Lecture to examine nature television – The Old vs. The New
Friday, February 19, 2016 
by: Rene Abadie
Southeastern Louisiana University biologist Chris Murray holds one of the crocodiles he captured while doing his summer research in Costa Rica. Muray has appeared in several “Animal Planet” television series, will discuss the importance of nature television, both the good and the bad.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University biologist Chris Murray will discuss
how the public is being introduced today to scientific topics, especially by way of
television broadcasts, at the next Southeastern Science on Tap presentation.
A crocodilian biologist in the Department of Biological Sciences, Murray will
discuss the importance of nature television at the department’s monthly program on
Tuesday, March 1. Scheduled for 7 p.m. at Tope Lá Catering, 113 East Thomas St. in
Hammond, the lecture is free and open to all ages.
Murray has starred in the “Animal Planet” TV series “Gatorboys,” as well as in
the channel’s documentary “Monster Croc Invasion” that focuses on his ongoing research
in Costa Rica.
Title of the lecture is “How the Crop Ate the Farmer: Filming Controversial Topics
as a Biologist.”
“After a brief discussion on the importance of nature television, we will venture
back in time and review our favorites, from David Attenborough to Steve Irwin and
contrast the difference in today’s ‘natural’ broadcasts,” Murray said. “We’ll discuss
the problems associated with scientists describing their own findings on today’s television
venues, peppered with personal filming stories.”
For information on future Science on Tap presentations, contact the Department
of Biological Sciences at 985-549-3740.
