Two or three times a month, the D.H . Hill Library hosts a lecture series known as Fabulous Faculty. This program, headed by Marian Fragola , the director of programming and outreach at the library, is designed to recognize outstanding faculty members at the University.
The first lecture of the year was held Tuesday in the library. This session’s honoree was Dr. Rob Dunn, an assistant biology professor at N.C . State.
At the lecture, Dunn discussed and read from his book The Wild Life of Our Bodies. Dunn describes the series as a good chance for students and the public to hear from professors.
“This is a great opportunity to have faculty talk to library patrons about what excites them,” said Dunn.
Fragola was appointed to her current position in the library in September of last year and is extremely excited about this program series starting.
“The series is a great way to show off the faculty and make sure that there are opportunities for students, staff, and the general public to recognize the library as still being the intellectual center of campus,” Fragola said.
Faculty members are chosen for each session based on many different criterion including recent accomplishments, recommendations and even time of year.
As Christmas was fast approaching, Fragola scheduled Dr. Larry Silverberg , professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, to do a lecture called “The Science of Santa.” Dr. Silverberg has given this lecture in many different atmospheres including the Discovery Channel, Fox News, NBC and many more.
“Marian does a great job picking topics of broad interest for students,” Silverberg said. “Mine was very well attended and we ended up needing an overflow room to house all of the students.”
Dr. Rupert Nacoste , professor of psychology, did a lecture in November of last year regarding the failed attempt of colleges to manage diversity on campus. Remembering the experience, Nacoste related that the freedom of being able to discuss a topic of his own choice and with only the limitation of time made the lecture especially fulfilling.
“Here’s the thing about us professors. We know stuff. We know stuff because we have studied, done research, examined in excruciating detail some issue or topic. We seldom get the chance to just talk about what we know the way we really want to. The Fabulous Faculty Series was one of the rare places where I got to talk about the stuff I know, do my thing, my way,” Nacoste said.
The series is funded by a grant from the Tom Russell Foundation, Inc. and is planned to continue for many years to come.
Dr. Susanna Lee, assistant professor of history, also did a lecture last year about the causes of the American Civil War.
“I think the Fabulous Faculty series is a wonderful opportunity for faculty to share their research with an engaged and diverse audience,” Lee said. “I also think that the series reinforces the library as a space for intellectual exchange where students can do more than check out library books or play video games.”
The next lecture is to be held November 2 and will feature Michael Young, an associate professor in computer science and engineering. This lecture will focus on computer gaming and will also be held in the library.
