Suds & Science

Ever thought that learning would be more fun with a cold drink in hand? We've got you covered! Suds & Science brings scientists face-to-face with the public at local neighborhood bars for a night of learning, drinking, and community that you won't want to miss!

Highlights:

• Fun and informative lectures from STEM professionals
• Lively discussions between scientists and audiences
• Connection with your community in a laid-back environment

Get your ticket today and join us at the next Suds & Science event!

Event topics:

 

Tuesday, June 16

The Good Virus
Not all viruses are bad.  Understandably people mostly hear about the negative side of viruses.  What they may not know is that viruses have been used to fight bacterial infections for over 100 years.  That is before antibiotics were even discovered.  Viruses are also currently being used to make vaccines, and fight cancer.  They are even used as unique construction materials.  We will explore the good side of viruses and bring some joy to these amazing little machines.

About the Speaker

Dr. Kris Koudelka completed a Ph.D. at Scripps Research, and a post-doc at UCSD.  He currently serves as the Associate Dean of STEM at Point Loma Nazarene University.  He ran away from Midwest winters to settle in San Diego, but still loves the Packers.  His talks have ranged from small in-depth science meetings to large national public town halls on COVID-19.  No topic is off limits, and he aims to spread trust and knowledge in science.

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Tuesday, September 15

How to Find and Analyze the Next Blockbuster Drug

Development of new pharmaceutical drugs is a complex process involving not only manual labor and ingenuity but also the latest advancements in technology. Companies must determine how a drug can enter the body, how it distributes, how it works in the patient,  and finally how it is eliminated from the body.  With one final component you may find a new effective drug: funding!

About the Speaker

Wayne Duncan holds a PhD in Bio-organic Chemistry with a dissertation elucidating the mechanism of action of the co-enzyme,  vitamin B6.  He spent 33 years with the Hewlett Packard/Agilent Company as Application Chemist followed by Product Manager for Chemical Analysis International.

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Tuesday, August 18

Electromagnetic Radiation, the Principle Behind Everyday Communication Devices

Our cellphones, wifi routers, cars, airplanes, and ships emit hundreds of thousands of electromagnetic radiation per hour, but none of them are harmful to our bodies. These types of radiation used in communication systems are often longer than visible light and are less powerful than, say, X-rays. These long-wavelength radiations laid the foundation for our modern communication system, from wireless telegraphy to radar missile defense, from cellular to satellite, and from the internet to the garage door opener. We will explore the history and progress we have made and the challenges we will be facing in the telecommunications sector.

About the speaker:

Frank has recently earned his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Applied Electromagnetics at UCSD. He has worked on ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and is now working on phased array systems across various applications.

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Tuesday, October 20

Every Bite is a Water Story: The Hidden Water Networks Behind Our Food 

This talk explores the hidden networks of rivers, groundwater, infrastructure, and people that make modern food systems possible. Follow the journey of water from watershed to farm to plate and discover the surprising complexity behind the meals we eat.
 

About the Speaker

Dr. Wes Henson is an Agricultural and Biological Engineer who studies one of the biggest questions facing the planet: how to keep growing food when fresh water is running out. Raised in the deserts of Nevada, he now works with farmers, landowners, and governments across the country to understand how water and agriculture can survive an uncertain future.

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