Talks stream live to the MJC Science Colloquium YouTube Channel at 3:15pm.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaymqgHqzxhsAa0RJmYwVg

September 29

Kari L. Arnold, Ph.D., UCCE Area Orchard and Vineyard Systems Advisor

Plant Pathology: Past, Present and Future

A brief overview of plant pathology, including history, agriculture in some perennial crops, and future directions.

October 13

Greg Stock, Ph.D, Park Geologist, Yosemite National Park

The rise and recent fall of Sierra Nevada glaciers

Glaciers have played an essential role in shaping the Sierra Nevada, with multiple periods of glacier advance and retreat over millions of years. The two remaining glaciers in Yosemite National Park, the Lyell and Maclure, are among the longest studied glaciers in North America, beginning with John Muir's study of Maclure Glacier movement in 1872, subsequent documentation by the US Geological Survey in 1883, and routine surveys by the National Park Service starting in 1931. Recently, scientists have combined new technologies such as laser mapping and computer modeling with traditional field surveys to document the rapid retreat of these glaciers, finding that they have lost nearly 90% of their volume since 1883. The impending loss of these glaciers will likely have ripple effects throughout the high elevations of Yosemite.

October 27

Denise Godbout-Avant, Stanislaus County Master Gardner

Wise About Water

With climate change, recurring drought is becoming the new normal in California. Learn where our water comes from, how it is distributed, the impact of climate change on our water supply, and ways we can conserve water usage in our gardens and home.

November 10

Colleen Naughton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, UC Merced

Using Wastewater to Track Covid-19

Your poop can actually be valuable for public health. Scientists and engineers are detecting viral fragments of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater as an early warning system of the spread of COVID-19 in communities globally. Learn about COVID-19 wastewater monitoring and how UC Merced is tracking it worldwide on a public dashboard.