Join alumni and friends for an event co-hosted by the WashU Alumni Association and Arts & Sciences that's all about exploring the secret life of cats. The domestic cat—your cat—has, from its evolutionary origins in Africa, been transformed in comparatively little time into one of the most successful and diverse species on the planet. Learn why Jonathan Losos, the William H. Danforth Distinguished University Professor and director of the Living Earth Collaborative, is teaching a course on cats and how it relates to the university’s efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustain life on Earth. In his presentation, Losos offers key revelations from his recent book, "The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa," and explores how scientists are using all the cutting-edge tools of biodiversity science (GPS tracking, genomics, forensic archaeology) to understand where cats came from, why they do what they do, and what the future may hold.
All are welcome at this free lecture and post-event reception celebrating the Power of Arts & Sciences. This event will be held in person and livestreamed.
Event Schedule
4:30 p.m. Doors open
5:00 p.m. Program begins
Introduction by Feng Sheng Hu, the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences and Lucille P. Markey Distinguished Professor
Presentation by Jonathan Losos, followed by live Q&A
6:00 p.m. Reception begins in Mark S. Wrighton Hall, Rettner Gallery
7:00 p.m. Reception concludes
Sorry, but registration for this event has closed.