UCSB Reads ‘Lab Girl’

In her coming-of-age memoir “Lab Girl,” paleobiologist Hope Jahren “traces her path from an early infatuation with the natural world to her hard-earned accomplishments as a scientist recognized for breakthrough contributions to her field.”

Next stop on Jahren’s path as author of a celebrated book: UC Santa Barbara. “Lab Girl” is the UCSB Reads selection for 2018. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Chancellor Henry T. Yang and Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall kicked off the annual program’s new season by distributing free copies of the book at the UCSB Library.

A full slate of events — performances, live readings, panel discussions, film screenings and more — will take place through the winter and spring quarters, all developed around the author’s own visit to campus. Jahren will give a free lecture and sign copies of her book Tuesday, April 3, at 8 p.m., in Campbell Hall.

Here is a rundown of events scheduled to date:

• Thursday, Jan. 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Professional Development Series for Postdocs and Graduate Students: A Career Journey from Neuroscience to Biology Education, with Kimberly Tanner of San Francisco State University. Elings Hall, 1601.

• Starting Thursday, Feb. 1, 12 p.m.: On-air readings weekdays at noon on KCSB 91.9 FM.

• Thursday, Feb. 1, Feb. 15 and Mar. 1, 12-1 p.m.:  Lab Girl Book Club organized by the Women in Technology Group: Open to all students, staff and faculty. For more information contact Sharon Solis at sharon.solis@sa.ucsb.edu or ext. 4958. SIS&T Conference Room, SAASB 2201A.

• Wednesday, Feb. 7, noon.: Exhibition Tour, “Botanical Illustrations & Scientific Discovery — Joseph Banks & the Exploration of the South Pacific, 1768–1771.” UCSB Library Special Research Collections, Third Floor, Mountain Side.

• Thursday, Feb. 8th, noon-1 p.m.: Food for Thought: Free lunch and discussion of “Lab Girl.” UCSB Student Resources Building Multipurpose Room. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/labgirlstudent or tinyurl.com/labgirlstaff.  

• Thursday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Memoirs and Other Life Stories,” with panelists David Marshall, Shirley Lim and Heather Steffen. UCSB Library Instruction & Training Room 1312.

• Wednesday, Feb. 28, noon-1:30 p.m.: STEM Women’s Faculty Lunch: Free lunch and discussion of the book, led by Kathy Foltz, interim dean of the College of Creative Studies, and Meredith Murr, assistant vice chancellor for research development and strategic planning. For free copies of the book and more information, contact Kelly Pillsbury at pillsbury@research.ucsb.edu. UCSB Library Sunrise Room.

• Tuesday, April 3, 8 p.m.: Author Talk. Free lecture and book signing by Hope Jahren, author of “Lab Girl.” No tickets required; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 7:20 p.m. Line may form earlier. Campbell Hall.

• Friday, April 6, 4 p.m.: Botanical tour of campus. Bruce Tiffney, a professor of earth science, will lead a 90-minute tour of campus plants and trees. Space is limited.  Please contact aregan@ucsb.edu for more information and to reserve a spot. Meet at the library’s West Paseo entrance.

• Tuesday, April 17, 12 p.m.: Exhibition Tour, “Botanical Illustrations & Scientific Discovery — Joseph Banks & the Exploration of the South Pacific, 1768–1771.” UCSB Library Special Research Collections, Third Floor, Mountain Side.

Now in its 12th year, UCSB Reads engages the campus and the Santa Barbara community in conversations about key topics while reading the same book. UCSB Reads is presented by the UCSB Library, in partnership with the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor. A committee comprised of faculty and staff members, administrators and student representatives made this year’s selection.