Climate Science: Understanding Global Warming

Dr. David J. Helfand has established himself as a distinguished figure in astronomy and higher education during his remarkable 46-year career at Columbia University, where he served as Chair of the Department of Astronomy for nearly half that time. His impact on science education has been transformative, particularly through his successful integration of science into Columbia's Core Curriculum in 2004, a change he had envisioned since 1982. As the author of over 200 scientific publications and mentor to 22 PhD students, his commitment to education extends beyond research to making science accessible to non-science majors.

Dr. Ivana Nikolić Hughes serves as Director of Frontiers of Science and Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Columbia University, where she brings exceptional academic credentials and innovative leadership to science education. Her academic journey includes a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with Honors from Caltech, where she worked alongside Nobel laureate Frances Arnold, followed by a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2005, where she conducted research as an American Heart Association Fellow in enzymatic catalysis and protein evolution. As Director of Frontiers of Science, Columbia's core science class, she collaborates with faculty across disciplines to develop comprehensive science curriculum that engages students in critical thinking and scientific methodology. Beyond her educational leadership, she directs the K1 Project – Center for Nuclear Issues, where she works with undergraduate students and faculty to promote informed debate on nuclear technologies through research, writing, and film production. Her expertise has been recognized through numerous media appearances and publications in prestigious outlets including The Hill, The Diplomat, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, and Scientific American. Her research work spans from biochemistry to nuclear policy issues, demonstrating her commitment to bridging scientific understanding with public policy. Her international research experience, including work at the University of Nis in Serbia, ETH in Zurich, and the University of Washington, has shaped her global perspective on scientific education and nuclear issues.