A microphone and some plants with butterflies

Eric J. Simon Talks

Eric J. Simon, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized expert in biology education and a celebrated communicator of nature.

A microphone and some plants with butterflies

Eric's Upcoming Talks

Ongoing through 12/31/2025

Eight 90-minute classes

In Darwin’s Footsteps: A Journey to the Galapagos

This course follows Charles Darwin’s 1831-6 around-the-world voyage of discovery aboard HMS Beagle with an emphasis on the Galapagos archipelago. It includes many photographs from my two visits to the islands.

Take any time as part of OLLI-Berkeley's "Best of OLLI" series.

Zoom.

Open to all.

Membership & course fee required.

Ongoing through 12/31/2025

Six 2-hour classes

John James Audubon and The Birds of America

This course discusses French-American naturalist John James Audubon with particular emphasis on the production of his masterwork The BIrds of America. Each class ends with a 10 minute musical slide show featuring his finest works.

Take any time as part of OLLI-Berkeley's "Best of OLLI" series.

Zoom.

Open to all.

Membership & course fee required.

6 Mondays

9/15/2025-10/27/2025

Biology & Society

Eric Simon is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on how to teach biology to non-scientists. Join Eric as he dives into any one of a number of fascinating topics, including personal genomic testing, DNA forensics, transgenic organisms, cloning, cancer, and genetic engineering.

4:30PM-6:30 PM

Zoom via OLLI-Berkeley

Open to all; membership and course fee required

5 Thursdays

9/25/2025-10/30/2025

John James Audubon and The Birds of New Hampshire

I discuss the life of celebrated naturalist John James Audubon with an emphasis on his revolutionary book The Birds of America, often called the finest illustrated book ever produced. This talk will be customized to discuss birds in your area.

3:00PM-4:00PM

Rivermead retirement community, Peterborough, NH

OPen to all

$40 course fee

 

6 Thursdays

10/16/2025 - 11/20/2025

In Darwin’s Footsteps: A Journey to the Galapagos

This talk follows Charles Darwin’s 1831-6 around-the-world voyage of discovery aboard HMS Beagle with an emphasis on the Galapagos archipelago. It includes many original photographs from two trips Eric lead to the Galapagos.

11:00AM-12:30PM

Via OSHER online  Zoom

Open to all;membership and course fee required

6 Tuesdays

10/21/2025 - 11/11/1025

Human biology

In this course, we’ll explore the biology of our species, with particular emphasis on the body systems that are most relevant to our health. After an introduction to general issues of anatomy and physiology, we’ll focus on the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, nervous, and immune systems. We’ll discuss the anatomy of physiology of each system, the most important tissues and organs involved, and the relevant pathophysiology. Each class meeting wiill be 90 minutes with an extra 30 minutes reserved for Q&A and dicsusison. No previously biology experience is assume, so if you are a medical professional, this will probably be too low-level for you (although maybe you can co-teach it with me!).

1:30-3:30PM

Zoom via LINEC

Open to all;

Course free required

Friday 10/24/2025

Before Ansel Adams: Carleton Watkins—The First Photographer to Frame the West

Carleton Watkins, born 1829, paved the way for modern landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Richard Misrach, or Robert Adams. His iconic photographs of the American West in the 1860s contributed to the creation of the National Parks system and are still revered for their technical mastery.

1:30-2:45PM

Zoom via DOROT

Free and open to all

Friday 11/7/2025

Beatrix Potter: Painting the Secret Life of Fungi

You’ve heard of Beatrix Potter as a celebrated children’s author. Now delve into her lesser-known side as a talented mycological artist and scientific observer.

10:30AM-12:00PM

Zoom via OLLI-UNH

Open to all;

OLLI membership and course free required

Friday 11/14/2025

Beatrix Potter: Painting the Secret Life of Fungi

You’ve heard of Beatrix Potter as a celebrated children’s author. Now delve into her lesser-known side as a talented mycological artist and scientific observer.

1:30-2:45PM

Zoom via DOROT

Free and open to all

Friday 12/19/2025

Metamorphosis Mastered: Maria Sibylla Merian, Art, and the Birth of Modern Entomology

Discover the groundbreaking contributions of Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century artist and naturalist who revolutionized our understanding of insect life cycles through her stunningly detailed illustrations. This talk explores how her pioneering work bridged art and science, laying the foundation for modern entomology and ecological study

12:00-1:15PM

Zoom via DOROT

Free and open to all

Eric's Past Talks

Sunday 8/17

7:00-8:00PM Eastern

SimonBiologyTravel: Tanzania Travelogue

I will be hosting a Zoom travelogue talk to present photos, videos, and stories from my recent Safari with a Purpose to Tanzania.
If you cannot make it at that time, registering will automatically give you access to a recording.
 

Zoom.

Free and

Open to all.

 

Tuesday

8/5/2025

The Art of Conservation: John Muir, Ansel Adams, and Yosemite National Park

Celebrated naturalist, promoter of national parks, founder of The Sierra Club: John Muir led a life focused on conserving nature’s splendor. Ansel Adams is America’s best known landscape photographer. Learn and see how their lives and different approaches to art intersected to help promote and protect Yosemite National Park.

3:00PM-4:15 PM

Zoom via DOROT

Free and open to the public

Thursday 05/22/2025

Metamorphosis Mastered: Maria Sibylla Merian, Art, and the Birth of Modern Entomology

Discover the groundbreaking contributions of Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century artist and naturalist who revolutionized our understanding of insect life cycles through her stunningly detailed illustrations. This talk explores how her pioneering work bridged art and science, laying the foundation for modern entomology and ecological study

10:30-11:30 AM

Tewksbury Public Library

Free and open to all

Ongoing through 5/30/2025

Eight 90-minute classes

In Darwin’s Footsteps: A Journey to the Galapagos

This talk follows Charles Darwin’s 1831-6 around-the-world voyage of discovery aboard HMS Beagle with an emphasis on the Galapagos archipelago.

Take any time as part of OLLI-Berkeley's "Best of OLLI" series.

Zoom.

Open to all.

Membership & course fee required.

Thursday

04/03/2025

Beatrix Potter: Painting the Secret Life of Fungi

You’ve heard of Beatrix Potter as a celebrated children’s author. Now delve into her lesser-known side as a talented mycological artist and scientific observer.

1:00-2:00 PM

Rivermead Lifecare Community
Peterborough, NH

FREE and open to the public

Thursdays starting 04/03/2025

Six 2-hour classes

John James Audubon & The Birds of America

I discuss the life of celebrated naturalist John James Audubon with an emphasis on his revolutionary book The Birds of America, often called the finest illustrated book ever produced.

4:00-6:00 PM

OLLI-Berkeley

Zoom

Open to all.

Membersihp & course fee required

Tuesdays starting 04/08/2025

Five 90-minute classes

Alexander von Humboldt’s Hero’s Journey to South America

Learn about the life of the 19th century’s most famous scientist and his groundbreaking and celebrated five-year journey to South America.

 

10:00-11:30AM

LINEC (Learning Institute at New England College)

Zoom.

Open to all

Membership & course fee required

Thursday 04/17/2025

The Art of Conservation: John Muir, Ansel Adams, and Yosemite National Park

Celebrated naturalist, promoter of national parks, founder of The Sierra Club: John Muir led a life focused on conserving nature’s splendor. Ansel Adams is America’s best known landscape photographer. Learn and see how their lives and different approaches to art intersected to help promote and protect Yosemite National Park.

10:30-11:30 AM

Tewksbury Public Library

Free and open to all