Zombies!!! - Fellows Colloquium
Zombies!!! The Physiology of the Undead
Join us via Zoom on October 30 at 7:00pm, when Dr. Mike Harris, an assistant professor in the Biological Sciences Department, will talk about cryptophysiology - the science of zombies! Just in time for Halloween.
Popular culture has presented zombies as bloodthirsty monsters. But could the threat of a zombie apocalypse be real? Understanding this phenomenon is critical to public safety – your safety – and I am here to provide scientific perspectives.
Although actual triggers to the zombie state are not generally known, I will describe how normal human Physiology can produce this transition. Distinctive zombie behaviors can be understood as derivatives of human origin. I will address the discrepancy between slow and fast movement, zombie capacities for strength and endurance, why a compulsion for brains, and the peculiarities of zombie reproduction. Beyond general interest, these insights into the Biological basis of the zombie have practical applications for personal and civil defense. Our "deadicated" attention is needed. Informed today, alive tomorrow!
About the Presenter
Dr. Michael B. Harris
Dr. Michael B. Harris is an Associate Professor of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University Long Beach. He holds BS (Hons), MS, and PhD degrees in Zoology from The University of British Columbia. Following Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Calgary School of Medicine and Dartmouth Medical School, he served 14 years on the faculty of the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he received the Teaching Excellence Award three times. He has 50 peer-reviewed academic publications, and a longstanding interest in the history of science.
Dr. Harris joined the faculty at CSULB in 2016.
