Thanks to old friend Jeff Spurgeon of WQXR, who took my students on a tour of WNYC/WQXR. As we were all on our best behavior, we tried hard not to violate station policies.

A blast from the past! Sir David Attenborough and his BBC crew came to Macquarie University in 2006 (I believe) to film ‘Life in the Undergrowth’ with Dr. Mariella Herberstein’s lab. Only one of two times that I was ever tongue tied (and blinded). The first was KJ Jansen from Chixdiggit.

FYI: I’ll be delivering a presentation for ‘Cell Talks’ hosted by Dr. Tom Onorato at LaGuardia Community College on Friday, June 3rd at 2:30PM (room E-242). The talk is entitled ‘Are You Talking to Me? The Language of the Lizard”. Hope to see you there!

Well, it only took as long as it takes for a human to incubate progeny, but after 9 months – the window farm is complete, and running. Although I’m at the Brooklyn Unit on W/Th, I asked Rhett Dugstad to double-check the system and… success! The system has not sprung a leak after 48 hours of operation.

Currently, I have basil, arugula, habaneros, jalapenos, grape tomatoes, and parsley growing. In the tray behind the window farm, I have jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, and bok choy. Ruth Goldberg (Metro), Karyn Pilgrim (Brooklyn), and I hope to encourage indoor gardens across the center and the units. Next stop – vermiculture!

On Wednesday April 13th, my Fundamentals of Biology students went to the Prospect Park Zoo to conduct observations on animal behavior for their ethogram assignment. My great hope is that (at the very least) students can now observe other forms of behavior and appreciate the subtle details that may be distinctive amongst species.

The last science colloquium for the year will be tomorrow. Dr. P- Rad will present her research on sexual selection in fruit flies. Hope to see you there tomorrow – 04/12/11 @ 5PM in the Metro Gallery.

Ms. Susan Kaplan will present her work with Battery Park City Authority for the next Science Colloquium. Her talk is entitled ‘Growing a Green Community’, and will be held tomorrow (03/29/2011) in the Metro Gallery from 5-6PM. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Dr. Aaron Kozbelt from Brooklyn College will present his research on visual creativity in the arts tomorrow (03/15) for the Science Colloquium. As always, the presentation will be from 5-6PM in the Gallery on Hudson St. (Room 544). Everyone’s invited!

**************

I also apologize to everyone, and to Dr. Kristy Biolsi, for not being able to post her seminar details on this page earlier. Complications from a delayed flight caused an equally chaotic work day (two weeks ago).

Dr. Kristy Biolsi conducted the Science Colloquium seminar on March 1st, and it was another hit.

Dr. Matthew Rockman (NYU) will present his research on the molecular basis of heredity in animals tomorrow, Tuesday, February 15th, from 5-6PM in the Hudson St. Gallery (Room 544). All are welcome to attend!

Heritable variation: The search for its molecular basis and its evolutionary consequences

The best five seconds. Ever. (Repeat for maximum effect).