2011-2012 Theme - "Rice: A Century of Change"

The evolution of Rice University from a small, regional institute to a major research university is rooted in the vision of its various presidents and trustees, the ingenuity and insight of its faculty, and the generosity of its supporters.  In this Centennial series, we will look at the decisive events that shaped the university in its first century and explore the emerging fields of research that will shape the future of Rice.

Tuesday, 7 February, 4:00 PM

"From so simple a beginning:
Huxley, Mueller, and biology at Rice"

David C. Queller, Ph. D.
Spencer T. Olin Professor of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis

Rice's initial tiny biology department is perhaps the best example of Edgar Odell Lovett's goal of bringing the best to Rice. Julian Huxley and Hermann Mueller, both very young when they arrived at Rice, became world-class biologists. Huxley helped found the discipline of ethology, and crafted the first full treatment of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis. Mueller showed that x-rays cause genetic mutations, for which he won the 1946 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Huxley became a leading statesman of science and was the first Director-General of UNESCO. Though they left Rice early, both left behind proteges, Edgar Altenburg and Joe Davies, who continued to mold Rice biology for decades. Their biggest contributions, however, were the scientific ones that continue to drive biology at Rice and everywhere else.

McMurtry Auditorium, Duncan Hall
Reception afterward.
Lectures are free and open to the public.

** SCIENTIA CONFERENCE VIDEOS **

Scientia Conference on Research and Innovation in
Undergraduate Science and Engineering Education

The recorded sessions from February 11 & 12, 2011
are available for viewing.

Scientia Conference Videos:

For more infomation, visit http://scientia.rice.edu/STEM.

Scientia Members