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World-renowned ecologist Dr. Meg Lowman captured the minds and hearts of a packed crowd during SUNY Corning Community College’s Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series lecture on April 25, 2023. Click here to see photos from the event.

Dr. Lowman, a native of Elmira, New York, spoke of her travels around the globe in the name of conservation, as well as educating about the impact deforestation efforts have on various ecosystems. Audience members were treated to breathtaking visuals from her expeditions, stories of her first explorations of climbing trees in the Elmira region with childhood friends – several of whom were in attendance for the lecture – and her fight for equality in a scientific field dominated by men.

"I felt empowered to take more steps to pursue volunteering and internships in conservation and biology,” said SUNY CCC student Kathryn Groshner. “I felt inspired by the impact Dr. Meg Lowman has had in our community and beyond."

From discovering, and helping students discover, new species of insects in treetops to championing efforts to build tree-top canopies across the globe, Dr. Lowman’s worldly travels kept audience members on the edge of their seats while challenging them to take action to help preserve nature.

Dr. Lowman also spoke of her efforts to make tree-top canopy science more inclusive for women, minorities, and those with mobile or physical disabilities.

Dr. Kintu Early, a SUNY CCC Regional Board of Trustee member, said "Dr. Meg Lowman's presentation was a very timely discussion. The highlight was having someone locally who has been involved in STEM for so long and is still returning to the area to keep propagating that incentive to get more people involved."

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Lowman spent time engaging with audience members, taking pictures, and signing copies of her latest book “The Arbornaut: Exploring the 8th Continent in the Trees Above Us.”

Cameron Jensen, an engineering sciences major at SUNY CCC, said, "The discussion was very cool. I've always been interested in biology and other sciences, and it was awesome hearing Dr. Meg Lowman discussing her background in the science field."

"I enjoyed this talk and am now motivated to seek out some walkways,” said SUNY CCC mathematics professor Jayashree Hurlbert. “I want to go and see the tops of the trees."

About the Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series

Walter R. Smith, retired Professor Emeritus of History & Government at SUNY Corning Community College, worked at the College for five decades before retiring in 2008. In 2004, he announced his intention to provide up to $50,000 over five years as a matching gift challenge in support of a visiting scholar series created through the College’s first-ever major gifts campaign. He vowed to match any contributions made from individuals, foundations, or corporate funding sources. In light of his generous contribution, the Series was named in his honor and continues to be known as the Walter R. Smith Visiting Scholar Series. Professor Smith’s mission for the Series was to initiate thought and encourage discussion around a broad range of topics, including the arts, politics, science, history, and contemporary culture.

For more information, please visit: https://www.corning-cc.edu/foundation/impact-gift/visiting-scholar/index.php