College of Science Lecture Series
In the 17th annual College of Science Lecture Series, our distinguished faculty led audiences on a journey through minerals: the building blocks of the solar system, earth, and civilization. Live from Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus, faculty presenters explored the origins of minerals, the stories they tell, and the future of critical minerals in society.
We look forward to announcing the topic of the 2023 College of Science Lecture Series soon!
Watch The Series: Each of the presentations can be viewed on the College of Science's YouTube channel using the links accompanying each of the speakers and topics below. Spanish closed captioning is available on all lectures.
The Building Blocks of Civilization
March 3 | Bob Downs
Minerals are at the center of our universe. From the cosmic origins of the solar system to the vital role they play in society today, minerals are the building blocks of humanity. In this talk, we will discuss what minerals are, the evolution of minerals through geologic time, and their vast societal impacts. Watch the lecture.
The Stories That Minerals Tell
March 10 | Mauricio Ibañez-Mejia
"How old is the Earth?" It's a question scientists have researched for centuries. In this talk, we will explore how minerals serve as time capsules of terrestrial and cosmic evolution, and how they can be utilized to reconstruct the timescales of our planet. The rocks, fossils, mountains, and landforms all around us tell a fascinating story. Watch the lecture.
Gems and Planetary Evolution
March 17 | Ananya Mallik
Gems are revered throughout history for their natural beauty. They also serve as a time machine for our planet. In this talk, we will discover how diamonds, jades, and rubies are studied to better understand the evolutions of Earth and how minerals can serve as an X-ray into the planet's inner layers. Watch the lecture.
Arizona, Copper and Critical Minerals
March 31 | Isabel Barton
As a society, we need metals and minerals more than ever to maintain our technological advances. The state of Arizona will have a large part to play in those efforts. In this talk, we will explore the impact of critical minerals found in Arizona and the importance of meeting resource demands in the future. Watch the lecture.
Mining In A Greener Future
April 7 | Raina Maier
Do you own a smartphone, TV, or electric car? It takes a complex mix of metals to create each device. The future of mining is green, and there are currently no viable options for traditional mining of metals. In this talk, we will discuss our dependence on metals and possibilities for disruptive change in how we mine metals in the future. Watch the lecture.
Presenting Sponsor
Series Sponsors
Media Sponsors
History of the Arizona Science Lecture Series
In spring 2006, the College of Science launched its first public lecture series on the topic of Evolution. Bringing together educators and researchers from inside the College, this inaugural series was received by audiences that have grown in size and passion ever since. Since that time, the College of Science has provided an annual lecture series on a wide range of science topics that impact our community. Topics have included cosmology, neuroscience, transformative science, life science, evolution and climate change.
In past years, a companion program for educators is offered as a for-credit course with discussion, lecture, and activities to help teach series topics in the classroom. This course is structured for science teachers at the 6-12 grade level, but K-12 teachers at all levels are invited to participate. Pre-service teachers who are not yet certified may also take the course and earn undergraduate credit.
UA Science Lecture Series:
Spring 2022: Minerals - Watch Here
Spring 2021: Water - Watch Here
Spring 2020: Catalysts of Change - Watch Here
Spring 2019: Searching for Certainty - Watch Here
Spring 2018: Humans, Data and Machines - Watch Here
Spring 2017: Rethinking Reality - Watch Here
Spring 2016: Earth Transformed - Watch Here
Spring 2015: Life in the Universe - Watch Here
Spring 2014: The Evolving Brain
Spring 2013: Genomics Now
Spring 2012: Living Beyond 100
Spring 2011: Cosmic Origins
Spring 2010: Mind and Brain
Spring 2009: Science that Transforms
Spring 2008: The Edges of Life
Fall 2006: Global Climate Change
Spring 2006: Evolution