Spring 2019 Library Lecture Series
March 12 - April 9
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Library 148
Free and Open to the Public
Audio recordings made possible in partnership with Yellowstone Public Radio
March 12
The Prometheus Paradox: How Monsters Make Us Human
Dr. Tom Nurmi, Assistant Professor, English, Montana State University Billings
To commemorate the two-hundredth anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this lecture explores the legacies of the novel’s often-overlooked subtitle – The Modern Prometheus – to consider why the Prometheus myth is so enduring in the history of literature and film. What might Prometheus teach us about being human in a rapidly changing technological age?
»» Listen to the audio recording of Dr. Nurmi's lecture
March 19
Red Fire Trucks and Big Mustaches: Reimagining Fire and Emergency Services in the Experience Age
Mr. Kelly McCoy, M. Ed., Fire Science, City College at Montana State University Billings
The United States fire service is approximately 300 years old and is founded upon a governmental, decentralized model of fire protection. Through education, engineering, and enforcement (fire prevention) the “fire problem” in the US began to wane in the late 1970s. As emergency responses for fires declined, the fire service entered a new paradigm of responding to emergency medical service (EMS) incidents. Today, fire departments respond to just 2-4% fire responses and over 70% emergency medical incidents. Problematically, most fire departments remain staffed and equipped in a pre-1970 operational/deployment model, which leads to service delivery inefficiencies. Society is quickly eclipsing the Information Age and entering the Experience Age. We have the information, now what do we do with it? How does the modern fire service translate information into data-driven experiences to best meet community needs while stewarding public resources well, especially when the pace of change is so impressive? This light and engaging lecture will present conceptual models for reimagining fire service delivery in the Experience Age.
»» Listen to the audio recording of Mr. McMcoy's lecture
March 26
Physical Inactivity: The Major Public Health Problem of the New Millennium
Dr. Jeffrey Michael Willardson, Assistant Professor, Health and Human Performance, College of Allied Health, MSU Billings
This talk will address the recently released physical activity guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between physical activity and health outcomes will be discussed. Specific mechanisms that account for better health and reduced mortality with consistent practice of physical activity will also be discussed; as well as the connection between physical activity and nutrient intake for weight management. Specific modes of physical activity will be discussed, such as cardiovascular and weight training exercises and the association with better health and reduced mortality. Finally, the dosages of such exercise modes will be discussed in order to accrue benefits.
»» Listen to the audio recording of Dr. Willardson's lecture
April 2
Cyber Security: A 21st Century Industry
Mr. Brian Gurney, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Management, College of Business, MSU Billings
Cyber security is not confined to identity theft. Defense, pharmaceutical, banking/finance, medical and utilities are under constant attack and many of these attacks are successful. The current cyber landscape and what defensive measures should be employed to protect the average citizen will be discussed.
»» Listen to the audio recording of Mr. Gurney's lecture
April 9
The Noble Profession: Contextualizing Recent Teacher Strikes and Considering the Profession of Teaching in Montana
Dr. Christopher Harrison, Assistant Professor, Educational Theory and Practice, College of Education, MSU Billings
The last few years have seen teachers in a number of states - including West Virginia, Oklahoma, Colorado and, most recently, California - take significant action to push for better pay and working conditions. This talk examines this trend, and contextualizes it within a broader conversation regarding the state of the teaching profession and the opportunities and challenges we face in our efforts to recruit and retain high quality teachers for our students.
»» Listen to the audio recording of Dr. Harrison's lecture
