Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series

Fall 2009 Lectures: Animal Intelligence

A Baltimore native, Marjorie Lynn Bank was an award-winning underwater photographer, avid conservationist, and good friend to the National Aquarium.

Marjorie used her photography and her extensive knowledge of marine biology to spread environmental awareness and to promote conservation of the aquatic world. She lectured extensively, and was in demand as a featured speaker.

After her death in 1994, the Aquarium established this lecture series as a tribute to Bank's legacy of conservation and respect for aquatic life. This lecture series features scientists, photographers, conservationists, activists, and researchers who are preeminent in their fields.

September 17, 2009
Dr. Diana Reiss
Reflections on the Animal Mind:
Mirror Self-Recognition in Dolphins and Elephants

Dr. Diana Reiss, National Aquarium research associate and psychologist at Hunter College, CUNY, will discuss her exciting discoveries of the advanced cognitive and communicative abilities of bottlenose dolphins.

She will reveal the first-reported case of a non-human animal, the dolphin, creating its own object of play: bubble rings. Dr. Reiss will also explore the dolphins' ability to recognize their own mirror reflection. A groundbreaking realization, mirror self-recognition (MSR) was once thought to be a hallmark of humanity. This incredible finding gives us further proof of the superior intelligence of these intriguing mammals.

7–9 p.m. in the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Auditorium
Members: $15 adults, $10 children (ages 8–15); non-members: $25 adults; $15 children
Call 410-727-3474 (reservations required)
Code: REISS-M

October 22, 2009
Dr. Irene Pepperberg
In Search of King Solomon's Ring:
Studies with Alex, the Grey Parrot

Dr. Irene Pepperberg, research associate at Harvard University, will discuss her research on bird intelligence and cognitive capability, based largely on her personal relationship with a special parrot named Alex.

Dr. Pepperberg and Alex revolutionized the notions of how birds think and communicate. What Alex taught Dr. Pepperberg about cognition and communication has been applied to therapies to help children with learning disabilities.

She will explore Alex's learning capabilities, which she found matches those of a 5-year-old child, and discuss her book, Alex & Me.

7–9 p.m. in the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Auditorium
Members: $15 adults, $10 children (ages 8–15); non-members: $25 adults; $15 children
Call 410-727-3474 (reservations required)
Code: PEPPERBERG-M

November 10, 2009
Dr. Temple Grandin
Animals Make Us Human

Dr. Temple Grandin, associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University, has been described as "the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world." Autism has not stopped her from earning a Ph.D. and becoming a best-selling author.

Dr. Grandin will share her unique perspective and explore the connection between animals and humans by discussing animals' emotional and intellectual processes.

7–9 p.m. in the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Auditorium
Members: $15 adults, $10 children (ages 8–15); non-members: $25 adults; $15 children
Call 410-727-3474 (reservations required)
Code: GRANDIN-M