University of Michigan Student Delivers Public Lecture at Politap

An international student and PhD candidate from the University of Michigan, United States, named Andrew Bernard, had the opportunity to deliver a public lecture at Politeknik Negeri Ketapang (Ketapang State Polytechnic) on Wednesday, 9 October 2019, in the 2nd Floor Rectorate Hall.

On that occasion, Andrew delivered his public lecture on the theme, “Effect of Climate Change on Vertebrates Their Food and Forest Health” (The Effects of Climate Change on Vertebrates, Their Food, and Forest Health). The material presented by Andrew was related to his research in Gunung Palung National Park.

During the event, Andrew expressed his delight at the opportunity to visit upon invitation to Politeknik Negeri Ketapang to share insights regarding his research at Cabang Panti.

“I was particularly pleased with the opportunity to involve my research assistants, Robi Kasianus and Ahmad Dalim, who presented part of the material. Both are new to speaking about scientific topics in public and are now emerging as budding leaders in community engagement and conservation initiatives. We hope discussions on ecology, society, and climate change will continue and look forward to more opportunities to share our experiences,” he explained.

This public lecture was attended by 96 participants consisting of 80 students and 16 lecturers. The event was also attended by Victoria Gehrke, Program Director of Yayasan Palung, and Mariamah Achmad, Environmental Education Program Manager of Yayasan Palung, who served as the moderator.

Meanwhile, Monalisa Pasaribu served as the interpreter for the public lecture.

During the lecture, quite a few students asked why so many international researchers conduct studies in Indonesia, particularly in Gunung Palung.

Are there positive or negative reasons for conducting research in Indonesia? On the negative side, is climate change in Indonesia too severe?

On the positive side, does Indonesia have the potential to curb the pace of climate change?

In essence, Andrew is closely engaged with climate change issues. Furthermore, his Anthropology professor, Andrew J. Marshall, has conducted long-term vertebrate research in Gunung Palung, making it easier for Andrew Bernard to conduct research and seek solutions related to existing climate change challenges.

The entire series of public lecture events at Politeknik Negeri Ketapang ran according to plan and was warmly received by the attendees.

Artikel ini juga tayang di tribunpontianak.co.id dengan judul Mahasiswa Asal Michigan University Berikan Kuliah Umum di Dua Kampus di Ketapang