Morrisville State to host symposium on "monsters" of science and technology April 17

“Monsters” and their relationship in the modern world will be the focus of Morrisville State’s annual Science Technology and Society Symposium, “Monsters: Killer Robots, Mad Scientists and Abominations” taking place April 17 in the John W. Stewart Center for Student Activities (STUAC).



The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will focus on the side effects of science and technology that might be characterized as “monstrous,” such as modern robots that are technological monsters; human monsters aided by technology and science; and the scientific monsters which create nuclear contamination, invasive species, “smart” weapons, and global climate change.



The symposium will include interactive demonstrations, guest lecturers and a panel discussion where guest speakers will discuss, question, and get the audience thinking about their roles in “monster-making” and conquering technological terrors.



Lectures include:

12:15-1:15 p.m.—Robots and Cyborgs by Dr. Daryl Lee from SUNYIT

1:45-2:45 p.m.—Mad Scientists by Dr. Kevin Kern, of the University of Akron

3:15-4:15—Abominations by Dr. Benjamin Robertson from the University of Colorado



Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion. Demonstrations, which will be held from 12:30-5 p.m., include a “bomb robot” from the Syracuse Police Department Bomb Squad.



Throughout the week there will also be a film festival that focuses on the metaphorical and artistic portrayal of monsters.



For more information about the symposium, visit www.morrisville.edu/sts.



The symposium, hosted by Morrisville State College’s science, technology and society B.S. degree program, is funded, in-part, by the Sheila Johnson Institute.