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Science lecture brings hope to Haiti

Let’s Talk Science volunteers at the University of Waterloo recently raised $200 for Red Cross outreach efforts in Haiti by giving a public lecture about the science behind the earthquake that devastated the country.

More than 120 people, including university students and faculty, the general public and youth from local schools listened to the lecture and supported the fundraiser. The event was also captured by CTV News.

“The content of this lecture focused on the geoscience — mechanics and physics — behind the disaster, as much of the recent media has centred on social and political issues,” said Keith Delaney, a PhD student and Let’s Talk Science coordinator and volunteer since 2008. 

Delaney delivered the lecture, which he had prepared along with his PhD supervisor, Professor Steve Evans, an expert in the field of natural disasters and geohazards. Let’s Talk Science coordinator Jeff Perttula managed the fundraising portion of the event.

“We felt that is was important to address the science behind this catastrophic disaster and do so in a way in which the general public could understand,” said Keith. “I feel that this was a positive event in our community – it increased the general public’s knowledge and helped us raise funds for the Haitian people.”