Ken Catania to Present Evolution-focused, Spooky Halloween Talk
By Danielle Bowden, Evolutionary Studies administrative specialist
Nashville, TN –– Vanderbilt University’s Evolutionary Studies Initiative is thrilled to announce that distinguished evolutionary biologist Kenneth Catania will be delivering the Halloween Spooktacular Lecture as part of the ESI seminar series. Catania is a professor of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. The lecture, titled “Science Lessons from Zombies, Chestbursters, and Aliens,” will take place on October 30, at 2:45pm in Medical Research Building (MRB) III room 1220.
Catania received his B.S. in zoology from the University of Maryland, in 1989. He worked as a research assistant at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. Catania then received his Ph.D. from the University of California in 1994.
Catania’s research focuses on the sensory systems and behaviors of specialized animals, such as star-nosed moles, electric eels, and naked mole-rats. Catania’s studies have led to several fascinating discoveries, including how electric eels use electrical discharges to stun prey, and how the star nosed mole possesses an exceptionally fast and sensitive snout for detecting prey.
His contributions to science have earned him prestigious honors, such as the MacArthur Fellowship in 2006 and the Searle Scholar Award in 2001. Recently, his book, Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution’s Mysteries Solved received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books for Young Adults. His research is widely recognized for shedding light on how animals evolve, integrating behavioral studies with neuroanatomical research to explore how sensory systems and the brain adapt to unique ecological niches. Through his studies, Catania has illuminated how animals adapt their sensory systems to thrive in unique environments.
The Evolutionary Studies Initiative at Vanderbilt University fosters collaboration among scholars from diverse disciplines with a shared passion for evolution-related fields. Please join us on October 30 to be part of our Halloween Spooktacular seminar with Ken Catania.