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Jane Poynter's topic is "The Human Experiment."

By University Communications
March 7, 2008

Biospherian Jane Poynter has an insider's view of what it was like to live two years and 20 minutes sealed within a 3-acre world of glass near Oracle, Ariz., in the early 1990s.

Poynter will discuss and autograph copies of her new book, "The Human Experiment," at 1 p.m. tomorrow at The University of Arizona's Biosphere 2. The event is part of the Biosphere 2 spring special event series called "Science Saturdays."

Poynter's book has been described as a tale of "a failing biosphere, cults, love, fears of insanity, and inspiring human endurance."

British-born Poynter describes herself as a TV host, Biosphere 2 crewmember, sustainability consultant, author, speaker and technology company president. She has flown experiments on the International Space Station, worked on projects to mitigate climate change, dived with sharks, raced motorcycles, and flown in zero gravity. She is dedicated to sustainability and living green.

"Science Saturdays" talks begin at 1 p.m. Other Science Saturdays feature "Physics Factory," a program of hands-on learning activities and stage shows that inspire and excite people about physics. Physics Factory runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Science Saturdays schedule:

• Tomorrow, Jane Poynter, Biospherian on Mission 1, "The Human Experiment" discussion and book signing.

• March 15, Physics Factory.

• March 22, UA College of Science Dean and geosciences Professor Joaquin Ruiz, "Earth Evolution: The Formation of Our Planet."

• March 29, Professor Jonathan Chorover of the UA department of soil water and environmental science, "Critical Zone Exploration."

• April 5, Alan Weisman of the UA journalism department, "The World Without Us" discussion and book signing

• April 12, UA planetary sciences Professor Jonathan Lunine, "Exploring the Outer Solar System."

• April 19, Physics Factory

• April 26, Professor David Breshears of the UA School of Natural Resources, "Hot Times and Dead Trees: Change in the West."

• May 3, Linda Leigh, Biospherian on Mission 1, "Life Inside the Biosphere 2."

• May 10, Physics Factory

The Science Saturdays events are included in the cost of admission to Biosphere 2 – $20 for adults, $13 for children ages 6 and older, and free for children 5 and under. UA Cat Card holders are admitted at half price as are parents accompanying their UA students. All admission fees fund Biosphere 2 research.

Biosphere 2 is located on Oracle Road (Highway 77) at Mile Post 96.5. Tours are available seven days a week during visiting hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some areas of the Biosphere 2 tour are occasionally closed because of ongoing research.

Visitors can check for more information on days they plan to visit by telephone, 520-838-6200, or online at www.b2science.org. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the tour trails because the facility is structured for active research.