Former U.S. Ambassador Dennis Jett to kick off Speaker Series March 31

Each year, Penn State Brandywine welcomes a number of distinguished speakers to campus, and this year is no exception. Brandywine will host four speakers who will discuss a variety of topics including the ever-changing weather of the Philadelphia region, foreign affairs, how science and art mix, and geometric patterns found in nature.

Dennis Jett, former American ambassador to Mozambique and Peru, and current professor in the Penn State School of International Affairs, will discuss his book, "American Ambassadors: The Past, Present, and Future of America's Diplomats," at 6 p.m. March 31 in Main Building Room 113. Jett's career in the U.S. Foreign Service spanned 28 years and three different continents. His experience and expertise focus on international relations, foreign aid administration and American foreign policy.

Jan Reimann, an assistant professor of mathematics at Penn State, will explain and display the many hidden geometric patterns found in nature at 6 p.m. April 8 in Main Building Room 113. Reimann's research spans questions on fractal geometry, computability theory, information theory and the foundations of mathematics and science. His research is funded by the National Science Foundation and has been recognized by an award from the John Templeton Foundation.

Cameron Conaway is one of Penn State Brandywine's own and his book "Malaria, Poems" was named one of National Public Radio's 2014 best books. Conaway is a creative writing instructor at Penn State Brandywine and former mixed martial arts fighter. Conaway will bridge the gap between the topics of science and art at 6 p.m. April 15 in Main Building Room 113.

The final lecture of the series will be held at 6 p.m. April 22 in Main Building Room 101. Jon Nese, former on-air storm analyst at The Weather Channel and current Penn State faculty member in the meteorology department, and Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz, chief meteorologist on Philadelphia's NBC10, will present about the ever-changing weather patterns of the Philadelphia region. The pair wrote "The Philadelphia Area Weather Book" in 2005.

Each event is free and light refreshments will be served. Due to limited space, please RSVP to [email protected] or by calling 610-892-1212. Visit Brandywine's Speaker Series webpage for more information about these and other upcoming speakers.