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Da Vinci Days will feature fascinating talks on science, mathematics and arts

Image credit: Da Vinci Days

Founded in 1989, Corvallis's premier community festival, Da Vinci Days, is back with a vibrant and exciting series of events to engage people of all ages. Da Vinci Days 2017 will feature a series of five Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) talks and other events the week of May 15-20.

The festival showcases the creativity of community members, students and faculty from Oregon State University, LBCC and local schools.

There will be a high energy show by the musical group Cherry Poppin' Daddies, who have been blending musical genres and breaking boundaries for the past 25 years. The show will take place on Saturday, May 20 at La Sells Stewart Center.

For tickets and more information, please visit link. This year, Da Vinci Days will include talks by Oregon State scientists and mathematicians. Benjamin Dalziel, assistant professor of integrative biology and mathematics, and Tom Dick, professor of mathematics, will share the intellectual and human adventure of research in science and mathematics. The talks are free and open to the public.

Ben Dalziel standing in front of bricks

Ben Dalziel, assistant professor of integrative biology and mathematics.

Dalziel will speak on the beautiful and complicated nature of cities as well as their impact on humans and viruses from the viewpoints of ecology and mathematics.

Dick will explore the aesthetic side of mathematics. Through examples, his presentation will shed light on how mathematical beauty abounds in the natural world.

Science: Monday, May 15, 6:00-8:00 PM, Hilton Garden Inn

Speaker: Benjamin Dalziel

Topic: Cities as natural experiments in ecology and evolution

Mathematics: Friday, May 19, 6:00-8:00 PM, Hilton Garden Inn Speaker: Tom Dick Topic: Seeing the nature of mathematics through the mathematics of nature.

Tom Dick in front of wooden backdrop

Mathematics professor Tom Dick

There will also be talks related to engineering, technology and the arts. Please visit link for a complete schedule of talks.

To make your week unforgettable, Da Vinci Days will also feature an annual Engineering Expo on Friday, May 19 that is sure to delight and enlighten budding scientists and engineers.

The 18th annual Undergraduate Engineering Expo will showcase the engineering talents of undergraduates through the use of models, demonstrations, and posters. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with individual students, ask questions, and exchange ideas.

The Expo will take place 11:00 am-4:00 pm at the Kelley Engineering Center. The event is free and open to the public.