Environmental scientist, award-winning author to speak at Cornell

MOUNT VERNON — The author of the top biological science book for 2004 will speak Monday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in Kimmel Theatre at Cornell College.

James Spotila, professor of environmental science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, will lecture on “Sea Turtles: Ecology, Behavior and Conservation.” Admission is free.

After the talk, Spotila will sign copies of his book, “Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation,” honored in 2004 as the “Best Book in Biological Science” by the American Association of Publishers. The book, which is illustrated by renowned nature photographers, offers a comprehensive account of the evolutionary history of sea turtles, their physiology, life cycle and behavior. The book covers the seven species of sea turtles and explains sea turtle conservation activities.

Spotila is the L.D. Betz Chair Professor of Environmental Science at Drexel. He also is the founding president of the International Sea Turtle Society and president of the Leatherback Trust, two organizations dedicated to conservation and research on sea turtles.

Spotila’s appearance has been arranged by the Connections program, a consortium of natural science departments from Cornell, Coe and Mount Mercy colleges, Kirkwood Community College and Cedar Rapids Washington High School, plus several natural resource and environmental groups in Linn County. Connections offers a continuing lecture series on a variety of topics to connect students and the public to outstanding members of the scientific community. The series also offers an opportunity to learn more about current environmental issues.

Spotila will meet with students at Washington High School and Cornell. His visit is co-sponsored by Cornell’s Lecture, Artists, Cultural Events Consortium.