2019-2020 Emerging Scholars Series
Kevin Moran, Ph.D. (Postdoc in Computer Science): “Software in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”
Software plays an increasingly central role in all aspects of our daily lives. Computer applications, often used in place of human decision making, have ushered in unprecedented technological advancements and offer enormous convenience. This shift has profound implications for broader society. Learn about the potential benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives from Dr. Kevin Moran, postdoctoral fellow in Computer Science at W&M.
September 18, 2019, 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center
Tomos Evans (Anthropology): “Exploring Earth’s Largest Monuments: The Archaeology of Earthworks in the West African Rainforest”
Early kingdoms in the rainforests of West Africa constructed vast systems of earthworks spanning hundreds of miles. These enigmatic structures are some of the largest monuments on earth, yet very little is known about them. In this talk, W&M doctoral student Tomos Llywelyn Evans will discuss his archaeological research in Nigeria, exploring why and how these earthworks were constructed and what they can tell us about the rich history of Africa.
November 6, 2019, 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center
Maddy Bassett (Anthropology; rescheduled from spring 2019): “The Archaeology of Islam in the Horn of Africa”
The Horn of Africa is home to some of the oldest Islamic traditions in the world. Despite this rich history, scholars know few details about when African societies converted to Islam. Discover why the Horn of Africa is often called Abode of Islam in this fascinating talk by doctoral candidate Madeleine Bassett.
January 29, 2020, 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center
L. Chardé Reid (Anthropology): “An Archaeological Exploration of Virginia's First Africans at Historic Jamestowne”
Jamestown’s historical figures such as John Smith are familiar, but few know of “Angela” and the “twenty and odd” Africans who arrived in the English colony in 1619. A public archaeology project is investigating diversity, gender, and inequality in early Virginia at the site where one of the first documented African women lived. Learn how scholars like Chardé Reid, doctoral student in Anthropology, are exploring the complex narratives of colonial Virginia.
February 19, 2020, 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center
Caroline Schlutius (Biology): “Hybrid Novelty and the Diversity of Life”
The variety of life on Earth is astounding, but how does all this diversity arise? Learn about how changes in DNA lead to different versions of genes and the diversity of life. Join Caroline Schlutius, master’s student in biology at W&M, to hear about research on the concept of hybrid novelty in the development of new genetic traits and their impact on our everyday lives from food crops to cancer research.
POSTPONED: April 1, 2020, 2 p.m. in the Stryker Center
