Gagliardi Family Distinguished Seminar Series: Changing the Conversation About Food

As part of the Gagliardi Family Distinguished Seminar Series, scientist and author Sheril Kirshenbaum will deliver a presentation titled, “Changing the Conversation About Food.”

Kirshenbaum works to enhance public understanding of science and improve communication between scientists, policymakers and the public. She currently hosts Serving Up Science at PBS Digital Studios and is executive director of Science Debate, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization working to get every candidate on record on science policy.

At Michigan State University, Kirshenbaum hosts "Our Table," a series of round table discussions bringing together farmers and food experts, health professionals and community members to listen to each other and foster dialogue about where our food comes from and how it impacts our health and planet. She also developed and conducts the biannual Food Literacy and Engagement Poll on a variety of food topics to help inform national discussion, business planning and policy development.

Kirshenbaum co-authored Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future with Chris Mooney, chosen by Library Journal as one of the Best Sci-Tech Books of 2009 and named by President Obama's science advisor John Holdren as a top recommended read. She is also the author of The Science of Kissing, which explores the science behind one of humanity's fondest pastimes.

The Gagliardi Family Distinguished Seminar Series was launched in 2006 by the family of RWU chemistry alumnus, Chris Gagliardi ’07. The series aims to bring distinguished scientists to RWU to inspire our students to pursue careers in science.  In 2011 the series was formally elevated to an endowed seminar series to support student-centered programming that will focus on chemistry or other chemistry-related science that helps provide for a more environmentally sustainable world.

The seminar is free and open to the public.