Beyond Evolution: Renowned complexity theorist to speak at Vassar, January 31

Stuart Kauffman, a key figure in "complexity" studies which challenge Darwin's theory of evolution, will deliver the Thomas Tsao '86 Memorial Lecture at 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, in the Villard Room, Main Building, at Vassar College.

This one-time lecture will honor the life of Tom Tsao, a Vassar alumnus. Tsao's friends and family have contributed to a fund which will support an endowed scholarship and a memorial bench on campus in his memory. Merrill Lynch, Tsao's employer at the time of his death, is underwriting the full cost of the lecture, which is free of charge and open to the public.

Kauffman was awarded a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship in 1987-92. Oxford Press has published three books by Kauffman: "The Origins of Order: Self-Organization and Selection in Evolution," "At Home in the Universe," and, most recently "Investigations."

He received his M.D. from the University of California-San Francisco. After an internship and postdoctoral studies in genetics, Kauffman joined the department of theoretical biology at the University of Chicago. He then went to the Public Health Service at the National Cancer Institute. In 1975, he joined the department of biochemistry and biophysics of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He moved up through the professorial ranks and stayed there until 1980. Since 1985, he has served as a consultant to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and, from 1986 until 1998, as a professor at the Santa Fe Institute.

Kauffman's major areas of research include developmental genetics, theoretical biology, evolution, the origin of life, and economic webs.

For additional information, call the office of campus activities at (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, January 31st, 2001.