South African runner Caster Semenya (runnerforchrist.org)
Donal C. Skinner, University of Wyoming associate professor of zoology and physiology, will discuss "A Biological Basis Behind the Fluidity of Gender, Sex and Orientation," Monday, Nov. 23, from 4:10-6 p.m. in Room 306 of the UW Classroom Building.
He is the fall 2009 UW Faculty Senate Speaker Series Award recipient.
As highlighted in recent news regarding South African athlete Caster Semenya, lines between male and female may be more blurred than what Western society projects. Skinner will discuss how "boys develop from girls" and provide evidence that sex, gender and orientation are fluid in humans and are likely molded during small windows of fetal development.
A South African native, Skinner received his Ph.D. from Cambridge University. He has published more than 70 scientific papers, primarily in the area of neuroendocrinology (hormones secreted by the brain) but considers his real job to be coaching a U10 girls Laramie Blizzard soccer team.
Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009