According to physics, light is electromagnetic radiation to which the eyes react. As a noun, light is defined as a source of illumination, radiance from a particular source; it also means daybreak. As a verb, light ignites, switches on, brightens, and illuminates. There are expressions we use everyday that pertain to light, such as “going towards the light,” “coming to light,” “shedding light,” “bringing to light,” etc. While there are physical and technical definitions of light, light is also an abstract idea that has fascinated and inspired humanity for eons. Light is a symbol for hope, goodness, curiosity, and the inexplicable. We chase after light, this intangible thing we strive to define, whether that be allegorical or literal.
In our 2019 event, we aim to explore the deeper questions pertaining to light:
What light are scientists shedding within their fields? What are the latest new ideas and discoveries?
How can we open our eyes to the metaphoric light within others and ourselves?
Can we shine light on issues long held in the dark and gain new perspective?
What can we do to bring light into the darker aspects of life?
Is there a spiritual light within and/or around us and, if so, how can we perceive it?
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.
Eugene Cordero, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Meteorology and Climate Science, San Jose State University
Dr. Eugene Cordero is currently employed as a professor in the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State University. His research interests are aligned with understanding how our climate is changing as a result of both natural and anthropogenic processes, dealing with climate change and atmospheric dynamics. Some of his present projects in this field include the detection and attribution of climate change and wave-ozone feedbacks and the solar cycle. Dr. Cordero is presently interested in developing new methods for teaching climate change that engage the public and ultimately stimulate social change.Gabriel Guillén
Assistant Professor of Spanish and Summer Intensive Spanish Program Coordinator, Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Dr. Gabriel Guillén is an assistant professor in Spanish at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). At MIIS, Dr. Guillén teaches language courses such as Spanish Social Entrepreneurship, Spanish Storytelling, and Spanish in the Community, connecting Spanish and English learners in Monterey County. His research focuses on language learning social networks for both formal and informal learners, which led him to launch the first community of blogs for the interchange of languages back in 2006. Thirteen years later, Dr. Guillén is still an active researcher and practitioner in the field of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) with a new focus on local intercultural exchangesKakani Katija
Principal Engineer, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Dr. Kakani Katija is a bioengineer dedicated to developing underwater technologies to better observe biological and physical processes where they happen in the ocean. She is currently a principal engineer and principal investigator at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and heads the Bioinspiration Lab. Dr. Katija was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2011 and a Kavli Research Fellow in 2013. Although Dr. Katija currently does her research in the ocean, her education began in aeronautics and astronautics at the University of Washington, before receiving her Ph.D. in bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Katija is a former ice dancer and member of the U.S. International Figure Skating Team.Kimberly M. Dalal, M.D.
Medical Director of Surgical Oncology at The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Medical Director of Pancreas Surgical Oncology at the California Pacific Medical Center, Sutter Health.
Dr. Kimberly Moore Dalal is the medical director of Surgical Oncology at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and medical director of Pancreas Surgical Oncology at the California Pacific Medical Center, Sutter Health. Dr. Dalal was awarded a four-year U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend college and was named the 1991 U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet of the Year. She graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude. While serving at Travis Air Force Base in the United States Air Force as Chief Surgical Oncologist, Lieutenant Colonel Dalal was deployed to Afghanistan. In 2010, Dr. Dalal began to care for patients as a community general surgical oncologist in Burlingame, CA, and cultivated relationships with physicians and patients in a larger geographic area in Northern California and established a collaborative, multidisciplinary pancreas surgical oncology program in Sutter Health.Organizing team
