October 4, 2019
Aaron Moehlig
A Fresh Note on Capsaicums
This talk is an update to Wilbur Scoville’s ground breaking paper “A Note on Capsaicums” when the Scoville Heat Unit, which is used to describe the level of spiciness of a pepper, was initially proposed. Come learn why a jalapeno or habanero pepper is spicy, but a bell pepper is not. We will discuss the molecule responsible for the heat (and the pain!) of certain peppers and the best ways to alleviate that pain after a regrettable choice of hot sauce.
October 11, 2019
Syeda Nizami
An Introduction to AI & Machine Learning
Machine Learning is used everywhere from automating tasks to offering intelligent insights, industries in every sector try to benefit from it. You may already be using a device that utilizes it. For example, a wearable fitness tracker like Fitbit, or an intelligent home assistant like Google Home. But there are much more examples of ML in use. I will cover different examples of real world how machine learning and artificial intelligence works and is effecting our lives.
October 25, 2019
Colleen Sheridan
My Immune System Does THAT?!?
Come hear how your immune system fights off bacteria and viruses and how vaccines work to keep us healthy! You'll learn about the different types of cells in your immune system, how they work together, and how vaccines help to educate your immune system, giving you a head start in case you are exposed to the real disease-causing microbe.
November 1, 2019
Jacob Selander
The Science of Climate Change
We've all heard the phrases "Global Warming" and "Climate Change" thrown around a bunch, but what do these phrases really mean? And more importantly, what is the science behind how our planet's climate works? Here, we will discuss some major climate-related topics: What is climate? How do we measure and/ or describe climate? What mechanisms are responsible for driving our local and global climate? What sort of records do we have from climate in the geologic past? And finally, how is the global climate system responding to the demands of a population of over 7 billion humans?
November 8, 2019
Lauren Wugalter
Sparking Curiosity and Fanning the Flames: Fired Up About Chemistry!
After hearing a brief introduction to "scientists," come BE one! Let your curiosity guide you through some hands-on experiments meant to demonstrate some core chemistry concepts (but mostly just meant to spark your own curiosity!)
November 15, 2019
Kate Alspaugh
Applied Electrochemistry: Lead-Carbon Battery Technology
The lead-acid battery, the modern world's first rechargeable battery, has existed for 160 years. Its invention facilitated the remote use of electricity during the Second Industrial Revolution, electrifying the world's first electric cars, incandescent light bulbs, telecommunication devices, and even submarines in the late 19th century. As our 21st century world demands more and more electricity, what will happen to this workhorse of energy storage? One recent innovation, the lead-carbon battery, is worth a closer look.
