Villanova University Chapter (#288)

The Villanova University Chapter of Sigma Xi Presents

A Public Lecture by

Mendel Medal Honoree

Magaret Lowman, Ph.D.
(Canopymeg)

It's a Jungle Up There:
Integrating Research and Education Through Canopy Ecology

Saturday, April 28, 2007
2:30 PM
Connelly Center Cinema

Refreshments at 2:00 PM in the Cinema Foyer

This talk is co-sponsored with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dr. Meg Lowman climbs trees for a living. For over 25 years, she has solved mysteries in the treetops and designed new methods for exploration of the forest canopy.  Affectionately called the “grandmother” of canopy research, Dr. Lowman pioneered methods and protocols for research in the canopy (also called the eighth continent of the planet), and has trained the second generation of canopy researchers.  She co-chaired the First and Second International Conferences on Forest Canopies, served as chief canopy scientist for the Jason Project in Education, and wrote both definitive canopy textbooks.

During her career, Dr. Lowman developed an expertise for the use of different canopy techniques including ropes, walkways, hot air balloons, construction cranes, and combination of these methods.  Using her jungle adventures to promote rain forest conservation and education, Canopymeg has inspired a generation of students with a combination of science and spirit underlying her passion for the natural world. Dr. Lowman continues to travel worldwide to “map” the canopy for biodiversity and foster forest conservation through innovative projects ranging from ecotourism to National Geographic films.  She received the Margaret Douglas Medal for Achievement in Conservation Education from the Garden Club of America; the Eugene Odum Award for Excellence in Education; was elected a Kilby laureate and an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow; serves on Board of Directors of the Explorers Club; and is Vice President of Ecological Society of America.

Dr. Lowman is the Director of Environmental Initiatives and Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at New College of Florida.  Prior to that she served as both Director of Research and CEO at Selby Botanical Gardens, whose mission was focused on canopy plants.  Formerly teaching at Williams College, Massachusetts, she built the first canopy walkway in North America there.  She continues active canopy research programs in Australia, Peru, Africa, Panama, Western Samoa, and subtropical Florida. Carolyn Shoemaker of the US Dept of the Interior named an asteroid after her.

Canopymeg has authored almost 100 peer-reviewed publications and four books.  With a background managing a sheep and cattle station in outback Australia, she also writes about the challenges of juggling family and career.  Dr. Lowman’s book, Life in the Treetops, received a cover review in the New York Times Sunday Book Review.  The sequel, It’s a Jungle Up There, is co-authored with her two children who explored the treetops as a family.  Mother and sons use their canopy adventures to promote a conservation ethic for families, advocating stewardship of biodiversity.  Dr. Lowman devotes a large portion of her career to public science outreach, especially youth.  Her mantra is “No child left indoors”.