Theoretical physicist, Dr. Leonard Mlodinow, joins the Chancellor’s STEM Speaker Series lineup in July. The series of events, which began with Alexandra Cousteau’s appearance last November and recently featured Mars Rover scientist Steven Squyres, is organized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research.
Mlodinow, who is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking discoveries in physics and best-selling books, will speak at the West Virginia Culture Center Theater on July 16 at 7pm about the development of scientific ideas, scientific theory in general and about the New York Times best-selling book The Grand Design which he co-authored with Stephen Hawking. His most recent book, Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior, won the 2013 PEN/E.O. Wilson award for literary science writing, and his book The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives was short-listed for the Royal Society book award.
Taylor Books will be on hand at the event to sell select copies of Mlodinow’s books before and after the event, and Mlodinow will sign his books for a short time after the presentation.
In addition to his discoveries and books, Mlodinow is also known for media appearances on programs such ranging from The Piers Morgan Show to Through the Wormhole and for debating Deepak Chopra on ABC’s Nightline. He currently teaches about randomness to future scientists at Caltech, but he has also written for television shows including MacGyver, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Night Court. He also is a producer, executive producer and designer of several award-winning video games created in conjunction with Stephen Spielberg, Robin Williams and the Walt Disney Company.
The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested and can be completed at wvresearch.org.
The Chancellor’s STEM Speaker Series is organized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research with support from a federal grant from the National Science Foundation. The goal of the series is to promote the importance of research and the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields to the general public in West Virginia.
The Division of Science and Research directs the EPSCoR program in West Virginia, while also managing other state and federally-funded academic research programs across the state. The program provides strategic leadership for infrastructure advancement and development of competitive research opportunities in STEM disciplines.