Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Rich Blundell Featured Guest for September Science Speaker Series

August 30, 2023

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host Dr. Rich Blundell, as a featured presenter for its September Science Speaker Series. His presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 13 at 6pm. It will be presented in-person at 33 Washington Street and via Zoom. This event is free to all.


“Why Science Matters – Finding New Meaning in Life, the Universe, and Everything”


What can the most ancient light of the universe tell us about how to live in the modern world? How can the stunning images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope shift our conceptions of life here on Earth? How can the cellular phospholipid bilayer help humans find consensus across the current political divide? How does the shape of a 400,000 year-old stone tool also shape the appeal of a Shakespearean sonnet?


In this talk, Dr. Rich Blundell, will explore new ways in which science can matter in our times by telling scientific stories that highlight the latest insights from across the scientific disciplines of physics, astronomy, biology, ecology, and anthropology. Dr. Blundell will also integrate insights from his own work in the field of oikalogical research (ecological research that includes culture) over the past two seasons as the Scientist-in-Residence at the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association.


Through science, imagination, and conversation, he will help discover new sources of meaning that might help ease our way through the uncertain but surely exciting times ahead. Dr. Rich Blundell is an ecologist and philosopher working at the convergence of art, science, nature, and culture. As the founder of Oika, his research examines how transformation happens across the scales of person, place, and planet. Dr. Blundell’s research and work has received numerous grants and awards including, an ongoing TIDES innovators award, a National Science Foundation grant for “Science Out There,” the Michael Brinkman Award, and the Deep Time Values video award for “An Earth Story.” Blundell’s creative video work has appeared on PBS, National Geographic, and numerous social media platforms.


To register for this event via Zoom, please follow the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Eya1tt5fQvWpOAwJYxZ3kg#/registration



This series is generously sponsored by our lead sponsor, Bank of America.


The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.


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For Immediate Release

August 30, 2023

Contact: Molly Mosscrop

mmoscrop@mariamitchell.org

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