Oregon State University - Cascades’ biologist Matt Orr will present “Science, Spirituality and a Sustainable Future,” a talk exploring ways contemporary spirituality may evolve to address the current environmental crisis and improve human well-being, on May 16.
The OSU-Cascades Science Pub will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Worthy Brewing’s Eastside Brewery & Pub, 495 NE Bellevue Drive in Bend. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.
In his presentation, Orr will explain how the Anthropocene, the earth’s present geological epoch, is defined by a decline in the Earth’s environmental ecosystems, as well as by human responses to the decline in the forms of anxiety, guilt, grief and illness.
He will share how spiritual practices have evolved in response to other significant crises over time, examine how contemporary spirituality practices are evolving in response to the environmental crisis, and discuss how this evolution may continue and improve both the environmental and human condition.
Orr’s research interests focus on restoration ecology in forest, field and stream habitats in Central Oregon. His work has included studying the behavior of scavengers; the application of restoration ecology to medicine; and the connections between science and religion. He received a doctorate in population biology from University of California, Davis.
Science Pubs are made possible with support from Worthy Brewing.
Science Pubs are free to community members, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 guests.
To register, visit osucascades.edu/sciencepubs. For accommodations for disabilities contact 541-322-3100 or events@osucascades.edu.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.