W&M Featured Events

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Join us in-person on November 2nd to hear from W&M alumnae authors Bethany Brookshire and Erin Spencer ’14 as they discuss their areas of expertise related to science communication and the tension between human-nature conflict and conversation. Moderated by Faculty Director of the Institute for Integrative Conservation and specialist in human-wildlife interactions, Dr. John Swaddle, listen as these authors share their experiences in the field and on the page. This panel promises to offer new perspectives on how we interact with the natural world.

Bethany will ask us to consider nature and wonders, “Should we reach out and touch it or run screaming the other way? How do our relationships with the natural world influence how we see it, and how we approach trying to save it from our excesses?” Her new book, Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains is about the animals we hate—and more importantly, what it is about us that makes us loathe them. Using stories, humor, and plenty of science, she shows what our interactions with animals reveal about what it is that we want and believe about the world we live in.

Erin will explore how we connect people with nature through science and storytelling, especially those who live far away from the ecosystems and animals who need our help. She asks us to break down the barriers between research and storytelling, engage with nature, and consider why conservation matters to all of us. Her book asks children–and children at heart–to connect with the planet in new ways. 

Both authors will sign their books at the end of the evening, and we encourage you to read them in advance of their talk:

Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains

Written by Bethany Brookshire

The World of Coral Reefs

Written by Erin Spencer

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This Event Appears On

• W&M Featured Events
• Alumni Engagement Events
• Alumni Career & Networking
• Washington Center
• One Network Events