An informal venue for learning about current topics in Science presented by leading researchers in their fields.
Supported by Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Jackson Community College
Past discussions include:
SEPT. 29, 2011: "The Universe Inside You: where do all of the atoms in your body come from?" by Wolfgang Bauer, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
OCT. 6, 2011: "Radiation and Radioactivity" by David Morrissey, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and faculty member of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab, Michigan State University
NOV. 17, 2011: "The Kalamazoo Oil Spill and Michigan's Energy Policy" by Steve Hamilton, Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Biogeochemistry , Michigan State University
Dec. 1, 2011: "The Future of the Great Lakes" by James Diana
Director, Michigan Sea Grant College Program
Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture
School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan
DEC. 8, 2011: "Looking for Ripples in the Fabric of Space-Time: LIGO- the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory" by Keith Riles, Professor of Physics, University of Michigan
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"A science café's casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background."
PAST JACKSON SCIENCE CAFES TOPICS and PRESENTERS, 2009-2011:
"Current Topics in Stem Cell Research" by John Fink, M.D. Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School
"Fuel Cells and Other Alternative Engines" by Georg Raithel, PhD. Professor, Department of Physics, University of Michigan
"The Expanding Universe" by Megan Donahue, PhD. Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy; Michigan State University
“Giant Galaxies in the Universe" by Mark Voit, PhD , Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University
“Hurricanes and Tornadoes and Floods! Oh My! What’s Climate Change got to do with This?" by Perry Samson, PhD Professor of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science, University of Michigan
“A Supernova in the Lab: Nuclear Research at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory” by Zach Constan PhD. Outreach Coordinator for NSCL, Michigan State University.
" The Future of Solar Energy: Artificial Photosynthesis" by Stephen Maldonado, PhD Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of Michigan
"Facts and Myths about Vaccines: How Their Incredible Success Has Allowed Us to Take Them for Granted" by Elaine Pomeranz M.D. Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Michigan
"How We Can Produce Green Energy, Save the Planet, and Make Money at the Same Time" by Wolfgang Bauer, PhD. Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy; Michigan State University
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WHO ARE OUR PRESENTERS and HOW DO WE FIND THEM?
Our topics have been wide and varied, from the very small (Stem Cell Research or the Atom Smashing Cyclotron) to the very large (The Expanding Universe). We typically feature professors from Michigan State University or The University of Michigan (each of which are ~45 minutes away.) Not every speaker has been a professor; we search for engaging and entertaining speakers who are experts in their field, no matter what their title might be.
