Speaker Presentations

TOPIC:  What a Rush! A Brief History of Mining in North Carolina SPEAKER: Valerie Reynolds, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences UNC Charlotte From the first gold discovered in the United States to the ultra-pure quartz fueling the semiconductor industry, mining has played an essential role in North Carolina's economy for centuries. This presentation…

TOPIC: What did you say? Communication, Problem-solving, and Intelligence in Birds SPEAKER: Jeffrey Thomas, Professor of Biology, Queens University of Charlotte Birds, especially songbirds, say a lot. But what do we know about what they’re saying to each other? And how do they use their communication to negotiate interactions with each other, find food, and…

GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: The Future of US-China Relations SPEAKER: Keren Zhu, Assistant Professor, Davidson College U.S.-China relations have emerged as the most consequential dynamic in contemporary international relations, profoundly influencing global politics, economics, and security. This lecture will explore the evolution of U.S.-China relations since 1949, examine the key factors shaping the future of this…

TOPIC: Medicare Fraud SPEAKER: Austin Caton, Aging Program Coordinator, Centralina Area Agency on Aging Austin is an Aging Program Coordinator for the Digital Navigation Program providing assistance with technology and training for older adults in our region.   NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link…

GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC:   America and Changing Economic World SPEAKER: Jay Bryson, Managing Director, Chief Economist, Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Bank Dr. Bryson will present his annual analysis of financial markets and macroeconomic developments in the global economy. He will also provide an outlook for the next two years including forecasts of GDP growth rates,…

GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: How PBS Charlotte Shines the Spotlight on our Region SPEAKER: Amy Burkett, PBS General Manager Amy will share interesting statistics and behind the scenes production details woven in and out of video clips of local documentaries as well as our signature Emmy winning news magazine Carolina Impact. BIOGRAPHY Amy has been honored…