Soil Ecologist Diana Wall to Talk Climate Change and Life in Antarctica – One of Earth’s Most Extreme Ecosystems

World-renowned soil ecologist and Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Diana Wall will present the next talk in the President’s Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. April 30 in the Lory Student Center North Ballroom on the CSU campus.

Wall’s lecture, “Lessons from an Antarctic desert: The hidden world and response to climate change,” will delve into the depths of Antarctica’s dry valleys – including Wall Valley, named in honor of her work.

Recently inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, Wall studies nematodes, microscopic worms vital to soil health and biodiversity, and is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field. Spending more than 20 field seasons in Antarctica, she explores how biodiversity contributes to soil nutrition and the consequences of human activities on soil sustainability. It is this work that has brought her an impressive array of awards from her scientific peers, including the 2013 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement – the premier international award for work in environmental science, environmental health and energy conferring great benefit upon mankind.

“Diana Wall is one of the world’s most respected environmental scientists, and this is an opportunity for the Fort Collins community to hear about her research and discoveries firsthand,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “This lecture series is an intimate opportunity for people here in CSU’s hometown to learn about some of the most important issues of our day directly from those, like Diana, who are leading the global conversation on issues like the environment, soil biodiversity, and climate change.”

Wall is also founder and director of the School of Global Environmental Sustainability at CSU. SoGES serves as a clearinghouse for all CSU disciplines, colleges, students, and faculty members involved in environmental research and encourages collaboration on the most pressing environmental issues around the globe through research, education and outreach.

Both the lecture and reception following are free and open to the public. While the event is free, tickets are required for the lecture and reception, as space is limited. Tickets are available online and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

President’s Community Lecture Series

As a gift to the Fort Collins community in honor of the city’s 150th birthday, Colorado State University President Tony Frank announced in January the new community lecture series that highlights the University’s outstanding programs and faculty. The President’s Community Lecture Series takes place four times a year in various Colorado State classrooms and locations.

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