Binghamton University’s Distinguished Professor Tim Lowenstein of the Department of Geological Sciences and Environmental Studies will be the presenter at the 2023-24 Beth David’s Luncheon Speaker Series on Saturday, November 11. “Those who attended October’s fascinating talk by Professor Shay Rabineau about his trek around the Dead Sea will now have an opportunity to find out about the latest cutting-edge research that is being done by earth scientists who are focusing on what we can learn by studying the salt of the Dead Sea,” said organizers. “Tim Lowenstein is without a doubt a superstar in the field, and we are beyond thrilled to have him share the findings of his ongoing research!” People are encouraged to attend the morning service, which begins at 9:30 am. There is no charge for the luncheon. 

“Among the questions Lowenstein will discuss are how do earth scientists use salt deposits to understand lakes, climate change and human disturbance? What instruments do they use, and what secrets are they uncovering?” organizers said. Lowenstein and his team have been doing research on the Dead Sea salt deposits since 2018, as part of a collaborative project funded by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation. The research will continue until 2024. Lowenstein’s work has been carried out with two postgraduate students, in conjunction with a scientist from the Israel Geological Survey. The level of the Dead Sea has dropped more than 30 meters over the last 40 years, and the research team is examining what can be learned of this physical decline of the Dead Sea by looking at the salt deposits that have formed. “Salt deposits help us understand lakes, climate change, and human disturbance” Lowenstein said. “These are the focal points of our research, and I look forward to sharing our findings and their implications as they relate to the Dead Sea and beyond.”

Lowenstein earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, and came to Binghamton University in 1985. He was awarded the title of distinguished professor in 2016, a promotion that is given to those who have distinguished themselves within their discipline at the national or international level. Lowenstein is also a fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America, Society of Economic Geologists, and the Geological Society of America. His awards include the Israel C. Russell Award in Limnogeology from the Geological Society of America and the Lawrence L. Sloss Award in Sedimentary Geology from the Geological Society of America. He has received more than $2.8 million in external grant funding.

Beth David’s luncheon speaker series takes place the second Saturday of the month. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes and appreciates donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations as well as sponsorships can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.