Gobabeb, Grinnell and the Namib Sand Sea

Mary Seely, a scientist with a history of work in environmental science, education and policy in southern Africa, will deliver a lecture at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2015, the Noyce Science Center, Room 2021.

Seely's lecture is titled "Gobabeb, Grinnell and the Namib Sand Sea: A Case Study in the Application of Science to Education and Public Policy in a Developing Country." In her talk, Seely will explore the evolution of the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre in Namibia, with a focus on Grinnell College's involvement with the Centre's success.

A visionary scientist and teacher, Seely served as director of the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia and the Gobabeb Research and Training Center. Gobabeb has hosted 32 Grinnell graduates since 2000 as they have completed a year of post-graduate service in the Grinnell Corps-Namibia program, contributing to the Center’s research and training mission.

Gobabeb has also hosted multiple visits of staff, students and faculty over the years. In recognition of her many contributions, Seely has received numerous awards for her work on desert research and conservation. She will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree at Grinnell's commencement ceremonies on Monday, May 18.

Seely’s visit is sponsored by the Center for International Studies and the Department of Biology.

Grinnell welcomes and encourages the participation of people with disabilities. The Noyce Science Center has accessible parking in the lot across the street from the building east of the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center. Accommodation requests may be made to Conference Operations.