Saturday, January 26, Gillette, Wyo.

Saturday University comes to Gillette


Saturday University Tackles: The scientific revolution, writing the unwritten language and fracking Pennsylvania shale

GILLETTE, Wyo. —Go back to college for a day – minus the tests, stress and homework – with three  professors from the University of Wyoming and Gillette College, who will enlighten and entertain with lectures during Saturday University: The Free One-Day College Education on Saturday, January 26.

Attend one, two or all three Saturday University lectures from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., January 26, in the Gillette Main Building Presentation Hall. The day wraps up with a free lunch and conversation as the professors explore links among their topics.

Saturday University, January 26, Winter Term Schedule:
8:30-8:50 a.m. Free coffee and donuts
8:50-9:00 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks

9:00-10:00 a.m.     The Scientific Revolution: From Alchemy to Chemistry

Susanna Goodin, Associate Professor of Philosophy.  Chair, Philosophy Department, University of Wyoming. 

In the Middle Ages, the idea of turning lead into gold – alchemy – had a devout following of individuals working to unlock the secrets of nature in hopes of coming to understand the mind of God. Alchemy represented a dominant worldview throughout Europe for centuries, longer in fact than the current scientific method. This talk looks at how theology, economics, culture, and philosophy shaped early science and discusses ways that impact continues today.

Video coming soon.

10:15-1:15 a.m.     Writing the Unwritten Language

Jessica Boynton, English Department.  Director of Tutoring, Gillette College

It is hard to imagine a language without writing, but even today most languages still have never been formally written down. Join Jessica Boynton, an expert in Australian Aboriginal languages, as she walks us through the treacherous process of political, social and technical decisions needed to help native speakers of an oral language develop a written form they will accept and use.

Video coming soon.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.     Fracking Pennsylvania Shale: Environmental, Economic and Social Lessons

Timothy J. Considine, Professor of Economics & Finance.  Director, Center for Energy Economics and Public Policy, School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming

Hydraulic fracturing and other production technologies have unlocked large reserves of oil and natural gas once considered too costly to produce. These new reserves could supply U.S. natural gas consumption for decades. But how to do this safely and profitably? Dr. Considine has spent the last four years studying the drilling of Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale formation, weighing the costs of production against the price of gas, the impacts on the people, forests, water and air above the formation against steps taken to mitigate such impacts. What does this new data and analysis reveal for future projects?

Watch the video here:

12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch & Discussion
Join us for a free lunch, round-table discussion and audience question and answer session in the commons of Gillette College’s main building.

Video coming soon.

Now in its second year, Saturday University is a collaborative program connecting popular UW professors with Wyoming residents who have a desire to learn.  Saturday University is sponsored by the University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming Foundation, Wyoming Humanities Council, and area businesses. The program is presented locally by Gillette College.