Learning for Life
Launched in 2014, the Robert Searson Learning for Life program promotes lifelong learning through engaging programs on a variety of academic and community-oriented topics organized and conducted by Tri-C faculty and guest speakers.
The series gives members of the College and community a chance to discuss topics, including the arts, culture, wellness and current local, national and international events. Come learn with us!
2024-2025 series — Art, Science and Culture Lecture Series
Art, science and culture have always been central to human existence, shaping our perspectives, enriching our lives, and reflecting our shared humanity. Yet, in today's fast-paced world, the value of these foundational elements often feels overlooked. Despite the noise and distraction around us, we know that art, scientific discovery and cultural engagement are powerful tools that can inspire, educate and bring people together.
The Art, Science and Culture Lecture Series will delve into these essential aspects of our lives, exploring how they intersect and influence each other. Join faculty, staff, community members and students as we engage in discussions on the profound impact of creativity, innovation and cultural expression. Each lecture will spotlight a different topic within the arts, science and culture, guided by experts from both within Tri-C and the broader community. These sessions are designed to be accessible, with free or low-cost entry, inviting everyone to connect, learn and be inspired.
Upcoming Sessions
How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity
Climate change has significant impacts on biodiversity, including shifts in species distributions, altered ecosystem dynamics and increased risks of extinction, requiring urgent action to mitigate these effects. Direct impacts include changes in temperature and precipitation, sea level rise, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, shifts in species distributions, disrupted ecosystem interactions, increased disease outbreaks, and habitat loss and degradation — to name a few.
- Wednesday, April 9 | Noon – 1 p.m.
- SHCS 133 | Westshore Campus
About the Presenter
Jenise M. Snyder, Ph.D., is the associate dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the Metropolitan Campus. In her previous role as the dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies at Ursuline College, she was a professor of biology and taught environmental and ecological courses to undergraduate students. Her expertise broadly includes the nexus of plant, soil and water with an emphasis on biogeochemical cycling, decomposition and plant reproductive biology.
As a lifelong educator, she is also interested in best practices in climate literacy and online STEM education, attending several professional development workshops with NASA, NOAA and the NSF. As a first-generation college graduate, she is a proud alum of Miami Dade College. She graduated from Florida International University with a B.S. in Biology Education, where she completed her preservice teaching and development by creating and implementing hands-on STEM curricula for under-resourced schools.
Upon graduation, she taught high school biology and environmental science in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She then completed her M.S. in Biology at Florida International University and earned her Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of California, Davis, where she studied the plant ecology of wetland plants within the Florida Everglades and Belize. Snyder is widely published and has presented at numerous academic conferences on STEM education and ecology.
Stay tuned for future events starting Fall 2025
History of Learning for Life
The Robert Searson Learning for Life program was originally launched in 2014 as the Year of the Brain series, which focused on understanding the complicated nature of the human brain. The series continued to expand and developed into the Learning for Life series, allowing a broader scope. Topics have varied from sustainability to lectures on current faculty and student research projects and more.
Robert Searson served as the first dean of Academic Affairs at the Westshore Campus until his retirement in 2021. He believed that Tri-C could serve as a gateway to connect and enhance the lives of people through innovative educational experiences on campus. In 2022, the Learning for Life series was renamed the Robert Searson Learning for Life series.
Mission
The Robert Searson Learning for Life program provides the College and community with enriching topics and information presented by Tri-C faculty, staff, students and guest speakers, bringing the community lectures on topics such as the arts, culture, wellness and current local, national and international events. The series includes a variety of themes designed to improve the quality of life in our diverse community and establish the Westshore Campus as a resource for learning and enrichment for both students and the greater community.
Archived Learning for Life Presentations
Sept. 17, 2020: A Conversation With Honest Abe
Jan. 29, 2020: The Problem With Plastic Pollution
