January 1, 2018 at 6:00 pm

Science Cafe | Challenges for Conserving Biodiversity in a Changing World, Jan. 24

Science Café presents Dr. Viorel Popescu on “Challenges for Conserving Biodiversity in a Changing World” on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. at the Baker Center Front Room.

Popescu is Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Ohio University.

Dr. Viorel Popescu

Bobcats and bears and frogs, oh my! What do all these animals have in common? They are all facing challenges to their very existence because of direct human actions, such as overexploitation or habitat degradation, and big picture issues, such as climate change. They are also study organisms in Popescu’s Conservation Ecology Lab at Ohio University.

Popescu, a core faculty member in Ohio University’s Sustainability Studies theme, and his students are tackling hot topics in conservation biology by examining human impacts on animal populations in Ohio and beyond. Using field observations and laboratory experiments, supported by extensive statistics, Popescu and his team aim to develop practical solutions for conserving and managing animal populations in an ever-changing environment.

“The landscapes of our physical environment are not the only ones changing. To make significant contributions towards safeguarding species, we as scientists need to step outside our comfort zone and get a good grasp on the social, political and economic environments as well. Conservation needs solid scientific support, but decisions are ultimately driven by social desires, political will, and finances,” Popescu said.

In his Science Café, Popescu will discuss the challenges and opportunities of studying and conserving animal populations. As part of the Café, he will reference studies conducted by his graduate students, including a glimpse into the secret lives of the real Ohio bobcats (#RealBobcatsofOhio @vioreldpopescu).

Watch live or later on A&S TV.

Sciencé Cafe events are held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Front Room at Baker University Center. They are free and open to students, faculty and staff. Science Café is a venue for students to share their interests informally during a conversation exchange in a friendly setting.

The Science Café is hosted by Dr. Sarah Wyatt, Professor of Environmental & Plant Biology and Vice President of the Ohio University Chapter of Sigma Xi, and Roxanne Malé-Brune, Director of Grant Development and Projects in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Creativity.

Science Café and Café Conversations are sponsored by the Office of Vice President for Research and Creativity and the Ohio University Chapter of Sigma Xi.