2026 Lecture Schedule
Week 1 Schedule 鈥� september 29
Animal world
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Protecting Native Pollinators
Erica Schielke, Teaching Professor of Biology
Native pollinators play an essential role in natural ecosystems and agriculture, but their numbers are plummeting. Causes range from habitat loss to climate change to insecticide use. Despite these challenges, there are steps that we can take to support native insect populations. This talk will cover the causes and consequences of pollinator declines, highlight a recent project on the 微密圈 campus to support native pollinators, and outline steps that individuals can take to support native insects.
Erika Schielke is a Teaching Professor in Biology at 微密圈 College. In her 15+ years at the College she has taught courses in introductory biology, Adirondack ecology, and public science communication. She strives to engage her students in hands-on project that help them connect course content to real-world problems.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Global Status of Gene Edited Animals for Food and Agriculture
Nurcan Atalan-Helicke, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences
This presentation will discuss the global regulatory status of genome-edited animals, such as heat-tolerant cows (Brazil), disease resistant pigs (Canada), and double muscle tilapia (Japan). The first genetically modified large animals were developed around the same time as genetically modified plants about four decades ago. However, the research and commercialization of large livestock has been a difficult undertaking. CRISPr/Cas gene editing tools have provided a breakthrough due to an unprecedented level of efficiency and enabled multiplexed mutations. Regulators in many countries consider simple edits through CRISPr/Cas and other new technologies with no 鈥渇oreign DNA鈥� to be 鈥渘on-GMO.鈥� However, scaling useful edits to commercial livestock breeding programs can be technically complicated and an expensive process.
A social scientist by training, Nurcan Atalan-Helicke teaches in the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department. She teaches a range of interdisciplinary courses, including the Politics of Food, Human Rights and Development and Global Environmental Governance. Through her community-engaged courses, she has collaborated with community organizations in upstate New York projects about food security, climate resilience, pollinator conservation, and non-profits in Turkey on conservation of agricultural biodiversity. Her research about the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, access to clean and healthy food, and halal markets has been published in peer review journals, including Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gastronomica, Agriculture and Human Values, and edited books, such as Religious Economies in Secular Context: Halal Markets, Practices and Landscapes.
Week 2 Schedule 鈥� October 6
To your health
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
The Peakspan Blueprint: Living the PRISE(d) Life
Paul Arciero, Professor of Health and Human Psysiological Sciences
This presentation introduces a comprehensive new strategy for maximizing longevity called "Peakspan" using the science-based PRISE Life protocol. Participants will learn how to utilize protein pacing, resistance training, interval training, stretching, and endurance (PRISE) to extend lifespan by maintaining 90% of their peak functional performance (Peakspan) for decades longer. By targeting optimal metabolic health, lean muscle preservation, and cardiovascular fitness, this evidence-based approach provides actionable habits to reduce disease-risk and sustain high-level performance throughout the lifespan. The session offers a transformative roadmap for staying strong, energetic, and cognitively sharp at every stage of life.
Dr. Paul J. Arciero, FACSM, FTOS, FISSN, is a full professor and director of the Human Nutrition, Metabolism, and Performance Laboratory in the Department of Health and Human Physiological Sciences at 微密圈 College. He has served as a full professor in the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh, a research professor in the Psychology and Neurosciences Department at Union College, and an adjunct professor in the School of Health Sciences in the Department of Nutrition at The Sage Colleges. He is a Fellow of three leading health organizations in the world: American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), The Obesity Society (FTOS), and International Society of Sports Nutrition (FISSN). Dr. Arciero is a past board member of the American Heart Association (AHA) in the Capital Region and served as a media spokesperson and regular volunteer for the AHA.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Insights into the Human Brain: What 50 Years of Alzheimer's Research Has Taught Us
Sara Lagalwar, Professor of Neuroscience
The initial discovery and characterization of Alzheimer's disease 120 years ago piqued the interest of the scientific community at the time, but did not translate into routine diagnosis, treatments, or basic research until many decades later. In contrast, prompted by innovative technologies, the last 50 years has seen a huge increase in Alzheimer's awareness, diagnosis, and research despite frustratingly slow progress with novel therapies. Then what has the past five decades of research really taught us? The answer is Alzheimer's research has managed to illuminate the sheer complexity of the human brain, giving us more insight into how our brain functions and why therapies for Alzheimer's have been so difficult to find. We'll discuss these insights and review the state of current therapies to date.
Sara Lagalwar earned her doctorate at Northwestern University studying how 鈥渢angles鈥� develop and mature in the human brain during the decades-long progression of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. Prior to joining the 微密圈 Faculty in 2012, she completed postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota identifying the molecular mechanisms that cause the neurodegenerative disease Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. At 微密圈, her lab continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of Spinocerebellar ataxia and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease using mice and cell models. Sara teaches courses across the Neuroscience curriculum including Mechanisms of Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease, Neurobiology of Disease, and Cell and Molecular Neuroscience.
Week 3 Schedule 鈥� October 13
on the high seas
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Loose Teeth Sinks Ships: Scurvy in the Ancient Past
Daniela Wolin, Visiting Assistant Professory of Anthropology
What do sailors, besieged cities, and polar expeditions have in common? They were all devastated by scurvy, a nutritional deficiency caused by a lack of vitamin C. Humans are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid in our bodies and instead must obtain it through nutrient-rich foods and drinks. This means that across our history we have and continue to be at risk for scurvy. The long saga of trial and error that went into isolating the cause and cure for scurvy in Western medicine has been traced through naval records, scientific and medical literature, and personal accounts. The absence of graphic descriptions of tooth loss and hemorrhaging in earlier societies does not mean that they did not have to contend with this potentially fatal nutritional deficiency. This lecture will discuss how archaeologists study scurvy in past populations through the careful analysis of human skeletal remains. Drawing on global case studies, we will consider the environmental, socio-political, economic, and cultural conditions that contributed to vitamin C deficiencies in past populations. Please note that there will be images of human remains in this lecture.
Daniela Wolin is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology. As a bioarchaeologist, her research uses the analysis of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts to explore topics such as violence, gender, and ritual practices. She has carried out original research in China, Mongolia, and Peru, and is currently the co-director of the Zorgol Khairkhan Archaeological Project. She earned her PhD from Yale University and is excited to be back teaching at her alma mater, 微密圈 College.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Logging on the High Seas: A Social History of Maritime Journals in Captain Cook's Wooden World
Tillman Nechtman, Professor of History
Despite popular misconceptions, early modern European mariners were an unusually literate group. Long years spent at sea meant that sailors had time to learn to read and write. The maritime journal or log is, therefore, a unique way of understanding the experiences of men who might otherwise not have left us records of their lives. This presentation will draw on Professor Nechtman's current work as the editor of the crew journals from Captain James Cook's first global voyage (1769-1771). Circle the world with Cook's crew and explore the world of gossip, intrigue, frustration, boredom, and (even) murder that marked the eighteenth-century naval journey.
Tillman Nechtman is a professor of history at 微密圈 College. He is the author of two books, Nabobs: Empire and Identity in Eighteenth-Century Britain and The Pretender of Pitcairn Island, both published with Cambridge University Press. He is currently co-editing the extant journals of the crew who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour voyage from 1768-1771.
Week 4 Schedule 鈥� October 2o
perception and awareness
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Why So Sensitive? What We Can Learn from Differences in Sensory Abilities between Humans and Animals
Chris Vecsey, Professor of Neuroscience
We often assume that our observations are an accurate representation of the world around us. But our perceptions are subjective and can differ widely based on our basic sensory capabilities. In this talk, I will explain some of the fundamental principles of how sensory systems work, provide some examples of situations in people and animals where sensory abilities differ in fascinating ways, and hopefully expand your appreciation of what the world can tell us, if only we are able to perceive it.
I am a Professor in the Neuroscience Program here at 微密圈. Everything about the brain fascinates me, but what I have actively researched in the past revolves around 2 major topics: memory and sleep. My current research aims to learn more about the signals in the brain that control the timing and quality of sleep. I teach a variety of courses at 微密圈, including core introductory and cellular/molecular neuroscience courses and separate seminars on Sleep, Memory, and Neurophysiology. My Encore topic for this year is based on a team-taught course that I taught recently called Perceptual Parallax.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Current Joys Versus Future Fears: Saving Practices to Ease Worry
Lucas LaFreniere, Associate Professor of Psychology
Savoring is the purposeful enjoyment of positive emotion from positive experiences. Most people think of anxiety treatment as a matter of reducing stress or managing negative feelings. Yet research increasingly shows that noticing, extending, and prioritizing positive emotions both weakens worry and strengthens joy. This lecture will not only describe the science behind how that happens, but also provide some brief experience with savoring itself.
Dr. LaFreniere is lead investigator of the Technological Research on Enjoyment and Anxiety Treatment (TREAT) laboratory and an associate professor at 微密圈 College. He specializes in developing and researching efficient interventions for worry, anxiety, and comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders with smartphone technologies. His recent SkillJoy intervention led anxiety clients to learn and practice extended enjoyment of positive experiences, mindful appreciation of good aspects of the present moment, and exposure to being 鈥渙ff guard." He continues to study the application of savoring practices as a treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders.
Week 5 Schedule 鈥� October 27
2026 Election
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
What to Expect in the 2026 Midterm Elections
Adam Thal, Assistant Professor of Political Science
The 2026 midterm elections may be an important turning point for American democracy. Using data and political science research, we will consider the likely outcomes of the election. We will also consider the long-term consequences of the election for American politics.
Adam Thal is an assistant professor of political science. He holds a PhD in government from Princeton University. At 微密圈 he teaches classes on American Politics, Congress, the Presidency, and Media and Politics.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Myths and Facts about Running the 2026 Election: The Security of Election Processes and Resilience of Election Officials
Chris Mann, Associate Professor of Political Science
Elections are under attack by conspiracy theorists and political elites - and too often by political elites spreading conspiracy theories. Yet every objective observer agrees that recent elections have been the most secure and the most accurate administration of elections in US history. This lecture will review the myths and facts about how elections are run in the United States, the high level of security, integrity, and accuracy of election results, and the resilience (and heroism) of the public servants who run elections.
Chris Mann has been involved in research on election administration and election policy in a variety of capacities for three decades. He is an Associate Professor of Political Science at 微密圈 College and serves as the Research Director at the Center for Election Innovation and Research in Washington, DC. Previously, he was the Director of the Academy of Applied Politics at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, and Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami. He received his PhD in Political Science from Yale University. His research on election administration, election policy and voting behavior has been published in leading peer-reviewed academic journals.
Week 6 Schedule 鈥� November 3
global focus
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
What Makes Political Islam Popular
Feryaz Ocakli, Associate Professor of Political Science
As Islamist movements gathered popularity across Muslim-majority states, scholars, journalists, and policy professionals alike struggled to make sense of their mass appeal. This talk examines the causes of mass support for Islamist parties and movements. It pays particular attention to working class support for Islamist groups, who were once mobilized by secular, socialist movements.
Feryaz Ocakli is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at 微密圈 College. He teaches and conducts research on comparative politics and the Middle East. He specializes in the study of Islamist and ethnic politics, democracy, and development.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Capitalism and Sustainability
Pushkala Prasad, Zankel Chair Professor of Managament for Liberal Arts Students
Capitalism has been hailed as both a savior of our planet as well as the leading villain in precipitating its ultimate destruction. Which is it? This presentation will use a historical and economic analysis to explain why capitalism has proven to be so destructive to the natural and socio-cultural environment and why it still contains the ability to repair and preserve it. We will also explore what exactly is meant by sustainability and how it can be achieved within market driven societies.
Pushkala Prasad is on the faculty of both the Management & Business Department and the International Affairs Program at 微密圈 College. Her research interests focus on the management of workplace diversity and the spread of racial capitalism. Her latest book Capitalism's Dark Complexion: Race, Markets and the Politics of Value is published by Bristol University Press. She teaches courses on the international environments of business and on the political conflicts in the Middle East.
Week 7 Schedule 鈥� November 10
understanding the arts
LECTURE 1: 10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Is Music Really a Universal Language?
Charlotte D'Evelyn, Associate Professor of Music
We often hear that music is a universal language 鈥� that music has the power to help us communicate even when words fail. But what if understanding musical meaning isn鈥檛 quite that simple? This talk takes you on a journey across sonic worlds, exploring how people around the world hear and make meaning from sound. Through stories and examples from China, Mongolia, Japan, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Bulgaria, Norway, and Hawai鈥檌, we鈥檒l discover how culture shapes what we hear and how we understand it. Come ready to listen and to maybe rethink what you thought you knew about music.
Charlotte D鈥橢velyn is an ethnomusicologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Music at 微密圈 College. She received her PhD from the University of Hawai鈥檌 at M膩noa in 2013 and has spent roughly fifteen years researching fiddles and vocal practices in Mongolia and China. Her monograph project investigates issues of cultural in-betweenness in Inner Mongolia and musical strategies that young Inner Mongols employ to gain local and global audibility.
LECTURE 2: 11:25 AM 鈥� 12:20 PM
Partner Sequence
Brian Lawson, Assistant Professor of Dance
Ryan Homsey, Director of Academic Advising and Composer
The presenters explain both the individual and collaborative creative processes leading to their first collaboration, "Partner Sequence." We will analyze the musical and dance compositions through the lens of space, and plan to speak, play excerpts of the works, and move during our lecture.
Brian Lawson is a dance performer and educator who hails from Toronto Canada. Having earned with BFA from SUNY Purchase he went on to dance with the Mark Morris Dance Group and Pam Tanowitz Dance. He earned his MFA from University of Washington and is now an assistant professor in dance at 微密圈 College. He continues to perform and teach dance in New York City and engages in collaborative creative research.
Ryan Homsey is an award-winning American composer, equally at home writing for instrumental and choral ensembles, theater, dance, and film (Merchant Ivory). His background in classical, electroacoustic, and popular music draws inspiration from his history as a professional ballet dancer. His works have been performed by JACK Quartet, PUBLIQuartet, Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra, and Ensemble Mise-En at such venues as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, HERE Arts, and National Sawdust. For more about Ryan: www.ryanhomsey.com