Top 5 academic events for week of May 2

The spring semester is almost over and this is the last full week of classes. There are many academic events going on including a discussion on the dependence of nicotine, hidden stress in everyday life and a mock trial that is set to have a verdict this week.

Monday

Krasnow Monday Seminar: Karl Fryxell

WHAT: Karl Fryxell’s lecture is titled “the roles of dopamine and other signaling pathways in nicotine dependence and visual working memory.”Fryxell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Microbiology at George Mason University. His past work has included looking at rats and mice and their development of nicotine dependence. Fryxell then studies over time how the animal develops increasing dependence of nicotine and he measures the dependence based on physical signs of stress and withdrawal.

WHEN: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Krasnow Building, Room 229

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Krasnow Institute Web site

Tuesday

Overcoming the Hidden Stressors in Life

WHAT: J. Goodlett McDaniel from the Provost’s Office will speak about Action Allays Anxiety and overcoming the hidden stressors in life. The discussion is part of the Center for Consciousness and Transformation’s “Brown Bag Series.” The brown bags are a series of monthly lunchtime presentations by Mason faculty whose expertise or practice is within the scope of consciousness and transformation. This discussion will be the final “brown bag” of the semester.

WHEN: 12:00-1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Johnson Center, Gold Room

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Center for Consciousness and Transformation, (703) 993-6090

Wednesday

Astronomy Observing Session

WHAT: If you’re not attending the Wiz Kalifa concert tonight and are looking for something to do, staring into the skies is one option. This is another chance to catch a glimpse of the skies by peering into Mason’s primary telescope in the observatory.

WHEN: 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Research 1, Observatory (Guests will be met in the lobby by the main elevators)

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Harold Geller, (703) 993-1276

Thursday

CSI at GMU

WHAT: Students enrolled in BIOL 509 (DNA Analysis of Biological Evidence) will present biological evidence in a mock trial. Last week the students presented opening arguments for a simulated sexual assault/rape/murder trial. This week the defense will argue their case and both sides will present their closing arguments. The jury will then render their verdict. The mock trial is part of the graduate Forensic Science program and students serve in different roles at the trial with the professor serving as the judge.

WHEN: 7:20-10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Innovation Hall, Room 103

COST: Free (The public is welcome to attend)

MORE INFO: J. Thomas McClintock, (703) 927-9090, Web Site

Friday

Drive-In Movie

WHAT: If you’re looking for a way to relax after a hard week and want to see a free movie this may be a good option. The Off-Campus Student Programs and Services is sponsoring a drive-in movie and will be showing “Gnomeo and Juliet.” The animated film is about neighboring garden gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet who are in love. If you’re unable to make Friday’s showing, the drive-in theater will be showing “Jackass 3D” on Thursday, May 5.

WHEN: 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Patriot Center, Lot L

COST: Free

MORE INFO: University Life, (703) 993-8760