,000 specimens. The three main functions of the Herbarium are for teaching, maintenance of vouchers and development of a research herbarium with a focus on the flora of the Southern Appalachians.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at https://biology.appstate.edu.
Tuesday, October 20, 4:30-6 p.m. - Professional Development - Resume Workshop and Interview Tips
Zoom Registration - click this link to register
Join CAS with the Career Development Center’s Dr. Susan McCracken, director of career development and economic engagement, and Laura Pell, assistant director and career coach for College of Arts and Sciences. They will provide some overview of the center, share applicable resume and interview skills, as well as engagement opportunities.
About the Career Development Center
The Career Development Center at Appalachian State University supports the mission of the university and its Division of Student Affairs in developing lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. Students who participate in the center’s services are able to identify core values, beliefs and skills and use them to articulate relatable career goals; acquire transferable skills and relevant experiences for future professional endeavors; and utilize resources that are available to gain experiential learning opportunities and cultivate professional networks. Learn more at https://careers.appstate.edu.
Tuesday, November 17, 4:30-6 p.m. - STEM Outreach and Activities
Zoom Registration - click this link to register
Join the College and STEM faculty members:
Marta Toran, lecturer and outreach coordinator, Geological and Environmental Sciences
Tracie Salinas, director, Math and Science Education Center (MSEC)
Elise Weaver, lecturer and director of undergraduate astronomy labs, Physics and Astronomy
About STEM at Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University desires to connect and educate our community and our students through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields of study. Appalchian strives to build mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships with community partners to further engagement and impact in our local to global communities. Learn more at https://stem.appstate.edu.
About the Math and Science Education Center
Since 1985, the Appalachian State University Math and Science Education Center has offered special workshops, summer institutes, graduate courses and other instructional programs aimed at helping update and recertify teachers in Northwest North Carolina. The center’s goals are to increase the quality and quantity of mathematics and science teachers in North Carolina public schools; strengthen instruction in mathematics and science in grades K-12; sponsor research and development in mathematics and science education; and increase the use of educational technology in schools.
About the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more at https://earth.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. The department prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors. Learn more at https://physics.appstate.edu.
By Ellen Gwin Burnette
Sept. 21, 2020
BOONE, N.C.
Graphic for CAS Fall Zoomers
Graphic for College of Arts and Science Zoom sessions