Explore fossils from over 500 million years ago, experience state-of-the-art triple boot computers, and discover the hidden secrets inside human genes at Sonoma State University.
After a mere eighteen months, the newly renovated Charles Darwin Hall is open to the public. The School of Science and Technology is hosting a special dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday Sept. 29, 2006, from 1 to 6 p.m., in Darwin hall. Light refreshments will be served.
Darwin is home to the departments of Geology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Biology and Mathematics. During the ceremony there will be self-guided tours available through each department.
The Geology department is displaying 500 million year old fossils from Death Valley, and the microscopic structure of rocks under a petrographic microscope.
The Computer Science department is displaying their new Computer Literacy and Multimedia Laboratory and providing demonstrations of their Intel-based triple-boot (Windows/Mac/Linux) machines. The department is debuting their new Software Design and Advanced Computing Laboratory with 64-bit high performance computers and digital circuit design stations.
The Chemistry department is providing the general public an opportunity to experience "Chemistry Magic" and meet students in the Chemistry Club. Visitors can browse student projects, and experience hands-on learning in new innovative laboratories.
The Physics and Astronomy department is showing off their newly designed undergraduate laboratories. Visitors can learn how to operate remote telescopes from our new astronomical Imaging Laboratory and receive free NASA souvenirs.
Visitors perusing the Biology Department are able to experience Diversity of Life at the Organismal Biology Lab and Museum, as well as see animal cells grow outside the animal at the Microbiology and Tissue Culture Lab. Visitors can discover the secrets hidden in genes by seeing how we read what is written on our genes. Experience the DNA Sequencing Laboratory and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory where professors will help prepare the next generation of nurses and health care professionals.
In the Math department visitors can explore the Math Study Laboratory, a new collaboration/work room for students. Visitors may peak into the state-of-the-art Math Teaching Laboratory that is designed for teaching technology-intensive mathematics courses. Professor Jean Bee Chan will be presenting a lecture entitled "Is there a magic hexagon?" in Darwin 109 from 2:30-3 p.m.
For more information, please contact Jean Wasp, Media Relations Coordinator at (707) 664-2158, or at jean.wasp@sonoma.edu. Visit the University Affairs Web site at http://www.sonoma.edu/pubs/darwinhall/
