Sharp Minds

Engage with local scientists as they discuss their latest research and discoveries in a friendly, inviting environment. These lectures address hot topics on the first Monday of every month, in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Stay for a special noon documentary showing. 

The Sharp Minds lecture is free with general admission or a Senior Monday ticket. This event is not included with the Annual Explorer Pass. 

 

July 6 - Andrew Bartko

The environment, microbes and their intersection with human health

The concept of spatial heterogeneity, which refers to the uneven distribution of factors over the landscape. This can apply to local environments, such as a city park or even your backyard. For instance, a park might have sunny areas with lots of grass, shady areas with trees, and a wet, muddy patch by a creek. This variation across the landscape is what we call spatial heterogeneity.

Some specific examples of how spatial heterogeneity plays out in local environments is illustrated with plants and animals. A forest might have areas with more sunlight that favor certain plants, while shady areas have different plant life. This variation can create habitats for different animal species as well. Understanding spatial heterogeneity is important for several reasons. It is important for ecology, for instance, how forests are managed. Spatial heterogeneity is also important for appreciating the variety of life that can exist in a small area.

The human microbiome is the community of microbes that live in and on our bodies. The diversity of our microbiome is important for our health. However, we are losing genes in our gut microbiome due to our industrialization and modern lifestyles. Our modern lifestyles are more refined and hygienic, thus reducing the exposure to microbes that we get from the environment.

The loss of diversity in our gut microbiome is linked to a rise in chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, Type 1 diabetes, and asthma. These diseases are now striking younger and younger people.

The importance of nutrition has been known for centuries. However, industrialization and refined food manufacturing has created a new paradigm in human health. Food is a language that speaks to our genes. The food that we choose to eat can affect how our genes function, and this can affect our health. For instance, the food we eat can influence whether we are prone to disease, strong or weak, and whether we have a long and healthy lifespan or a short life full of disease.

About the Speaker

Dr. Andrew Bartko serves as Executive Director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI) at UC San Diego, an initiative dedicated to fostering productive collaborations between UC San Diego’s microbiome research community and industry partners. In this role since July 2020, he leads a team focused on expanding academic-industry partnerships to accelerate microbiome discovery and translate findings into innovative, clinically impactful technologies. He holds a concurrent appointment as Professor of Practice in the Departments of Bioengineering and Pediatrics.

Dr. Bartko brings extensive experience in clinical diagnostics product development and has built a substantial intellectual property portfolio comprising 16 patents, several of which have been successfully licensed to industry. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

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August 3 - Corey Jones-Winert, PhD

The Skinny on Telomere Length in Aging and Cancer

The cells that make up our body are guided by their manual, or DNA, which is protected by telomeres. Telomeres start long when we are born, but shorten over time. When they get too short DNA starts to get damaged, causing cells to misbehave and potentially die. This causes aging and age-related diseases, so do we want to lengthen our telomeres? Not exactly. Telomere shortening is a double-edged sword: it also prevents cancer. 

In this talk, we will explore the intriguing roles and inner workings of telomeres from conception to the end of life, and how they fit into the intricate puzzle that is our health. You will learn why we want to slow rather than reverse telomere shortening, and how everyday healthy practices can make that happen. 

 

About the Speaker

Corey Jones-Weinert, PhD, is a science communicator and writer that spent over a decade - mostly in Milan, Italy, where he earned his PhD - researching telomeres, DNA damage, aging, and cancer. He developed a passion for science communication while sharing the intricate nature of telomeres in health with anyone that would listen, and recently made a career pivot towards science writing. Corey specializes in explaining complex biological concepts through accessible narratives. He writes for WithinOncology together with his colleagues Laura Mainz and Valentina Fajner, regularly publishing articles for the general public on the biology that drives cancer, how it's prevented, and modern advances in treatment and detection. WithinOncology stands on the pillars of care, education, and empowerment - Corey strives to embody these with his communication endeavors.

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October 5 - Ciera MacIsaac

Back From the Brink: Wolf Recovery in California and the Southwest.

Discover the remarkable return of wolves to the Southwest and our very own Golden State. This presentation explores the history, challenges, and successes of the natural recolonization of wolves in California and Mexican gray wolf reintroduction and recovery. Learn how conservation organizations, wildlife agencies, and local communities are working together to restore these apex predators, support healthy ecosystems, and promote human-wolf coexistence. Through insightful experiences and real-world recovery efforts, attendees will gain insight into the science, management, and future of wolf conservation in the Southwest and California. 

 

About the Speaker

Ciera MacIsaac serves as the Wolf Care Coordinator and AZA SAFE Mexican Wolf Institutional Representative at the California Wolf Center, where she is dedicated to the conservation of and public education about wolves, with a particular focus on the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in conservation and has extensive experience in the husbandry and behavioral observation of Mexican gray wolves, gray wolves, coyotes, and foxes.

In her role, Ciera oversees the daily care and welfare of California Wolf Center's resident wolves, coordinates veterinary examinations and medical treatments, and she also helps manage the California Wolf Center’s Mexican Wolf Fund, which supports human-wolf coexistence initiatives throughout the Southwest. Through tours, lectures, and community outreach, she works to inspire public engagement in wolf conservation and recovery.

 

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