Assignment:
Dr. Geerat Vermeij
Biography
Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, a renowned blind marine biologist who carries the title of Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of California in Davis, generously offered his time and expertise during the National Federation of the Blind's first Science Academy (2004) for blind teens interested in science. Dr. Vermeij believes observation skills are best perfected using hands and touch--particularly with the blind--and combined this philosophy along with his background in science to teach the inaugural Science Academy participants. He perfected his own sense of touch by working with his hands from an early age and has since followed his lifelong dream to work as a scientist and distinguish and group mollusks by their shells--unique characteristics. From middle school to university settings, Dr. Vermeij shares his fascination with science through an enthusiasm that spreads to his students. Together they apply his research to various areas of science and the history of life. As a scientist, he stimulates curiosity that offers his students a better understanding of the world in which they live.
When Dr. Vermeij isn't teaching in the classroom, he enlightens blind students on the beauty of science and the history of life. He encourages them to pursue their interest or even career in the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics--the natural sciences--by showing them it is possible. While Dr. Vermeij aims to inspire, he also enforces that life in science demands systematic, rigorous, and usually quantitative thinking; objectivity; and a willingness to analyze.
His research is concentrated on fossil and living mollusks, like snails and clams. Indeed, his intrigue with snails is as much aesthetic as scientific because he sees their beauty as a natural artistic phenomenon. Dr. Vermeij also studies technological innovations that will lead to a stronger analysis of how workable ecosystems are constructed and maintained and an understanding of how shifting availability of resources effects the organisms in past and present ecosystems.
Materials to Review
First, read this short biography and interview with Dr. Vermeij about his research and career.
Next, watch the video below about how Dr. Vermeij is about to observe shells with his fingers to study their defense mechanisms.
Play media comment.
Discussion Posts
Initial post: You will then compose your 250 word or more reflection on the following questions.
1. What was most interesting or most confusing about Geerat Vermeij and his work?
2. What did you learn from Dr. Vermeij's work on sea shells?
3. What do these materials tell you about the types of people that do science?
4. What new questions do you have after reviewing these materials?