CSU-Pueblo psychology professor to discuss impact of human brain on the planet Earth
  
PUEBLO - Colorado State University-Pueblo psychology professor Marcelo (Marc) Pratarelli thinks humans don’t realize the impact their brains are having on the planet. Pratarelli will present “The Mystery of Human Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22 at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop, 207 Union Avenue.
 
Pratarelli’s presentation is based on a book he released last fall entitled "Niche Bandits: Why Big Brains Consumed an Ecosystem" (Medici Publishing, Inc., 2003). The book is described on its cover as “a revealing look at the complex relationship between human nature and the efforts to conquer its deepest darkest secrets of survival.” Pratarelli suggests that the human brain may not be well suited to coping with its own prolific activity.” A discussion on the ethics of sustainability will follow the presentation.
  
“The human brain’s evolution has produced weapons of mass destruction, conspicuous consumption and 9/11, but it also gave the planet Mozart, the Internet, moonwalks, and cloning,” he said. “Is this super brain capable of appreciating its impact on planet Earth?"
 
Pratarelli teaches human evolutionary psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental methods. He earned his doctorate from the University of Southern California. He has conducted research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the House Ear Institute, and the Naval Health Research Center. He lives, hikes, and sails in Colorado with his two Alaskan Malamutes and his 33 year-old parrot, Paco.
 
 
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.