Famed Scientist Jane Goodall to Host Lecture at USF This September

BRADENTON -- The University of South Florida will host guest speaker Jane Goodall on September 9 as part of its Frontier Forum and University Lecture series. Sponsored by the USF College of Arts and Sciences, the event will consist of a presentation by Goodall in which she will discuss her life, career and activism, a Q+A session in which audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions, and a book signing which will feature her latest publication, Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants.

Goodall, a London, England native, is best known for her work with chimpanzees. Having started in 1960, Goodall began observing the Kasakela breed found in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. She continued to participate in these studies for the next five decades in which numerous discoveries on the behavior of these animals have been found. The most groundbreaking, for example, was the fact that chimps are able to construct their own tools, something once believed to be a skill unique to humans.

During the time in between her work, Goodall also managed to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Ethology, the study of animal behavior. This was her first collegiate training experience relating to her study of chimps; beforehand, her research was completely self-directed.

After establishing a great passion and love for chimpanzees, Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977. The organization aims to educate individuals on the importance of protecting the environment and its species, specifically focusing on apes. The Institute has multiple branches established all around the globe with a central research center in Gombe.

Besides working in philanthropy, Goodall has dedicated much time to environmental activism, as well. Despite her ape studies having ended, Goodall continues to share her love for the animals and nature by traveling around the world for nearly 300 days every year to teach and encourage others to protect and care for the environment. She has also been involved in various humanitarian campaigns, being a strong promoter of world peace and cooperation.

Due to her outstanding contributions, Goodall has been the recipient of numerous recognitions. One of her most prestigious honors is the Kyoto Prize, the Japanese equivalent to a Nobel Prize. In addition, she has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace for over 10 years and was deemed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Despite her age, a commendable 80 years old, Goodall continues her work as an environmentalist, humanitarian, and ape-fanatic.

For tickets to the event, visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.