With a PhD in genetics and a good sense of humor, Joylette Portlock, PhD, has helped educate the general public through her online video series about climate change. Now, she has a chance to step out from behind the camera and speak at Carlow University.
In celebration of women’s history month, Portlock will speak in Carlow University’s Kresge Theatre, located on the fifth floor of Grace Library, on March 13, 2013, starting at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Portlock is the creator and star of “Don’t Just Sit There–Do Something,” a series of online videos that discuss climate change issues in simple terms while mixing in a couple of laughs. With each video posting, she gives a simple recommendation, like washing clothes in cold water, and a larger action, like signing a petition, to help make the world a better place.
But don’t let her down-to-Earth approach to the topic fool you. Portlock studied biology at M.I.T. and received her PhD in genetics from Stanford. She currently works for PennFuture, a statewide environmental advocacy group, as a Western Pennsylvania outreach coordinator. Portlock also serves on the Allegheny County Board of Health.
Her talk at Carlow will focus on science literacy in the United States, proving global climate change exists, and giving simple solutions for both individuals and nations to employ to help slow down climate change. The event is sponsored by the Carlow University Women’s Studies Program and Office of Diversity Initiatives.