Leonardo da Vinci was a historically great artist, engineer, anatomist, architect, and scientist—he could do it all. He and other polymaths are found throughout the Roots of Knowledge images. But in the last centuries, these “experts on everything” have become less common. Modern prominent figures are becoming more specialized. At the same time, many fields—the sciences, in particular—are becoming more interdisciplinary. Instead of a singular Renaissance Man, today’s world gets changed by teams of individuals working together across specialties. How do these teams operate in this ever-evolving interdisciplinary world? How does one get involved? If we can’t become an expert in every subject, what should we learn? This talk explores how, even though we might not become da Vinci, we can create a community with the same world-changing impact.
More about the Presenter
Dustin Shipp has been teaching physics at Utah Valley University since 2018. His expertise is in optical spectroscopy and applying physics tools to understand biological systems. He and his research students have explored cancer diagnoses, graphene quality control, microplastic classification, bacteria identification, food safety, and fossil composition. Dustin received his BS in Physics and Mathematics from Brigham Young University and Ph.D. in Optics from the University of Rochester. Prior to coming to UVU, he worked at the University of Nottingham researching novel medical devices. Dustin has also developed modest expertise in board games, baseball statistics, and Star Wars trivia. He also has a wife and three daughters, all of whom are even cooler than he is.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Native American History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
We are all familiar with the concept of time and how we measure time today with seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. But why are there 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week and 28, 29, 30, or 31 days in a month? I'll present some of the origins of these concepts, including their astronomical origins, and how we have moved to highly technical ways to define them today.
More about the Presenter
Maureen Hintz has always wanted to be a scientist, and physics was the best fit. While studying at Brigham Young University, she was introduced to astronomy and teaching. After finishing her education, she because a full-time parent and adjunct faculty. Five years ago, she became a faculty lecturer in the Department of Physics at Utah Valley University, where she pioneers use of the planetarium in general education astronomy classes. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, day hiking in the Utah mountains, and trying to grow food to eat.
