Moira Gunn’s illustrious career in the field of science and technology includes a past at NASA as a scientist and engineer. The host of NPR’s ‘Tech Nation’ will conduct an interview-style discussion with three other prominent scientists Wednesday at Syracuse University.

The lecture, ‘State of the Earth,’ will focus on how individuals can work toward solving many problems facing people and the earth in the 21st century and beyond, according to the release. The 7:30 p.m. lecture is open to the public in Hendricks.

Carol Finn, a geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey; Pamela Matson, dean of the School of Earth Sciences at Stanford University; and Elsa Reichmanis, an SU alumna and member of the faculty at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will join Gunn, according to an SU news release.

Gunn has interviewed more than 3,000 individuals from CEOs to politicians on ‘Tech Nation,’ and was the first woman to receive a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. She currently serves as the managing director of biotechnology at the School of Business and Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco.

Esther Gray, senior administrator for academic affairs, said she expects a large turnout for the event. SU wanted to build an event around Gunn because the university recently received a large grant from the National Science Foundation for the advancement of women in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, she said.

Finn said she wanted to participate in the event to convey her excitement for something she is deeply passionate about.

‘In this climate of budget cuts and people really questioning science from people who are not scientists or do not know how science works very well, I would like to see people get more excited about science,’ she said.

The lecture will discuss possible solutions to the issues as well, she said. It will also touch on how science is a key factor to advancement in other areas of society. Statistics show investments in science and technology pay off economically, Finn said.

SU alumna Reichmanis is also eager to be a participant in the event.

‘Having grown up in Syracuse for the most part and having gone to SU for both my undergraduate and graduate education, I feel allegiance to the university and would like to stay connected,’ she said.

Reichmanis said she believes a number of issues the earth is facing can be related back to chemical technology. Women can contribute to the field of science significantly, she said, especially because it is heavily reliant on teamwork and problem solving — skills that many women exhibit.

She said: ‘What I would say in particular to young women interested in science and engineering is that they can make a difference.’

dmsegelb@syr.edu

Published on October 24, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Dylan: dmsegelb@syr.edu | @dylan_segelbaum