Proxy Wars and Power: Iran’s Revolutionary Strategy 

with Dr. Farhad Rezaei

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Overview: In this lecture, Dr. Farhad Rezaei examines Iran’s strategy to extend its influence in the Middle East using proxy wars, a mission intensified since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.The discussion includes the foundational role of the revolution, the ascent of Khomeini, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, detailing Iran’s ideological pursuits and its tactical methods to disseminate its revolutionary ideals.The lecture further explores the formation of proxy groups, including Hezbollah, the transformation of Iraq, Iran’s pivotal role in the Syrian Civil War, and its sponsorship of Palestinian militant groups, analyzing the broader regional security implications.

Lecture Biography: Dr. Farhad Rezaei is a senior fellow at The Philos Project.
He is the author of Invisible Jihad; The Treatment of Christians by Iran Proxies. He is also the author of numerous books and articles on Iran’s foreign and defense policies. His writings have appeared in prestigious journals including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Harvard Iran-Matters, Middle East Policy, the National Interest, National Review, Center for International Policy Studies (CIPS) at uOttawa, Journal of International Affairs, the Hill, the Providence, Jerusalem Post, and BESA Center, among others.

Toxic Threats:

Introduction to Environmental Chemistry through PFAS

with Sierra Peskett

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Overview: This lecture will introduce some key topics of environmental toxicology, such as bioaccumulation, biomagnification, partitioning and distribution. This will be done using (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) PFAS as an example. PFAS is a class of over 10,000 man-made chemicals and are currently a hot topic as the Canadian Government considers designating the class as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Lecture Biography: Sierra Peskett is a PhD Candidate in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology in the Department of Chemistry. Her current research investigates human exposure to PFAS and interactions between PFAS and the gut microbiome. Sierra has previously presented her research work at several conferences and has won awards for her presentations. She is passionate about her work and enjoys opportunities to share her knowledge with others. 

Developing Writing Practices

with Kate Heartfield

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Overview: Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoir, most writers struggle at some point to carve out the time, space and energy to write. Sometimes, the blank page can be more intimidating than liberating. This lecture from an experienced novelist and journalist will explore concepts and techniques to help writers get acquainted, or reacquainted, with what works best for them. Suitable for writers of all levels of experience.

Lecture Biography: Kate Heartfield is the author of several fantasy novels, including the Sunday Times and Globe and Mail bestseller The Embroidered Book. She has also written short stories, novellas and games. Her fiction has been shortlisted for the World Fantasy, Nebula, Locus, Aurora, Sunburst and Crawford awards, as well as the Ottawa Book Award, and her journalism for a National Newspaper Award. She was a newspaper journalist until 2015, and she now teaches journalism and creative writing. Kate grew up in Manitoba and now lives in Ottawa.

Stealing Away: Four Notorious Art Thefts 

with David Walden

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Overview: The perceived value of a work of art, be it financial, artistic, or cultural, is frequently the motive for its theft. Because of the portability of works such as paintings, as well as their concentration in museums, they have been the persistent victims of major thefts Many thieves are motivated by the fact that valuable art pieces are worth millions of dollars and weigh only a few kilograms. Yet, one of the great puzzles of art theft is that it is a crime with no easy reward for the perpetrator.  This lecture will explore four famous art thefts and the novelties that make them unique and some cases unsolved.

Lecture Biography: David Walden has spent over 40 years working in the cultural sector both domestically and internationally with Archives and Library Canada, the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He twice chaired the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation and has lectured extensively on art misappropriated during World War II and the issues surrounding the return of the Parthenon (Elgin) marbles. David has also been a member of Canadian delegations to many international meetings on a wide range of subjects such as cultural diversity, Holocaust Era assets, sustainable development and inclusive education.