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 Pathways to Knowledge: A Lecture Series for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Spring 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Grant Auditorium
A Brief Introduction to Epigenetics and
Histone Modifications
Xingyu She
Ph.D Candidate
Department of Biology
Syracuse University
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With the Human Genome Project completed in 2003, we now know the entire DNA sequence of the human genome. People are asking the question: Are we hard-wired by our DNA sequence? From an epigenetic perspective, the answer to this question is no.
Epigenetics studies heritable biological changes that are not caused by alteration of DNA sequences. Epigenetic changes affect cell differentiation and development. In humans, abnormal epigenetic regulations can cause disorders such as the “Angelman syndrome” and cancer.
In this presentation, I will give a broad introduction to epigenetics. I will also introduce the model organism, C. elegans, which is widely used in genetic and epigenetic studies. Finally I will talk about my research in histone modifications, a specific field of epigenetics.
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Gifford Auditorium
Knowledge, Society, and Sex
Chris Calvert-Minor
Ph.D Candidate
Department of Philosophy
Assistant Director of Professional
Development Programs
Graduate School
Syracuse University
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Epistemology is the study of knowledge and rationality, and for years many epistemologists have focused on the individual as the primary source of knowledge.
However, this traditional model of knowledge faces problems with skepticism and the way it is applied to people and their productions of knowledge and rationality. In light of these deficiencies in traditional epistemology, I argue that a new model of epistemology, an ecological model, better accounts for the ways we do produce knowledge and rationality. In this ecological model of epistemology, I show that it is better to build an epistemology from the actual epistemic practices of people and that the social (and material) dimensions of these epistemic practices are indispensible in this epistemology.
As for the inclusion of sex in the title, you will just have to come to the talk and see for yourself why it is there; it illustrates how society can influence our thoughts.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Grant Auditorium
An Archaeological Study of an 18th Century
North American Blacksmith
Amy Sue Roache
Ph.D Candidate
Department of Anthropology
Syracuse University
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What can we learn about the political, social, and economic atmosphere of the 18th century fur trade frontier by excavating the blacksmith?
This presentation is based on the archaeological investigation of the blacksmith at Fort Michilimackinac; an 18th century fur trade post located in northern Michigan. By examining historical documents and artifacts related to blacksmithing at the fort, this research reveals the fundamental necessity of the blacksmith within this frontier community and the social, political and economic networks within which he interacted.
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