Two University Lectures in the coming week will delve into the dynamics of running in animals and a whale expert's view of how humanity should tread lightly upon the planet.
Robert McNeill Alexander, professor emeritus, University of Leeds, England, will present a University Lecture on Monday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall. His lecture is titled "Size, Energy and Gait: The Dynamics of Running From Ants to Dinosaurs." Alexander is an international authority on animal locomotion and its study as a mechanical system. He will explore how the design of running animals changes over the size range of the animal and why four-legged animals walk, trot and gallop.
Roger Payne, Ph.D.'61, an authority on whales and an internationally known conservationist, and his wife, Lisa Harrow, an award-winning actress, will present a University Lecture on Tuesday, April 12, at 4:30 p.m. in Call Auditorium in Kennedy Hall. The lecture, "Lessons From Copernicus," is an hourlong presentation that combines Payne's knowledge of science with a poetic counterpoint provided by Harrow resulting in a compelling call to arms on behalf of life on Earth. The presentation will be followed by a short talk-back session with Thomas Eisner, the J.G. Schurman Professor of Chemical Ecology at Cornell. Payne is founder and president of Ocean Alliance and has studied whales since 1967.
At Cornell, the designation of university lecturer is given to speakers whose subjects have wide-ranging appeal. Guest speakers are selected by a University Lectures Committee composed of faculty members and students. The University Lectures series at Cornell was started by Goldwin Smith. All University Lectures are free and open to the public.
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