Faculty Focus: Colgate Conversations (Audio)

Watkins, a former editor at The New York Times Sunday Book Review, discusses his seminal book On the Real Side, which explores the evolution of African American humor. The alumnus-turned-professor is the author of several other books and numerous articles for national publications.

Soja discusses her research of ancient reefs that recently led her to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Soja also shares the story of Colgate's famous dinosaur egg, an 80-million-year-old fossil now on public display in the university's Robert M. Linsley Geology Museum.

Simpson discusses the economic crisis, President Barack Obama's early initiatives, and how the tight credit markets might affect parents' ability to pay for their children's college educations.

Kellogg talks about her scenic design work for operas such as Margaret Garner, Broadway productions like American Buffalo with Al Pacino, and for Colgate theater.

Haley talks about the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama and its effects on politics, black communities in America, and the nation as a whole.

Huson talks about the off-campus study programs he leads in London and in Japan, and his continuing work with the Smithsonian Institution in leading trips across the Swiss Alps.

Colgate administrators talk about education in the 21st century with the Dalai Lama.

Ghani, former finance minister of Afghanistan, talks about education in developing countries and President Bush’s recent visit to Afghanistan .

Brown talks about web 2.0 applications and virtual worlds and how they can support collaborative learning on today's college campuses.

Monk discusses an international conference hosted by Colgate that examines "forgotten" conflicts. The longtime observer of the Mideast also talks about the Iraq war and U.S. policy.

Johnston talks about how the public's perception of corruption can have significant repercussions for elected officials.

Hodges talks about his academic exploration of New York City’s rich history and his latest book about celebrated Asian American actress Anna May Wong.

Geier talks about his research with carbon-based molecules and the various ways he works with Colgate students in his laboratory.

Coyle, who is faculty adviser to the student-run radio station WRCU and writes record reviews for Cadence magazine, talks about his love of jazz and how he incorporates his knowledge of the music into several of his courses.

Leventer talks about her expeditions to Antarctica to study climate change.

Burnett talks about his lake-effect snow research, which has been widely cited by the local media. It is part of his studies of global climate change.

Chopp talks about science and technology at liberal arts colleges, including how Colgate's new interdisciplinary science building and renovated library will improve teaching on campus.