Author: Dexter Mardis

Evalynn Trumbo, CRP research project manager in the Department of Biological Sciences, will present “Grassland Management and Its Impacts on Grassland Birds” at this month’s Science on Tap at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Social Tap Drinkery.

Science on Tap is hosted at Social Tap Drinkery in Braeburn Square on the Innovation campus on the second Tuesday of the month.

When graduate student Shania Burkhead-Harris attended the 50th annual meeting of the Kansas Herpetological Society in Lawrence from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, she didn’t know that she’d been nominated by her PI/advisor for the newest award offered by the society.

The Gann Scholarship for Women in Herpetology honors any female-presenting or assigned-female-at-birth student for their potential to contribute to the study of amphibians and reptiles, and their ability to be a role model for future women in STEM. Shania’s thesis research looks at variables affecting the growth and development of Small-mouthed Salamanders in artificial, outdoor wetlands. She has been a stalwart participant in Expanding Your Horizons events during her time in the department, as well as participating in outreach events for scout groups.

Dr. Tom Luhring, assistant professor of biological sciences, nominated Shania for the inaugural scholarship.

As Science Cafe begins again with the fall semester, the group will be hosting local astrophotographer Brent Newton at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Social Tap Drinkery in Braeburn Square.

He will discuss the properties of light, color theory, what produces light in space and what the colors we see can tell us about distant nebulae and galaxies. Additionally, Newton will give a high-level overview on the equipment used in amateur astrophotography. Newton has served on the board of directors for the Lake Afton Observatory and volunteers at the Cosmophere in Hutchinson.

Science Cafe is a local, citizen organized event intended to create a space of common interest for all people that appreciate or are curious about science. All are welcome, and it is available at no additional charge. Science Cafe is typically held on the second Tuesday of every month throughout the academic year.

The Department of Biological Sciences’ invited seminar speaker, Dr. Walter Meshaka Jr., will also present at Science Café on at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at Social Tap Drinkery in Braeburn Square on the Innovation Campus. Meshaka will give the talk, “Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of the United States: Colonization Processes and Processes.”

Meshaka is the senior curator of zoology and botany for the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. He has studied amphibians and reptiles across the continent, and is particularly fascinated by the ecological interactions of native and non-native species.

Science Café presents a variety of science related talks oriented towards the general public on the second Tuesday of every month, August through May.

December’s Science Cafe Wichita, hosted at Social Tap Drinkery on the Wichita State campus, will feature 2016 WSU alumna Nicole Brown.

Nicole is a co-founder of the non-profit Grassland Groupies, which strives to educate people about grasslands around the world. At this edition of Science Cafe Wichita, she will discuss the prairie and how more than 150 species depend on prairie dogs and their ecological engineering for survival.

Science Cafe Wichita is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, at Social Tap. The event is free and open to everyone.

Started in 2011, Science Café ran for nine years before taking a long hiatus due to COVID-19. Now returning at a new venue, the reinvigorated program will begin at 7 p.m. today on WSU’s Innovation Campus at the Social Tap Drinkery in Braeburn Square near 21st and Oliver.

Join Wichita’s science community for a kick-off presentation by Friends University’s Dr. Gary Branum, a chemist and former forensic scientist. Dr. Branum will discuss the chemistry he used in some of the more interesting crime cases he worked on.

Science Cafes involve face-to-face conversations about current science with scientists or people in fields involving science. They are a part of a nation-wide initiative to open up science education and dialogues with the general public. Social Tap Drinkery has cocktail specials, as well as a newly expanded menu from sister-venue Sungrano Pizza that will be available during the Science Café presentation.

After this first event, Science Café will occur on the second Tuesday of every month through the school year. More details at the Science Café Wichita Facebook page.