Salem State's annual Darwin Festival is a weeklong event that celebrates the work of Charles Darwin, with sessions from leading researchers celebrating the field of biology and its impact on today's world.

All in-person talks will be held in Vets Hall, Ellison Campus Center, North Campus. A number of the talks are webinar only. Events are free and open to the public.

Students and guests who anticipate needing accommodations due to a disability or who have questions about access may contact the Center for Accessible Academic Resources at [email protected] or Ryan Fisher for more information.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, February 10 2025

11am: Founders Lecture - Roger Hanlon, Marine Biological Laboratory

“The Octopus as Tech: Exploring the Science, Art, and Technological Potential of Nature's Most Spectacular Color Change Artist”

Octopus, squid and cuttlefish have mastered the optical illusions that enable them to achieve dynamic and adaptive camouflage and communication. This sophisticated system evolved in some of the most complex ecosystems on earth (e.g. coral reefs) and it has developed into the fastest color change known, due to direct neural control of skin color, pattern, and 3-D texture.

If Darwin had been a diver, perhaps he could have helped answer the why and how of this unique system. In particular, what is the need for speed? I will briefly review the sensory capabilities of cephalopods, then focus first on visual perception of natural backgrounds by cuttlefish to guide dynamic camouflage, which can be implemented in less than one second even in complex visual environments like coral reefs. I will briefly describe how the brain transcribes visual sensory input into motor output that produces appropriate body patterns for camouflage and communication. I will present new field data showing how the fastest color change is used by cephalopods. Then, emphasis will be on neurophysiology of skin chromatophores and iridophores. To better understand camouflage pattern design, we regularly collaborate with art faculty and students. Finally, I will show recent progress in the development of bio-inspired materials and engineering that produce rapid color pattern change for a variety of applications.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biology Department and ThermoFisher Scientific.

Tuesday, February 11 2025

10:50 am: Robert Logan, Biology and Biotechnology Program, Endicott College

“Neurodegeneration: Early Detection, Inflammation, Senescence”

Dr. Robert Logan's talk will explore cutting-edge approaches to understanding and addressing neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Early detection remains critical for improving outcomes, as neurodegeneration is progressive, irreversible, and often diagnosed too late. This talk will highlight Dr. Logan's work in pursuing the potential of retinal imaging as a non-invasive, cost-effective tool for identifying disease-associated biomarkers such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and α-synuclein (αSYN), which appear before irreversible brain damage occurs. The findings of Dr. Logan and his colleagues demonstrate that retinal changes mirror brain pathology, providing a window for early diagnosis and intervention. The talk also examines the role of cellular senescence and inflammation in neurodegeneration, identifying AFF3 and DLC1 as senescence markers in AD retinas and showing that R-Spondin 1 suppresses inflammatory cytokines in human cortical astrocytes. Additionally, Dr. Logan will discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2, revealing its ability to induce Alzheimer’s-like pathology in retinal models. In Drosophila studies, he investigates the effects of prevalent and novel senolytic treatments on neuroprotection and disease modification, as well as the shared molecular pathways between Parkinson’s disease and melanoma. By addressing inflammation, cellular senescence, and retinal biomarkers, his research highlights promising strategies for improving diagnostics, preventing irreversible brain damage, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases.

Sponsored by the Salem State Biology Department, Sigma Xi North Shore Chapter and ThermoFisher Scientific

12:15 pm: Nicholas Geron, Geography and Sustainability Department, Salem State University

"Searching for Shade: Adapting to Extreme Heat in the Northeast USA”

In early 2024, the world passed the 1.5C warming threshold for the first time. In the northeast of the United States, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent while aging infrastructure is not designed for a warmer climate. Cities across the northeast have responded by planting millions of trees to increase resilience and adaptability. In this talk I will evaluate different types of tree planting by examining how large shade trees such as Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) impact temperature compared to flowering smaller trees such as Dogwoods (Cornus kousa).

Sponsored by the Salem State University Geography and Sustainability Department and the Charles Albert Read Trust

Wednesday, February 12 2025

9:25 am: Luke Conlin, Chemistry and Physics Department, Salem State University

"Evolution at the Cosmic Scale”

Why do we find ourselves in a Universe that is hospitable for life?  How has order emerged in a Universe that - according to the laws of physics - should be becoming more disordered?  To address these questions, modern cosmologists have been taking inspiration from Darwinian evolution.  Can we extend the principles of evolution beyond the biosphere to understand the evolution of the universe as a whole?  This talk will describe two approaches to the study of cosmic evolution and assess their potential to answer some of our biggest questions.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Chemistry and Physics Department and the Charles Albert Read Trust

12:15 pm: Jess Stephens, Biology Department, Westfield State University

“Revisiting Darwin's Insectivorous Plants: Modern Insights into Carnivorous Plant Evolution”

Charles Darwin is widely known for On the Origin of Species, but his curiosity extended far beyond animals; he was also a passionate botanist with a deep fascination for carnivorous plants. His 1875 work, Insectivorous Plants, investigated how carnivorous plants have adapted to trap and digest prey. In this talk, I will revisit Darwin’s early contributions to our understanding of carnivorous plant evolution and explore how recent advances in evolutionary biology have expanded his work.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biology Department and ThermoFisher Scientific

Thursday, February 13 2025

9:25 am: Stephanie Poindexter, Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo (Zoom Webinar)

"Surviving the Night: Lessons from Nocturnal Primates”

Surviving the night requires unique adaptations, but what can nocturnal primates teach us about evolution? I delve into this question by highlighting the difference between the day and night and the strategies nocturnal primates use to navigate their environment. Through their survival strategies, we can uncover elements of our own evolutionary history.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biology Department and the Charles Albert Read Trust

10:50 am: Cara Pina, Biology Department, Framingham State University

“Survival under pressure: Stress Responses in Bacteria and the Academic Journey of Students of Color.”

A variety of stressors threaten bacterial survival triggering intricate defense mechanisms that enable adaptation and persistence in hostile environments. Similarly, students with identities that have been minoritized or marginalized in STEM often face unique pressures, such as systemic inequities, cultural isolation, and resource disparities, which require significant resilience to overcome. This talk discusses examples of research and how they can promote student resilience while highlighting the importance of support systems, adaptability, and advocacy for students with the hopes of inspiring systemic changes that promote equity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biology Department and the Charles Albert Read Trust

1:40 pm: Gavin Gleasman, Geological Sciences Department, Salem State University

“How Do Hurricanes and Wildfires Influence Earth’s Carbon and Water Cycles?”

Hurricanes and wildfires are notorious environmental disturbances that greatly influence local hydrological, biological, geological, and chemical mechanisms, commonly known as hydro-biogeochemical processes. Under steady-state conditions, the interconnected relationship between hydro-biogeochemical processes is routinely recognized. During hurricanes and wildfires, the routine relationships between hydro-biogeochemical processes become more complex. Empathetically, the visible alterations from hurricanes/wildfires are commonly recognized. However, in this presentation, we will discuss the invisible influence hurricanes/wildfires have on hydro-biogeochemical processes governing the carbon and water cycle.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Geological Sciences Department and the Charles Albert Read Trust

Alumni-Student Social

Please consider joining us for an alumni-student evening from 6:30-9 pm Thursday evening in the commuter lounge of the Ellison Campus Center. For questions and to RSVP, please contact Ryan Fisher.

Friday, February 14 2025

9:25 am: BioSociety, moderated by Brenna Dillon, BioSociety President, Salem State University

“Diversity in STEM Panel”

Meet, listen, and ask questions of role models on campus representing minority communities in American Society. Hear their background and current research. Make connections for future relations in school and beyond.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biological Society and ThermoFisher Scientific

10:50 am: Pamela Rosales, Ph.D. Candidate, Brandeis University

“The Intersection of Homologous Recombination and Heterochromatin Maintenance in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae.”

Mating-type switching in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a fascinating process that enables haploid yeast cells to switch mating types, facilitating diploid formation and enhancing genetic diversity within populations. This process is initiated by a DNA double-strand break and is dependent upon homologous recombination at a heterochromatic donor template to repair the break. My research focuses on understanding the regulatory mechanisms that govern this process, emphasizing the interplay between homologous recombination and heterochromatin maintenance. This talk will delve into my ongoing efforts to investigate how these two processes are coordinated and influence genome stability and gene regulation.

Sponsored by the Salem State University Biology Department and ThermoFisher Scientific

Founded in 1980 by Philip A. DePalma and Virginia F. Keville.

Date: February 10 - 14, 2025

Location: Salem State University - 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970.

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