This semester’s Science on Tap series will explore the science of pathogen investigation, showcase graduate researchers and scholars, and examine school equity issues.
A collaboration between the Research Development Office in the UI Office of the Vice President for Research and Hancher, Science on Tap invites the campus and surrounding community to hear about the latest research and scholarship in a fun, relaxed, and interactive atmosphere.
Each talk is held in Hancher’s Stanley Café and runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase. The spring’s lineup includes:
Feb. 28, “State Hygienic Laboratory: Diagnosis in Pathogenic and Chemical Exposure Identification,” featuring State Hygienic Laboratory Environmental Health Director Susie Dai and SHL Disease Control Director Wade Aldous. While TV shows like CSI and Silent Witness suggest laboratory science can be done rapidly, identifying the source of harmful exposures to pathogens and chemicals actually involves a network of specialists, advanced analytical methodology, and time. Using case studies of pathogenic and chemical exposures, Aldous and Dai will discuss how SHL’s diagnostic testing is the backbone of environmental and epidemiological investigations for infectious diseases, environmental and food contaminants, foodborne illness outbreaks, and chemicals and pathogens in acts of terrorism.
March 28, “Three Minute Thesis Showcase,” featuring graduate students Tianlu Zhang (2018 Winner), Muhammad Taifur Rahman (2018 Honorable Mention), Timothy Acri (2018 Honorable Mention), and Oronde Drakes (2018 Audience Choice). The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges graduate students to communicate their research in three minutes or less in non-specialist language. Participants represent a diverse array of disciplines and areas of study, and reflect the passion and thirst for discovery common among all of Iowa's graduate students. This year's winners will join Science on Tap to showcase some of the diverse research being done on campus including second language acquisition, human toxicology, pharmaceutics and translational therapeutics, and geographical and sustainability sciences.
April 18, “Striving for Equity in Schools,” featuring Sarah Bruch, assistant professor of sociology, and Kingsley Botchway, chief officer of human resources and equity for the Waterloo Community School District. Achieving educational equity remains a fundamental challenge in education policy and practice. This presentation will describe the work of the Equity Implemented Partnership which aims to improve the equitability of school experiences and outcomes for studies in the Iowa City Community School District by making data-informed decisions, drawing on research-based solutions, and using an inclusive decision-making process.
More information about Science on Tap is available here.
The University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research provides researchers and scholars with resources, guidance, and inspiration to secure funding, collaborate, innovate, and forge frontiers of discovery that benefit everyone. More at http://research.uiowa.edu, and on Twitter: @DaretoDiscover.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Aaron Kline in advance at 319-335-4141 or aaron-kline@uiowa.edu