(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Oct. 12, 2017) - - - Columbia State Community College will kick off its ninth annual STEM lecture series featuring professors of the college's Science, Technology and Mathematics division and other guest speakers from the field. The lectures will be held on Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Ledbetter Auditorium.

Mandy Carter-Lowe will present "Journey to Everest: A Physiological Perspective" Oct. 18. She will discuss the physiological challenges of high altitude mountaineering that must be overcome to successfully summit the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. In addition, she will outline unique anatomical and physiological adaptations of the Sherpas, a local ethnic group known for their mountaineering expertise. Although most of the lecture will focus on scientific aspects, a brief historical timeline of Himalayan mountaineering and its presence in literature and film will be addressed.

On Nov. 15 Charles Wasson, founder and principal consultant of Wasson Strategics, LLC, will present. Wasson's lecture will include concepts, principles and practices regarding the topic of Systems Engineering and his unique experiences in the field. Wasson is an internationally recognized author and instructor with rich experience in leading systems engineering and development organizations.

Additional STEM lectures will be announced in the spring.

The STEM lectures are a joint effort between the Columbia State STM division and Lyceum Committee with the goal of providing additional learning opportunities on various aspects of science, technology, engineering and math for the community. Attendees can learn about fascinating topics to enhance their understanding of STEM and its impact on the world around them.

The STEM lectures are free and open to the public. The Ledbetter Auditorium is in the Frank G. Clement Building on the Columbia Campus located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

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