The lectures also can be viewed on the Web through live streaming video for the convenience of alumni and other external audiences. A media archive of past topics also is available on the Web.

"This is an excellent way to share the expertise of our faculty, honor the success and hard work of those who are promoted and connect with our alumni all in one event," said Ben Ogles, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

History Professor Katherine Jellison will kick off the series Wednesday in Baker University Center 242 by discussing her recent book "It's Our Day: America's Love Affair with the White Wedding, 1945-2005." She has received the Excellence in Feminist Pedagogy Award as well as the University Professor Award for her teaching of U.S. women's history.

"Exploring Magnetic and Spintronic Materials at the Nanoscale and Beyond" is the title of the talk by Art Smith, professor of physics and astronomy, who will speak Oct. 15 in Morton Hall 215. In 2007, Smith and colleagues received a five-year, $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for International Research and Education program to continue studying electron spin at the nanoscale. Smith also serves as director of the Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute.

Morgan Vis, a professor of environmental and plant biology, will discuss "Algae: Biogeography, Biomonitoring and Biofuels" in her lecture Nov. 5 in the Baker Multicultural Center, located on the center's second floor. Vis has been involved in a number of studies on algae, most recently examining freshwater red algae and the effects of acid mine drainage pollution.

Mathematics Professor Dinh Van Huynh will give a talk titled "On the Structure of Rings with Chain Conditions" on Jan. 14 in Baker University Center 242. Huynh has been involved in research on the Ring and Coding Theory, and has written numerous articles on the topic.

Professor of Geological Sciences Dina Lopez will speak on the topic of "From Hot Springs and Fumaroles to Yellow Boy: a Satisfying Path" on Feb. 18 in Baker University Center 242. Lopez's research interests include the geochemistry and hydrogeology of geothermal systems, and she has spent time conducting research in Central America as well as in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

"Why are Females Choosy? Studies of Female Mating Preferences and Their Implications for Maintaining Biological Diversity" is the title of a lecture by Molly Morris, a professor of biological sciences, on March 4 in Baker University Center 242. Morris has been studying the role that sexual selection plays in biodiversity and has published numerous articles on the subject.

Economics Professor Harold Winter will present a talk titled "Can You Make Someone Better Off Without Them Knowing It? Economics and the New Paternalism" on April 8 in Baker University Center 242. Winter has written two books about microeconomics and economic reasoning, and his research interests include law and economics, the applied game theory and industrial organization.

Marcia Kieliszewski, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will discuss "Synthetic Genes for Glycoprotein Design in Plants" on May 6 in Baker University Center 242. Kieliszewski's research has focused on glycoproteins of plant cell walls and their structure, function and design.