The above photo, courtesy of the Post Register in Idaho Falls, shows an albino Burmese python named "James" in front of an elementary school audience in Rigby, Idaho. James, who may be 25 feet long when fully grown, is a major participant in a presentation entitled "The Silent World of Reptiles" by Academy member Frank Lundburg. Huge snakes, volcanoes, earthquakes, nuclear waste, contagious diseases, life inside a bee hive, and a tour of the solar system are some of the diverse topics presented by members of the Academy's Visiting Scientist Program.
What is the Visiting Scientist Program? The Visiting Scientist Program consists of Idaho Academy of Science members, professional scientists from many fields, who donate their personal time and professional expertise to preparing and delivering programs for interested Idaho schools and other groups. The Executive Director of the Academy serves as the coordinator.
Who can request a speaker? Any school or college class, club, church, or organization in Idaho can request a Visiting Scientist. Some speakers may be available to travel beyond the state's scenic borders, but requests inside Idaho receive the highest priority.
Who pays the cost of the Visiting Scientist Program? Academy members donate their personal time and professional expertise to the Visiting Scientist Program as their contribution to science and education in Idaho. A portion of the expense incurred by our speakers and the Academy is supported by a grant from NASA - Idaho Space Grant Consortium.
The IAS Visiting Scientist Program is currently being reorganized. A current roster of speakers and topics will be posted when it is available.
For more information, contact:
Idaho Academy of Science
909 Lucille Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201-2542
(208) 234-7001
E-mail: IdAcadSci@aol.com