Westminster College's Faculty Forum continues with a discussion on "Bat Conservation in India" led by Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, assistant professor of biology, Wednesday, March 10, at 11:30 a.m. in the McKelvey Campus Center Theater.

"I will discuss issues related to conserving biodiversity in developing countries such as India, and especially the difficulties in protecting species, like bats, that are considered vermin," Mistry said.  "I'll also describe what banana margaritas have to do with preventing strokes."

Mistry, who came to Westminster in 2003, earned his undergraduate degree from Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, his master's from the University of Tennessee, and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.

Faculty forum, established in 1990, serves as a venue for the exchange of ideas and information among Westminster College faculty.  Speakers present their research, teaching ideas, lectures, performances, special programs, and uses of technology to keep faculty informed about the work of colleagues from many disciplines.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Mistry at (724) 946-7210 or e-mail mistrys@westminster.edu.

Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College is ranked among national leaders in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Guide to America's Best Colleges, and is the most affordable national liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 351 Colleges" by The Princeton Review, and was recognized by The Templeton Guide as a "Character Building College."

Nearly 1,600 students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty, while choosing from 40 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa. campus.