The final two lectures in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science’s (FMS) Anthropocene-themed research colloquium series will focus on Indigenous mathematics and sustainable mining practices.

“The Anthropocene: From Dusk till Dawn” features speakers from Brock University and the external community discussing humans’ dark impact on the world and the bright solutions for the future.

Edward Doolittle, Associate Dean of Research and Associate Professor of Mathematics with First Nations University of Canada’s Department of Indigenous Knowledge and Science, will present Indigenous Mathematics: A Survival Kit on Monday, May 13 from noon to 1 p.m. in Rankin Family Pavilion room RFP 214/215.

Doolittle, who is Kanyen’kehake (Mohawk) from Six Nations in southern Ontario, will speak about mathematics consistent with Indigenous oral traditions and the way in which Indigenous culture understands the world. He believes mathematics education should include teachings about tradition, culture, ethics and responsibility.

Brock University alumnus Joshua Clarke (BSc ’18, PhD ’22), will present Redefining Resources: Destiny Copper’s Sustainable Production in the Anthropocene on Thursday, June 6 from noon to 1 p.m. in RFP 214/215.

As Lead Chemist for Destiny Copper, Clarke will discuss how the company is helping reduce the environmental impacts of tailing ponds — temporary storage facilities for the byproducts of the industrial mining process — by using an energy efficient copper extraction technology. The process not only addresses the problem of heavy metal impurities in mining waste, but also allows the production of electrical grade copper with a minimal carbon footprint.

Visit the Anthropocene Colloquium Research Series web page for more information.