NEW CONSTRUCTIONS / The Recreation of the Human
PUSH 2006: A New Life, Session 3
It's been the subject of "experiment gone awry" stories from Frankenstein to The Terminator. Throughout time humans have been both fascinated with and frightened by the power to create and define life. Advances in biotechnology, nanotechnology and physics have now made this fiction an astounding reality and ethical, economic, and strategic implications are all requiring our attention at this incredible point in time. We'll get a guided tour of this next breakthrough in human evolution from some of the people leading the way.
LAWRENCE KRAUSS
Lawrence M. Krauss is Ambrose Swasey Professor of Physics, Prof of Astronomy, and Director of the Center for Education and Research in Cosmology and Astrophysics. Krauss received his PhD from MIT in 1982 and then joined the Society of Fellows at Harvard University. He was appointed to the faculty of physics and astronomy at Yale University in 1985, and then joined Case as Chair of Physics in 1993. The author of 7 popular books including international bestseller, The Physics of Star Trek, and the award winning, Atom, and his newest book, Hiding in the Mirror: The Mysterious Allure of Extra Dimensions from Plato to String Theory and Beyond, Krauss is also a regular radio commentator and essayist for newspapers such as the New York Times, and appears regularly on television. Krauss is one of the few well known scientists today described by such magazines as Scientific American as a public intellectual, and with activities including performing with the Cleveland Orchestra, he has also crossed the chasm between science and popular culture. At the same time he is a highly regarded international leader in cosmology and astrophysics, and is the author of over 200 papers, winner of numerous international awards for his research accomplishments and his writing (he is, for example, the only physicist to have been awarded the highest awards of the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Institute of Physics) and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has been particularly active leading the effort by scientists to defend the teaching of science in public schools. His essay in the New York Times on Evolution and Intelligent Design in May 2005 helped spur the recent controversy that has involved the Catholic Church.
CRASH
CRASH is a vibrant and energizing ensemble that embodies the concept of music in motion. Performing the visual percussion works of Mary Ellen Childs, the ensemble's bold, visceral style combines the power of drumming with an elegant sensibility. The union of sight and sound creates an impact that audiences have responded to with tremendous enthusiasm.
Erik Barness, Heather Barringer, Perter O'Gorman, Eric Sundeen The four members of CRASH musical and movement backgrounds that range from marching bands and new music, to jazz and rock bands, orchestral work, tai chi and dance. Many are recognized teachers, authors, composers and improvisers. CRASH has performed at the Bang on a Can Festival in NYC, at the Walker Art Center, at the Governor's Resident Artists Showcase in St. Paul, and at venues across the country.
MUKARA MEREDITH
Mukara Meredith, MSW, is the developer of MATRIXWORKS, a unique leadership training program that works with groups and communities as living systems, helping cross–functional teams to become so connected to each other that their creativity happens with breath–taking speed and brilliance. MATRIXWORKS was used extensively in the Creativity and Innovation Initiative at Mattel Toy’s Platypus Project and currently in Procter and Gamble’s Creative Clay Street Project. It is also being used to support the implementation of GAP/Old navy’s Growth and Greatness Initiative.
Additionally, Meredith is a certified Hakomi therapist and trainer, a Trager practitioner and teacher, and a Buddhist practitioner. The influences of somatic and spiritual psychology are evident in her work, which she has been teaching through courses in Group Process and Group Dynamics at Naropa University since 1993. Meredith is devoted to exploring the practical application of world wisdom teachings in everyday life.
JACK ULDRICH
Jack Uldrich is the author of four books, including the award–winning, bestseller, The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business; Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis & Clark’s Daring Westward Adventure; Soldier, Statesman, Peacemaker: Leadership Lessons from George C. Marshall and, most recently, Investing in Nanotechnology: Think Small. Win Big. He is the president of The NanoVeritas Group—an international leadership and technology consultancy dedicated to helping business, government, and non–profit organizations prepare for and profit from the emerging field of nanotechnology. Clients include Fortune 100 companies, venture capital firms and state and regional governments.
Uldrich is a regular contributor on nanotechnology for The Motley Fool, and his written works have also appeared in The Wall Street Reporter, Leader to Leader, The Futurist, The Scientist, CityBusiness, The Futures Research Quarterly, TechStation Central and scores of other newspapers around the country.
He is a frequent speaker on the nanotechnology and leadership lecture circuit sand has addressed numerous businesses, trade associations and investment groups, including General Mills, Pfizer, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and is a regular guest on CNBC and CNN. Uldrich, a former naval intelligence officer and Defense Department official, also served as the Director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning under Governor Jesse Ventura.