Lake Michigan College Mendel Center

The blending of science and photography featured in the second National Geographic Live virtual event presented by The Mendel Center

BENTON HARBOR, MI – As an official venue partner of the National Geographic Live speaker series, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor is offering the second of three virtual events on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 7 pm with Scientific Exposure.

 

Natural history photographers working with National Geographic have often emerged from scientific backgrounds, enabling them to reveal wildlife and our natural world in surprising ways. Molecular biologist-turned-photographer Prasenjeet Yadav combines his experience in research with his photography skills to highlight natural history and science stories in Asia. Anand Varma has developed innovative techniques to create stunning images of creatures whose details are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

 

Join them for stories and conversation on the intriguing intersection of science and photography.

 

About the speakers

Anand Varma

Anand Varma graduated with a degree in integrative biology from UC Berkeley and uses photography to share the story behind the science on everything from honeybee health to hummingbird biomechanics. He works to reveal the invisible details around us with the goal of sparking a sense of wonder about our world. Since receiving an Early Career Grant from National Geographic in 2010, he has photographed numerous stories for National Geographic magazine, including the 2014 cover story called “Mindsuckers.” His recognitions include National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Media Innovation Fellow, Photographer of the Year, and World Press Award for best nature story.

 

Prasenjeet Yadav

Prasenjeet Yadav is a molecular ecologist-turned-natural history and science photographer based in India. He combines his research experience with his photography skills to popularize ecological and conservation sciences to a wider audience. To create impactful stories, he collaborates with researchers, administrators, policy makers, and conservationists. His previous projects have focused on topics such as species adaptation in sky islands, ecological impacts of sustainable energy, and human-animal interaction. He is a founding member of Shoot for Science, an initiative to train scientists in visual science communication. Yadav is a contributing photographer for publications including National Geographic magazine, National Public Radio, and Wired.

 

The National Geographic Live speaker series delivers behind-the-scenes stories, stunning imagery, and gripping footage from world-renowned photographers, scientists, authors, filmmakers, conservationists, and adventurers. While Nat Geo Live speakers are normally brought to venues in person, only live virtual events will be offered in early 2021 due to COVID-19.

 

A flexible registration pricing range of $15 - $25 per event allows participants to support the series as they are able while making these presentations accessible and affordable. Online passes are available for purchase at www.TheMendelCenter.com or by calling the box office at 269-927-8700,

option 1, Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. At this time, walk-in box office hours are not available in the interest of the health and safety of patrons and staff.

 

Other upcoming National Geographic Live virtual events presented by The Mendel Center include

Life on Other Worlds on Tuesday, January 19, 7 pm, and Feats in Filmmaking on Tuesday, March 16, 7 pm.

 

The National Geographic Live virtual event series is supported by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It is also supported by the Gast Young People’s Performance Endowment.

Posted January 12, 2021