Students and faculty in the mood for free coffee and a science discussion may find themselves in The Front Room Wednesday night.
The Front Room and Sigma Xi will sponsor the second annual Science Café series at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Frank Schwartz, professor of endocrinology, wil speak about “Socioeconomic Stress, Appalachia and Chronic Disease." The first 50 attendees will receive free coffee.
The discussion will be focused on informing students about the correlation between people of lower socioeconomic status and illnesses such as diabetes and obesity, Schwartz said.
“This is a chronic problem in all socioeconomically disadvantaged groups,” he said. “I’m trying to raise the level of awareness of the kids, thinking about how lower socioeconomic demographics contribute to behavior patterns and chronic disease.”
Although the lecture is designed for undergraduate students, Kyle Ranally, a senior studying strategic communications and publicist for the cafés, is hoping to attract an audience of graduate students, professors and even local high school students.
Schwartz hopes this lecture will attract not just medical students but specifically economic students as well.
“It’ll appeal to a wider base of students, not just the ones that are focused on science,” Ranally said.
Attendees planning to attend should be prepared to discuss the topic.
“If you show up, I’m going to ask you questions!” Schwartz said.
Other café events will take place later this semester, the next topic being “Sustainability: Alternative Agriculture” with Art Trese on Sept. 19.
dk123111@ohiou.edu
