University Library News Release
Date: October 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, NMSU Library, (575) 646-7492, jcsmith@lib.nmsu.edu
Library Presents "Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact"
NMSU geology professor Dr. Nancy J. McMillan will present a program entitled "Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact: Invention of a Tricorder" on Tuesday, October 27. The program, sponsored by the NMSU Library, will be held at 7 p.m. in Room 225 of Zuhl Library.
The talk, part of the NMSU Library's continuing celebration of the 2009 Year of Science, will be of interest to high school and college students, as well as the general public. Refreshments will be served.
One aspect of McMillan's research is the development of geologic applications of a new chemical analytical technique called LIBS, for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. Star Trek fans know what a tricorder is, the gadget that analyzes everything simply by pointing it at any object. LIBS has the potential to be a real tricorder, as well as the potential to revolutionize rapid, portable chemical analysis.
McMillan currently serves at the Department Head of NMSU's Department of Geological Sciences. She holds a B.S. in Geology and a B.A. in Russian from New Mexico State University and a Ph.D. in geology from Southern Methodist University.
The programs are being organized by science librarians Paula Johnson, Cindy Watkins and Dr. Nirmala Gunapala. For more information, contact the NMSU Library Information Desk at (575) 646-5792.
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