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SUNY Potsdam Welcomes Guest Speaker for Diversity in STEM Discussion

SUNY Potsdam Hosts Marine Microbiologist Dr. Jeanette Davis for Upcoming Talk, 'Science is Everywhere, Science is for Everyone'

Please note that the talk, "Tracing the New Arctic," which was originally scheduled for today featuring Dr. Monica Martinez-Wilhelmus of Brown University, has been canceled, due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience. This release has been updated to include the other upcoming talk, which will continue as scheduled.

Potsdam, NY (04/17/2023) — SUNY Potsdam will welcome a guest speaker for the College's upcoming Diversity in STEM Talk Series, sponsored by Arconic. This event is free, and the public is welcome to attend.

Dr. Jeanette Davis, a marine microbiologist better known as "Dr. Ocean," will present her talk, "Science is Everywhere, Science is for Everyone: The Art of Storytelling," on Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 106. A reception will be held prior to the talk at 5 p.m., in the Timerman Hall Commons.

Geosciences is one of the least diverse sciences in the United States, yet the complex and pressing issues facing the environment, and the needs of ocean-dependent communities require an environmentally literate society with diversity in both expertise and experiences. Through the art of storytelling, Davis delivers authentic experiences and scientific research to encourage audiences to make real-world connections to science and concerted efforts towards meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion. The goal is to provide actionable steps to create "safe spaces" for all to contribute to science while being their authentic selves, which helps to advance research and innovation for solutions to the ocean environment.

A dynamic author, research scientist, and diversity advocate, Davis (also known as Dr. Ocean) has left her mark far beyond the field of science. She is a marine microbiologist who contributes to ocean science nationally and internationally, and has traveled to several countries speaking about her research and coordinating ocean science. Davis earned her bachelor's degree in marine and environmental science from Hampton University and a Ph.D. in marine microbiology from the University of Maryland, where she focused on marine drug discovery and is recently cited in Science Magazine for helping to discover a marine bacterium that helps fight cancer. She has taken her scientific skills outside of the laboratory to live aboard research vessels for weeks at a time to study marine organisms.

To learn more about SUNY Potsdam's programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/our-campus/study-stem.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Dr. Jeanette Davis (also known as “Dr. Ocean”) will present a talk, “Science is Everywhere, Science is for Everyone: The Art of Storytelling,” at SUNY Potsdam on Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 106. Part of the Diversity in STEM Talk Series sponsored by Arconic, this event and the preceding reception are free and open to the public.

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