Auburn University’s Weaver Lecture Series will present a talk by Julie Lockwood, professor of ecology and interim director of the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute at Rutgers University, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 p.m. at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.
The lecture titled “Is biodiversity conservation in the midst of a technology revolution? How new tech and old-fashioned natural history combine for renewed hope” will discuss how technology is transforming the ways we monitor biodiversity, focusing on the use of environmental DNA as a tool combining natural history, molecular technology, robotics and bioinformatics.
Lockwood’s research centers on the prevention and management of invasive species, the socio-ecological dynamics of the wildlife trade and the impacts of climate change and clean energy production on biodiversity. She is a fellow of the Ecological Society of America and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“We are excited to learn how the scientific community can harness AI and other emerging tools to address conservation problems,” said Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.
“As we continue to experience species loss at unprecedented rates across the planet, Dr. Lockwood will illustrate how tools such as environmental DNA can improve our ability to share knowledge and act in real-time to curb the global biodiversity crisis.”
The Weaver Lecture Series was established in May 1996 through an endowment provided by Earl H. and Sandra H. Weaver. The series brings experts in various research areas relevant to forestry, wildlife and the environment to the Auburn campus to enhance the college’s academic programs through public lectures and interaction with faculty and students.
The lecture is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 p.m. at the Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building at Auburn University. Refreshments will be available at 3 p.m., and a reception will be held after the lecture at 4:30 p.m. Parking is available in the South Quad Parking Deck.
For details about the Weaver Lecture Series and to review Lockwood’s research abstract, visit the website: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/event/weaver-lecture-julie-lockwood/
