Hear what the latest research tells us about WHALES — from amazing new discoveries to ongoing conservation efforts to revealing prehistoric origins — with some of the nation’s top whale scientists in this four-part lecture series.
Blue Whales: Bigger Than Your Imagination
Join Duke University conservation ecologist Dr. David Johnston for a fascinating look at blue whales—the largest animals on Earth and unsung heroes of ocean health. He will share all the latest research – DYK that blue whales only beat their hearts 1-2 times a minute during a dive? Dr Johnston & colleagues just discovered this. With the help of drones and other new technology, we’re seeing whales in a whole new light—up close, in action, and more important than ever.
Enjoy the lecture (7–8pm) and an evening viewing of the “Blue Whales” special exhibition (open 5–7pm).
Tickets: Series $45, $15 Members; Lecture $15, $5 Members.
About our speaker
Dr. David Johnston is a Professor of the Practice of Marine Conservation Ecology at Duke University and the Associate Dean of Teaching Innovation at the Nicholas School of the Environment. He chairs the Duke Environmental Leadership Master’s Program and is the Director of the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing (MaRRS) Lab at Duke University. Johnston’s research program currently focuses on advancing robotic applications, platforms and sensors for marine science, education, and conservation missions.
Upcoming lectures:
Aug. 14: Gigantic Beasts & How to Find Them
Dr. Ari Friedlaender, University of California – Santa Cruz
Sept. 4: Tales of Whales: Why Conservation Matters
Dr. Andy Read, Duke University
Oct. 9: Where Did Whales Come From?
Dr. Mark Uhen, George Mason University