Events of Interest—February 2009

Please send suggestions, additions and corrections to calendar@nwscience.org.

“NSWA to be posted” should appear in the subject line.

Note: Some events may require advance reservation, admission fees and/or a minimum age (for example, for events where alcohol is served).

NSWA Events Archives | NSWA Business Calendar | University of Washington Events

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4

__________________________________________________________________

Featured Events in February

NSWA Presents "The Science of Caffeine"

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.:
NSWA presents "The Science of Caffeine." Caffeine is the most common psychostimulant used worldwide. Despite its widespread use, relatively little is known about this class of drugs and their effects on the brain. Stephen Dager, UW professor of radiology, provides a general overview of caffeine and related health considerations. He will discuss research he has conducted investigating caffeine effects on the brain and the effects of a drug-holiday after caffeine consumption is stopped. Findings will be placed in the context of other psychostimulants, such as cocaine. Venue: Burke Museum.
Information: David Williams, wingate@seanet.com. Stay tuned for more details on this event.

NSWA Board Meeting

Contact Michael Bradbury at mikeb@seanet.com to RSVP for the time and venue of the next NSWA Board meeting.

NSWA Freelance Friday Happy Hour

Contact Lisa Farino at LisaFarino@gmail.com about the next freelance happy hour. You don’t need to be a freelancer to attend. Everyone is welcome.

Join NSWA

As an NSWA member, you get discounts on some of our events, inside information on job openings and other opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting the Pacific Northwest’s community of science communicators. Annual dues are just $20.

For information or to join, visit our Join page.

_____________________________________________________________

Saturday, Feb 7, 2 p.m.:
On Aug. 2, 2008, Seattle pilots Mark Schoening and Doug DeVries departed in de Havilland Beaver seaplanes for a 10,000-mile circumnavigation of Canada via the Northwest Passage. As the International Polar Year draws to a close, come hear the tales of these two adventurers and see pictures and film clips of this harsh and beautiful environment. Venue: Museum of Flight, William M. Allen Theater.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org

Monday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.:
Zoe Weil discusses "Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life." Zoe, co-founder and president for the Institute for Humane Education, shares tips for living a better life—one that helps improve the conditions of others and the planet. Venue: University Book Store.
Information: http://www.bookstore.washington.edu

Monday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.:
Jonah Lehrer discusses How We Decide. Lehrer, author of Proust Was a Neuroscientist, examines the neuroscience of decision-making. Philosophers have long held that the process of deciding is either rational or emotional. Lehrer shows how our best decisions are a finely-tuned blend of both feeling and reason—and that the precise mix depends on the situation. Lehrer is an editor at large for Seed Magazine and a contributing editor at Scientific American Mind and NPR’s Radio Lab. Sponsored by Town Hall, Pacific Science Center and University Book Store. Part of the Seattle Science Lectures. Tickets are $5 and are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 12:30 p.m.:
Karl F Böhringer, UW professor of electrical engineering, will discuss programmable self-assembly as part of the UW Center for Nanotechnology's lecture series. Venue: UW Bagley Hall Room 260.
Information: http://www.nano.washington.edu/seminars/sem_details.asp?id=335

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m.:
The UW Department of Laboratory Medicine presents "The Role of Nanotechnology in the Clinical Laboratory" as part of the Grand Round lecture series. Steven C. Kazmierczak, director of forensic toxicology for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is the speaker. Venue: UW Health Sciences Building, Room D209.
Information: Visit http://depts.washington.edu/labweb or e-mail georgias@u.washington.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.:
Town Hall Seattle presents a panel discussion entitled "Sustainable Solutions: Energy & Water in the West." As the nation seeks to reduce its reliance on oil, many renewable energy sources place burdens on our limited water supply. Michael Hightower of the Energy Security Center at Sandia National Laboratories, and Joan Crooks, executive director of the Washington Environmental Council, explore this issue as it relates to environmental legislative priorities in Washington. This is the first in the Sustainable Path Foundation’s (formerly Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation) sixth annual seminar series, which explores how changes to the environment affect health, the economy and the community. Advance tickets are $10 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and $15 at the door. Reception at 5:30 p.m., with post-seminar networking until 8:30 p.m. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
The Burke Museum presents Darwins’s Birthday Bash. Mott Green gives a talk entitled “Charles Darwin: The Man and the Myth.” Mark Terry gives a talk entitled “Wisdom’s Teeth” on how to make the theory of evolution visible and vital to high school students. In a talk entitled “Darwin Would Love This,” Jon Herron discusses examples from recent research that would have delighted Darwin, including snakes with legs and green fluorescent baby monkeys. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. This event is co-sponsored by the UW Department of Biology. Venue: Burke Museum.
Information: http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/events/darwin

Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.:
In honor of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday, Darwin Day Celebrations are being held all over the world in recognition of Darwin’s scientific contributions. Leroy Hood from the Institute for Systems Biology will discuss Darwin’s role shaping modern-day scientific thought. Venue: Pacific Science Center, EAMES IMAX Theater.
Information: http://www.pacsci.org/events

Saturday, Feb 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
The Museum of Flight joins with the Puget Sound Engineering Council to celebrate National Engineers Week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing several engineering disciplines will share information about engineering careers. Several university engineering departments and student clubs also will be represented. Other activities will include a popsicle stick bridge competition sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers and a scale modelers show. Venue: Museum of Flight.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org

Monday, Feb 16, 11 a.m. to noon:
In recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first celestial observations, 2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. To celebrate, NASA’s Great Observatories – the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory – are collaborating to produce spectacular multi-wavelength views of our universe. The Museum of Flight has been selected by NASA as one of 100 sites nationwide to display this exciting new imagery. Join Museum President and CEO Bonnie J. Dunbar and distinguished guests for the unveiling ceremony at 11 a.m. Venue: Museum of Flight, side gallery.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org

Monday, Feb 16, 2009 1 p.m.:
Bruce Balick, UW professor of astronomy, will discuss research he has done using the Hubble Space Telescope. Balick's talk will feature images from the telescope and the other two NASA Great Observatories to show how they have changed the ways in which we understand stars, galaxies and the cosmos. He was on NASA's scientific design team for a new camera for the Hubble Space Telescope—scheduled to be brought there via Space Shuttle in May, and he plans to be among the most active users of the new instrument. Venue: Museum of Flight, William M. Allen Theater.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org

Tuesday, Feb 17, 7:00 p.m.:
Happy February Skeptics! Five members of the NW Creationist Society will debate and discuss the scientific validity of the Bible and Evolution with a local skeptics group. For the first hour, members of the NW Creationist Society will field questions from the skeptics about their literal interpretation of the Bible, including the creation of man through Adam and Eve, a young Earth (6,000 to 1,000,000 years old), the story of Noah's Ark, and lots more. For the second hour, members of the NW Creationist Society will ask the skeptics to defend "Darwinism" and evolution in general, including the issues of academic freedom (ala "Expelled"). A digital projector will available for those who need to make a point using a laptop. A packed house for this event is expected, so RSVP early and arrive early for a seat. Venue: Blue Star Cafe and Pub, 4512 Stone Way N., Seattle, WA 98103, (206) 548-0345
Information: aperion_negatif@yahoo.com

Thursday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m.:
Raise a glass and toast the life and work of Charles Darwin at Pacific Science Center's monthly Science with a Twist program. February marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of his famous book, "On the Origin of Species." Venue: Pacific Science Center.
Information: http://www.pacsci.org/events

Friday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.:
Recently, UW Technology and the eScience Institute collaborated on a project to learn how UW researchers use information technologies to support their work and to anticipate future needs. Clear trends and directions emerged from conversations with more than 100 research leaders. Join Ed Lazowska and Erik Lundberg from the eScience Institute and Janice Fournier, Tom Lewis, and William Washington from Learning & Scholarly Technologies for a discussion of project findings and recommendations. The discussion is entitled "The Role of Information Technologies in Research: Conversations with UW's Research Leaders." Venue: UW OUGL 220.
Information: (206) 543-5785 or lstuw@u.washington.edu

Friday, Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m.:
John Calhoun and John Marzluff from the UW College of Forest Resources deliver a lecture entitled "The Role of WA DNR's Habitat Conservation Plan in Restoring Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet Habitat." Venue: UW Anderson Hall, Room 22.
Information: David Ford, (206) 543-2730 or edford@u.washington.edu

Sunday, Feb. 22 or Monday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.:
Lisa Ling, special correspondent for the National Geographic Channel and the Oprah Show, gives a talk entitled "Open Heart, Open Mind" as part of the National Geographic Live series. Ling takes viewers on adventures and covers a wide range of human-interest stories, from the crisis of AIDS orphans in Uganda to China's one-child policy to the shrouded life of North Koreans. In this presentation featuring video clips from Explorer, Ling shares some of her most compelling stories, and speaks passionately about the importance of having an open mind and heart. Venue: Seattle Symphony, S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium.
Information and tickets: http://www.seattlesymphony.org

Monday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.:
In August 2006, when the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood a firestorm ensued. Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and Hayden Planetarium director, takes a lighthearted look at why Pluto is so entrenched in America’s cultural and patriotic view of the cosmos in The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet. Tyson is the bestselling author of Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries and has hosted several PBS "NOVA" programs. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lectures with Pacific Science Center and Elliott Bay Book Company. Tickets are $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m.:
Judy Estrin, technology and business pioneer and author of the new book Closing the Innovation Gap, talks about how innovation is essential to reignite sustainable innovation in business, education and government. Venue: UW Paul Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering, atrium.
Information: Connie Ivey-Pasche, connie@cs.washington.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 25 , 7:30 p.m.:
Cliff Mass discusses The Weather of the Pacific Northwest. Mass, UW professor of atmospheric sciences and weekly guest of KUOW radio, is the preeminent authority on Northwest weather. In his new book, Mass brings together eyewitness accounts, historical records and meteorological science in the first comprehensive guide to Northwest weather directed to the general reader. His recent appearance at Kane Hall sold out and his book is already in its second printing. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lectures, with Pacific Science Center, University Book Store and UW Press. Tickets are $5 and are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com, (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30pm. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Thursday, Feb 26 to Sunday, March 1:
Pacific Science Center and the Polar Science Center at the UW's Applied Physics Laboratory present Polar Science Weekend. Guests of all ages will learn about the mysterious environments that only exist at the remote edges of our planet through hands-on activities, engaging demonstrations, lectures, exhibits and more. Venue: Pacific Science Center.
Information: http://www.pacsci.org/events

Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.:
Dave Montgomery, MacArthur "Genius"” Award winner and UW professor of geomorphology, discusses Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations. Montgomery's research has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of how soils and rivers have shaped civilizations, past and present. In his new book, he argues that soil is humanity’s most essential natural resource. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lectures, with Pacific Science Center and University Book Store. Tickets are $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.:
What is an ordinary American's obligation to the world’s poor? Peter Singer, Princeton University bioethics professor, argues that for the first time in history, we’re in a position to end extreme poverty throughout the world. Hear Singer discuss his new book, The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty. Presented by the Town Hall Center for Civic Life, with University Book Store. Tickets are $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

REMINDERS:
Mentors are needed to advise high school students in the winter for their Student Biotech Expo projects. The expo is on Wednesday, May 29, 2009.
http://www.nwabr.org/studentbiotech/advisors/advisor_info.htm

Registration for the Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment conference closes on Friday Feb. 6. The conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.
Information: http://cses.washington.edu/cig/outreach/waccia

The UW Libraries and the Elisabeth C. Miller Library host an exhibit on botany entitled “Art Meets Science” through Friday, Feb. 27. Venue: UW Suzallo Library, Exhibition Room 102.
Information: http://www.lib.washington.edu/natsci/exhibit/

Additions? Corrections? Write calendar@nwscience.org.