Jim Bowman of Harrisonburg, a former Mennonite Central Committee representative in Kenya, will speak at the first Suter Science Seminar of the fall semester 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in room 104 of the Suter Science Center at EMU.
Bowman’s presentation, “Sand Dams: Bringing Water and Life to Communities in Arid Regions,” grew out of his involvement in community development work in Kenya from 2004 to 2008.
Jim Bowman at work in the field.
He will discuss his work in sand dam technology as a sustainable water source for household and agricultural needs and explore how this system plays out in the environment and sets the stage for lasting community development.
Cross-cultural service
Before going to Kenya, Bowman earned a masters degree in conflict transformation from EMU.
“EMU alumnus Jim Bowman has invested significant periods of his life in various cross-cultural service projects both in Asia and Africa,” said Roman J. Miller, Suter Endowed Professor of Biology at EMU. “His presentation models effective community development that enhances the welfare of many persons. Persons interested in cross-cultural service are especially urged to attend this presentation by a veteran agriculturalist who is skilled in cross-cultural communication,” Dr. Miller added. Roman Miller.
Six Suter Science Seminars are scheduled during fall semester at EMU, all open to the community free of charge. They are sponsored by the Daniel B. Suter Endowment, named for the late Daniel B. Suter, professor of biology at EMU from 1948 to 1985 and pre-med adviser.
For more information, contact Cheryl Doss at (540) 432-4400 or dossc@emu.edu.