August 2016
The Eagle and the Archaeologists: The Lindbergh’s 1929 Aerial Survey of Southwest Prehistoric Sites
Pilot Charles Lindbergh (the “Lone Eagle”) is best known for his famous 1927 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. But Lindbergh, and his wife Anne, also played an important role in southwestern archaeology. During the summer of 1929, they worked with noted archaeologist Alfred Kidder to conduct the first extensive aerial photographic survey of southwestern prehistoric sites; taking numerous photos and even landing at remote Canyon de Chelly. The presentation features many of their historic photographs and describes this important –…
Find out more »September 2016
Arizona Springs: 10,000 Points of Life
Springs are ecosystems that occur where groundwater reaches the Earth’s surface. Springs are generally small but are significant hotspots of biological and cultural diversity. In this talk, we will explore the great diversity of life forms that occupy Arizona springs, including rare plants, strange insects, and the remarkable group of Arizona fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals that dwell at springs. Living and preserved specimens will help illustrate the life of Arizona’s springs. This presentation will provide information about the natural…
Find out more »January 2018
FRANK Talks: Securing the Borders and Stopping Terrorism – Anthem
Securing the Borders and Stopping Terrorism: A Constitutional Framework Dr. T.J. Davis, Arizona State University, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies Protecting its people is among the first priorities of any government. The Constitution’s Bill of Rights provides both for protection of the people, but also protects against undue intrusion by the government. How should the U.S. Constitution’s system of checks and balances operate in securing U.S. borders and stopping terrorism? Who poses a danger to U.S. security and…
Find out more »February 2018
FRANK Talks: Information Warfare as the New Battlespace – Anthem
Weaponized Narrative: Information Warfare as the New Battlespace Dr. Braden Allenby, Arizona State University, President’s Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering, and Lincoln Professor of Engineering and Ethics Weaponized narrative is the latest term for information warfare, focusing specifically on the role of new media in shaping opinion. Weaponized narratives attack the shared beliefs and values of a person or society, and undercut culture and resiliency. Instead of using actual bombs and bullets, adversaries use tactics such as deceptive information…
Find out more »March 2018
FRANK Talks: Immigrants and the American Dream – Anthem
Immigrants and the American Dream: We the People Today and Tomorrow Dr. T.J. Davis, Arizona State University, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies The United States of America has long touted itself as the land of immigrants, and is demographically more diverse than at any time in our nation’s history. Yet the source and substance of immigration have been topics of continuous debate. How do domestic conditions, regional competition, geopolitics, and foreign policy affect immigration today? Who can become…
Find out more »April 2018
FRANK Talks: The Impact of Fake News in the Real World – Anthem
“Fake News”: The Impact of Fake News in the Real World Jamie Bowen, Arizona State University, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Although not new, our awareness and use of the term “fake news” has risen in prominence. In general, “fake news” is media that consists of deliberate misinformation, news whose main purpose is to distort “the truth for emotional persuasion, seeking to drive action.” More recently it has become a catchall term used to discredit stories, and…
Find out more »May 2018
FRANK Talks: Challenges to Democracy from the Extremes – Anthem
Challenges to Democracy from the Extremes Dr. Albrecht Classen, University of Arizona, Department of German Studies and Director of Undergraduate Studies The recent death of a demonstrator in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the ongoing tension between political parties, highlights the danger of ideological extremism in the U.S. What is Neo-National-Socialism? How do we address ideological extremes within the framework of our Constitution and the First Amendment? Cultural clashes spurred by divergent views and values are not new to our national history.…
Find out more »June 2018
FRANK Talks: Is Genetically Modified Food (GMO) a Solution? – Anthem
Eradicating Global Hunger: Is Genetically Modified Food (GMO) a Solution? Julian Kunnie, University of Arizona, Religious Studies/Classics/Africana Studies/Indigenous/Globalization Studies Technological innovations in the early 21st century have promoted the development of genetically modified seeds and foods, as a potential solution to the crisis of world hunger. Eighty percent of the corn, soy, and cotton cultivated in the U.S. today, is genetically modified. Is GMO seed and food production the best solution to address hunger and food shortages? What are the…
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