St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Biology Department presents Alex Schoen ’17 to discuss “Sharks, Stress, and Steroids: A Millennial Mystery,” as part of the Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquia series. The talk takes place on Sept. 25 at 4:45 p.m. in Schaefer Hall 106.
Schoen, visiting the National Public Honors College from the University of Manitoba, Canada, discusses the physiology of sharks, stingrays, and skates (elasmobranchs), including their energy regulation. Schoen’s study is the first to investigate the predicted role of 1α-OHB in the elasmobranch stress response, using several techniques, including: organic chemical synthesis, enzyme biochemistry, and classical endocrinology. Ultimately, the future conservation of elasmobranchs will hopefully be improved by understanding these physiological intricacies.
The Natural Science and Mathematics Colloquia are lectures for the members of St. Mary’s College and the general public to explore new developments in the sciences and mathematics. Future speakers include Jeremy Testa from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science discussing “The Long Road of Chesapeake Bay Restoration: Resistance, Resilience, and Recovery” on Oct. 30, and Lisa Greer discussing “The Environmental Impact of Fashion” on Nov. 20. The lectures are free of charge and open to the public.
