The Fairfield community is invited to join Richard Greenwald, PhD, dean of Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences, as he moderates the last virtual discussion of his Dean’s Series for the 2020 calendar year, titled “Advancing Science Through the Science Institute,” on Tuesday, December 8, from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Guests of this interactive conversation will gain an insightful perspective on the evolution of the "sciences" at Fairfield to become more modern and inquiry-based, from Richard Miller Murphy ’78, executive director of marketing, New York Blood Center; Patrick Kelley, MD, DrPH, ’76, P’12, senior fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences; and Shelley Phelan, PhD, director of the School of Natural & Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics. 

“Faculty research in the sciences has grown and thrived over the last ten years,” explained Dr. Phelan. “we have new facilities, we’ve acquired many major pieces of instrumentation and equipment used in research and teaching, and involvement of undergraduates in our research is absolutely the norm.” During the upcoming virtual discussion, faculty will explain how these additional resources and initiatives led to a culture of student research that has produced exceptional training and significant accomplishments, and what that means for the future of students in the arts and sciences. 

The College is also excited to share more information about the new coronavirus course that Dr. Kelley and Brian Walker, PhD, associate dean and biology professor, developed. "Topics covered in this course range from the history of pandemics, the biology and public health of Covid-19, the impact on business, the economy, art, faith, and the media," explained Dr. Kelley. "The course also makes extensive use of external experts, many of whom are exemplary alumni role models representing such entities as the US State Department, the Catholic Medical Mission Board, America Media, the Pan American Health Association, Jet Blue, the New York Blood Center, and many more," he added.

The College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Series was launched in Fall 2020 as a way to inform local and national communities about faculty and staff’s continued creativity and innovation in ensuring every student in the arts and sciences has access to a truly transformational experience that prepares them to be engaged global citizens — even while navigating the challenges posed by the current global health crisis.

To learn more about how the College of Arts & Sciences is strengthening Fairfield’s legacy of modern excellence, register to attend “Advancing Science through the Science Institute” today.