Tickets become available this week for the Chancellor’s STEM Speaker Series event at 7 p.m. April 21 in the Maier Foundation Performance Hall at the Clay Center on Charleston.

The event will feature National Geographic Magazine photographer and contributor Joel Sartore.

Communications manager for the Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research Amanda Ramey said Sartore specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes to inspire conservation efforts.

Ramey said Sartore’s visit will provide a unique look at the possibilities of engaging in a STEM career to protect the environment.

“The Joel Sartore event is a little bit different because he is a photographer, but attendees will have the opportunity to see how each of us can make a real difference in the world of conservation,” Ramey said.

Ramey said she particularly encourages students to take advantage of the event and increase their knowledge of STEM opportunities.

“We hope that students who attend our speaker series events will see that there is no limit to what you can accomplish in the “STEM” fields,” Ramey said. “We also hope to solidify how important research is to society.”

Taylor Books will sell select copies of Sartore’s books before and after the event. Sartore will also be available for a short time following the lecture to sign books.

The event is organized by the Division of Science and Research and sponsored by a federal grant from the National Science Foundation.

Tickets are free but must be reserved with the Clay Center’s box office prior to the event. Tickets may be reserved on the Clay Center’s website.

Rebecca Turnbull can be contacted at [email protected].