Nuclear physicist and chemist to discuss the effects of nuclear power April 18

Ruth Weiner will present “Nuclear Power, Environmental and Health Effects, and Reactor Accidents” as part of Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in the Biology Building Room 212 on Western’s campus.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Weiner’s presentation will include a discussion of ionizing radiation, nuclear power generation, and the causes and effects of the best-known power plant accidents. The presentation will also include a question-and-answer period.

Weiner is an adjunct professor for the department of nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and also serves as the principal member of the technical staff for Sandia National Laboratories. She earned her doctorate in Chemistry from John Hopkins University and both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Physics from University of Illinois. From 1974 to 1993, Weiner was a faculty member in Huxley College, serving as dean from 1974-1977.

The speaker series is held by Western's Huxley College of the Environment to bring together the environmentally minded community and other interested members of the Western and Bellingham communities. Speakers address topics of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

Western’s Huxley College of the Environment is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the nation and a recognized national leader in producing the next generation of environmental stewards. The College’s academic programs reflect a broad view of the physical, biological, social and cultural world. This innovative and interdisciplinary approach makes Huxley unique. The College has earned international recognition for the quality of its programs.

For more information, please contact the main office of Huxley College of the Environment at (360) 650-3520.