Delving into the impacts of economic and social disruptions on society, environmental social scientist Adam Dorr will present a lecture at Utah Tech University on Sept. 20.
Dorr, the director of research for the RethinkX think tank, is the latest speaker in Utah Tech’s Human <–> Tech Speaker Series. He will present “Rethinking Humanity: Reasons for Optimism Amidst the Disruptions” at 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the Zion Room, located on the fifth floor of the Holland Centennial Commons on the Utah Tech campus. The lecture is a free public event and everyone is invited to attend.
“Adam Dorr’s work on the impact of social and environmental disruptions on humanity is very much in keeping with UT’s human-centered approach to problem-solving,” said Dr. Stephen Lee, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences. “While we face grave challenges ahead, Dr. Dorr’s work shows why it is both necessary and economically viable to address those big problems now.”
Dorr’s presentation will tackle the topics addressed in RethinkX’s book “Rethinking Humanity.” The book is available as a free download here.
Dorr’s recent RethinkX publications have focused on the disruption of the global energy sector by new energy generation and storage technologies as well as the implications of the energy, transportation and food disruptions for climate change. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability and a doctorate from at University of California, Los Angeles’ Luskin School of Public Affairs.
As an independent think tank, RethinkX analyzes and forecasts the speed and scale of technology-driven disruption and its implications across society. The organization produces impartial, data-driven analyses that identify pivotal choices to be made by investors, business, policy and civic leaders.
Utah Tech’s Human <–> Tech Speaker Series is a collaboration between the university’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the Division of Academic Affairs. The series reflects on the relationship between technology and society that is at the center of UT’s mission to be the only open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university in the nation.
“Utah Tech’s comprehensive polytechnic mission encourages the faculty and staff to reimagine how we address societal challenges,” said Dr. Michael Lacourse, UT’s vice president of academic affairs and provost.
As part of this model, Utah Tech offers active learning within all academic disciplines to ensure students graduate career ready. Students make, create and innovate in the classroom and online while gaining real-world active learning experiences through internships, clinical experiences, undergraduate research, industry partnerships and service learning.
“UT’s polytechnic mission means we tackle social problems from multiple perspectives, especially the humanities,” Lee said. “Our emphasis on preparing students with a wide range of job skills means they will be prepared for their first job and their sixth.”
For more information about UT’s Human <–> Tech Speaker Series, visit humantech-ut.com or to learn about Utah Tech University’s human-centered approach to technology, visit utahtech.edu/polytech.