Lecture Preview
Title: On Track for Change Rally with Barack Obama
The Basics: Barack Obama will hold a rally in anticipation of Tuesday’s primaries. He will discuss his plans for bringing change to Washington, D.C.
When: Today at 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Petersen Events Center, University of Pittsburgh
Title: Buhl Lecture — “A Brief History of Dark Matter”
The Basics: Joel Primack, a professor of physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz and developer of the theory of cold dark matter, will discuss the history of dark matter and the challenges of understanding the particles that compose dark matter and the nature of dark energy. Dark matter is a term for the matter in the universe that cannot be observed directly but exerts noticeable gravitation effects. The Buhl Lecture is sponsored by the physics department and funded through the Buhl Professorship in Theoretical Physics. Created at Carnegie Mellon in 1961, the professorship serves to support theoretical scientists with the potential to impact research and directions for further investigations.
When: Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Mellon Institute Auditorium, 4400 Fifth Ave.
Title: University Lecture Series — “Health and Security in a Changing World”
The Basics: Peggy Hamburg, vice president for biological programs at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, will discuss the challenges of maintaining one’s health and safety in an increasingly complicated world. Hamburg will argue for the implementation of programs and policies to reverse this trend, and that the scientific, medical, and public health communities must lead the way. Hamburg is a former assistant secretary for planning and evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the former New York City health commissioner.
When: Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rangos 1, University Center
Title: Center for the Arts in Society Lecture — “Portrait of the Artist as Beer Drinker: Gustave Courbet”
The Basics: Frédérique Desbuissons, associate professor of art history at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne in France, will discuss the artist Gustave Courbet’s integration of beer into his cultural interpretation of realism and rejection of French classicism.
When: Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Baker Hall 154R
Title: Campus Conversations — “Climate Change and the Campus”
The Basics: Students, faculty, staff, and alumni from area colleges and universities will gather to discuss climate change as part of the “Campus Conversations” deliberative polling series. Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto will deliver opening remarks at the beginning of the evening’s event.
When: Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Where: Adamson Wing (Baker Hall 136A)
Title: “Values in Design: Values-at-Play”
The Basics: Helen Nissenbaum, professor of media, culture, and communication at New York University, will speak about Values-at-Play, a methodology developed to design video games that incorporate moral and political values. Nissenbaum will also discuss issues within the field that arise from the use of this technological system.
When: Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Steinberg Auditorium, Baker Hall A53