Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College will inaugurate a new series of lectures and presentations, titled Science Saturdays, on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. on the College’s Jersey City campus. These illustrated talks, designed for adults and young people ages eight and older, will focus on diverse and fun scientific topics. The first presentation will be delivered by William Gutsch, Ph.D., distinguished professor in Saint Peter’s College of Arts and Sciences/School of Business Administration.
Dr. Gutsch will examine the topic, “The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence,” which focuses on new science and technology that gives scientists the ability to seek out other life forms beyond the planet Earth. He will discuss the discovery throughout the past 15 years of more than 400 planets that orbit stars, what stars could have planets with life, and how scientists hope to communicate with these advanced life forms.
Since 1995, Dr. Gutsch has served as the president of Great Ideas, providing services for NASA, various local and national governments, as well as major universities and science museums internationally. He has also served as the chairman of the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium, as well as the president and chief executive officer of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
Dr. Gutsch was recently elected to be the next president of the Board of Directors of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP). Founded in 1889, the ASP is the largest general astronomy society in the world, with members participating from over 70 nations.
Beginning in fall 2010, “Science Saturdays” will take place monthly. The series is sponsored by the Practical Application of Research in Science Education (PARSE) Institute. Taking place in Gannon Hall, the event is open to the public; admission and parking is free.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.