Hosted by the University of Alabama Museums, the John S. Steiner Lecture Series sponsors public lectures on a variety of topics in disciplines emphasized by the Museums such as anthropology, archaeology, biology, geology, paleontology, and history. The lectures feature speakers who are known for being able to discuss science or historical/cultural research with non-academic audiences and engage them in discussions about cutting-edge research.  

Fall 2023 Lecture

Dr. David Shiffman
Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Biologist, Arizona State University

September 16, 2023
11:00 am Lecture, 1001 Math and Science Building; 12:00 pm Reception, Smith Hall

Lecture Title

“Why Sharks Matter”

Speaker Bio

David Shiffman is an interdisciplinary marine conservation biologist interested in the human dimensions of the conservation and management of chondricthyan fishes. His research uses cutting-edge interdisciplinary methods to answer policy-relevant questions about threatened species of public concern. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, National Geographic, and Scientific American, and he writes a monthly column in Scuba Diving Magazine. He can be found on Twitter at @WhySharksMatter, where he’s always happy to answer questions about sharks.

After the lecture, Shiffman will be available to sign copies of his book, Why Sharks Matter, in which he explains why sharks are some of the most fascinating, most ecologically important, most threatened, and most misunderstood animals on Earth, and how we might save them.