STLCC-Wildwood Hosts Faculty Speaker Series

Sophia Pierroutsakos, Syed Chowdhury, Thomas Zirkle, Scott Allred and Katie Siech will make presentations during the Faculty Speaker Series at STLCC-Wildwood.

The community is invited to join St. Louis Community College at Wildwood for its second season of the Faculty Speaker Series. The series includes four free evening presentations designed to engage and entertain attendees. 

“From mindfulness to neuroplasticity, bee keeping and a multimedia recital, our lineup offers attendees an exciting opportunity to partake in insightful discussions facilitated by our distinguished faculty,” said Carol Lupardus, Ph.D., president of STLCC-Wildwood. “We look forward to welcoming the community to our campus for the second season of the Faculty Speaker Series.” 

All presentations will be held in the multipurpose room at STLCC-Wildwood, 2645 Generations Drive. While tickets are not required, reservations are encouraged. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All presentations will begin at 7 p.m. Learn more and RSVP. 

2019-20 Speaker Series Lineup

“Mindfulness:  The Science and Practice Beyond the Hype”
Thursday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.
About the Presentation:  Mindfulness, a state of awareness and a way of processing information, has been linked with a variety of psychological benefits. In this lecture, Sophia Pierroutsakos, Ph.D., professor of psychology, will discuss the benefits of mindfulness. She will also share strategies guests can use to train their brains to be mindful in their daily lives. 

“Neuroplasticity:  Protecting and Rewiring Your Brain”
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
About the Presentation: Until the 1960s, researchers believed that changes in the brain could only take place during infancy and childhood. Modern research has demonstrated that the brain continues to create new neural pathways and alter existing ones in order to adapt to new experiences, learn information and create memories. In this lecture, Syed Chowdhury, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, will share his own research data, recent studies, as well as current findings in this interesting, yet vastly enigmatic, field of neuroscience. 

“Quinquagenarian:  A Multimedia Recital”
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, 7 p.m.
About the Presentation:  If you've ever wondered what an old music professor hears in his head, this is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Join STLCC-Wildwood for a vibrant, multimedia recital in which Thomas Zirkle, D.M.A., professor of music, will perform an imaginary, non-stop soundtrack that is sure to delight guests of all ages. 

“Keepin’ Bees:  A Garden Chat with Scott Allred and Katie Siech”
Thursday, April 16, 2020, 7 p.m.
About the Presentation:  We need bees. While we may take them and other pollinators for granted, these organisms are key to the varied, colorful and nutritious diets we need and have come to expect. During this lecture, community beekeeper Scott Allred and environmental scientist Katie Siech will discuss the seasonal aspects of bee keeping – from producing honey to pollinating crops. Along with sharing details about the bees, they will offer ways community members can assist honey bees and native bees in their survival.