The rationale for our group is simple. When you need help or information in a specialized area, then you should be able contact someone who is an expert in that area. For example, people can go to a dentist for a toothache or to a mechanic when something is wrong with their car. Thus, why not communicate with scientists specializing in evolution when questions arise on this topic?

The three-fold purpose of our group is to:
1) visit local K-12 classes to provide engaging experiences and instruction in natural sciences including biological evolution
2) provide assistance and workshops for local K-12 teachers who would like to strengthen their background in evolution. (Instruction on evolution and teaching evolution can range from informal one-on-one sessions, to workshops held for groups of teachers either at their school or here at UC. We are willing to structure workshops so they can count towards teachers’ requirements for professional advancement/continuing education.)
3) serve as spokespeople for the local media in order to promote and explain a scientific way of thinking, especially when it involves evolution.

Alphabetical List of Members:

Contact Information	Research Interests & SPEEC activities
Buchholz, Daniel R., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biological Sciences 832 Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9725 buchhodr@ucmail.uc.edu	Role of hormones in development and evolution, frog metamorphosis, comparative endocrinology SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers
Buschbeck, Elke K., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Biological Sciences 805G Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9747 elke.buschbeck@uc.edu	Evolution of the insect visual and other sensory systems: Neuroethology, insect neurobiology, anatomy, physiology, optics, behavior, invertebrate systematics and evolution SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers
Jayne, Bruce C., Ph.D. Professor Biological Sciences 821T Rieveschl Hall phone  (513) 556-7012 jaynebc@email.uc.edu	Functional morphology; evolution of behavior, structure and function; neuromuscular basis of the locomotion of ectothermic vertebrates;  herpetology; natural history and ecology of reptiles SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: "Snakes: an evolutionary oddity"
Lentz, David L., Ph.D. Executive Director Center for Field Studies 1403 Crosley Tower phone (513) 556-9733 david.lentz@uc.edu	Historical ecology, field botany, plant domestication, population genetics and paleoethnobotany of North America, Central Asia and the Neotropics SPEEC activities: 1) class visits,  3) media spokesperson
Maurer, Eric F., Ph.D. Director, Center for Environmental Studies 621 Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9706 eric.maurer@uc.edu	Evolutionary & Aquatic Ecology: Patterns of distribution and diversity Life history, morphological, behavioral evolution; Temperate and arctic lakes & streams SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers, 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: A Tale of Two Sisters: Adaptation in Aquatic Systems or Evolution on Ice: the Arctic, Polar Bears & Adaptation
Meyer, David L., Ph.D. Professor Department of Geology 505 Geology/Physics Bldg. phone (513) 556-4530 david.meyer@uc.edu	Invertebrate paleontology, coral reef ecology, paleoecology, and taphonomy SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson Sample class visit: "Cincinnati's Sea without Fish"
Miller, Arnold I., Ph.D. Professor and Head Department of Geology 500 Geology/Physics Bldg. phone (513)-556-4022 arnold.miller@uc.edu	History of global biodiversity through geological time, major episodes of extinction (mass extinctions) and diversification, paleontology of the Cincinnati region SPEEC activities: 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson
Petren, Kenneth, Ph.D. Associate Professor Biological Sciences 836 Rieveschl Hall phone  (513) 556-9719 petrenk@email.uc.edu	Ecology and evolution of vertebrates; experimental ecology, competition and invasions; molecular phylogenetics; island systems; gecko lizards and Darwin's finches SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers 3) media spokesperson
Polak, Michal, Ph.D. Associate Professor Biological Sciences 724 Rieveschl Hall phone (513) 556-9736 polakm@email.uc.edu	Evolutionary ecology, sexual selection, parasite-host coevolution developmental instability, entomology, insect mating systems SPEEC activities: 1) class visits, 2) assist teachers