“The Walking Dread” panel discussion Feb. 24 examines plagues, zombie fears, science and culture

The fifth annual interdisciplinary panel discussion presented by Jacksonville University’s College of Arts and Sciences, titled “The Walking Dread: Society, Plague, and Zombies,” promises a provocative blend of discussion on scientific and medical discoveries, societal fears, literature and even viruses spread through social media.

The free public event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Terry Concert Hall is an annual convening of JU experts in various subject areas. It will include a display of student artwork that is informed and inspired by the topics and the presenters. A 5 p.m. reception with hors d’oeuvres will also be held to meet the faculty presenters or catch-up with old classmates.

Presenters and topics at the event, which will be moderated by Douglas M. Hazzard, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, include:

• Ed McCourt, Associate Professor of English: “Fear and the American Zombie Zeitgeist”
• Rose Borkowski, Associate Professor of Biology & Marine Science: “Zombies and Disease: Are there Links?”
• Andy Ouellette, Associate Professor of Biology & Marine Science: “From Yellow Fever to Ebola: Disease and Fear Mongering”
• Sarah Parker, Assistant Professor of English: “What Does Poetry Have to Do with Plagues?”
• Keith Saliba, Assistant Professor of Communication: “A Virtual Virus: Social Media and the Spread of Radical Ideology”

For more information on the event, contact Suzy Foxwell at sfoxwel@ju.edu, (904) 256-7100.