Lecture Open to the Public on September 28, 2011

(Columbia, Tenn. - September 6, 2011) - - - Columbia State Community College's Lyceum Committee, in conjunction with the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division, will host a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lecture entitled, "Wildlife Diversity in Tennessee." Andrea English, instructor of biology at Columbia State, will present the lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Ledbetter Auditorium located in the Frank G. Clement building on the Columbia campus. This event is complimentary and open to the public.

English earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences and a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Tennessee and Austin Peay State University, respectively. She worked professionally in wildlife biology prior to joining the biology department at Columbia State in 2010. This lecture was arranged by the Lyceum Committee as the kickoff for the third season of STEM lectures held at the college for students, employees and the public.

"Tennessee is the most biologically diverse inland state within the United States, although many of its residents may not know that fact," said English. "This is especially true when it comes to the number of wildlife species. For example, Tennessee has 77 species of amphibians, 77 species of mammals, 56 reptiles, 297 nesting birds, 319 fish species and a whopping 517 mollusks. Unfortunately, this species diversity is at risk for a variety of reasons which will ultimately affect citizens of the area."

English's lecture will cover the threats to wildlife diversity in Tennessee and will discuss the conservation measures that are being taken to protect our state's biodiversity. Columbia State is proud to offer this free lecture to anyone who may want to learn more about their local environment.

For more information about this lecture or Columbia State STEM degree programs, contact the Science, Technology and Mathematics Division at (931) 540-2710 or visit www.columbiastate.edu/stm.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

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