Education and Evolution

Are you interested in learning about how we can use machine learning to help students learn, how humans have changed over time, or how the opioid epidemic started? Come out to hear Dr. Kelli Carter, Associate Professor at Pasco Hernando State College, and Dr. Lorena Madrigal, Professor at the University of South Florida and AAAS fellow, and Dr. Michael Sheehan, addiction psychiatrist and clinical drug researcher, answer these questions and more. Join taste of science Tampa at PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub on Sunday, April 28! 

Dr. Michael Sheehan

The Opioid Epidemic: History & Treatment 

History of narcotic opioid drug use. The recent epidemics worldwide. 40,000 deaths in USA last year. Cultural attitudes, problems and solutions. 

(more details coming soon!)

Dr. Lorena Madrigal

Recent human evolution: How do we detect it and why do we study it?

Dr. Lorena Madrigal is renowned for her studies on evolutionary studies among living or recent people. For example, she documented the formation of the Indo-Costa Rican population locally known as the Culis, In this talk, Lorena will dispel mis-understandings about modern evolutionary theory, and will use examples from her own work to show how modern human populations are still evolving.

Kids’ Day in the Gardens!

Join taste of science Tampa and the University of South Florida Department of Integrative Biology at the USF Botanical Gardens for a morning of fun for all ages! Multiple, interactive exhibits specifically planned for the younger taste of science audience members will be set up for hands-on learning about topics from geology to plant biology. Come meet friendly USF students and biologists as they tell you about their favorite science! Join us for things that go BOOM!

Ticket price of $5 covers admission and proceeds go to the gardens. More information about the USF Botanical Gardens can be found here.

Friday’s Fusion

Have you ever wanted to learn how modern forensics can help study past civilizations, understand the psychology of a criminal, or take a 3D tour of Mars!?!? If so you need to come out to 7venth Sun Brewery Tampa for a funky Friday night taste of science! We will be joined by Dr. Bryanna Fox, former FBI Special Agent and current Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida, Dr. Antonio Paris, a NASA trained Planetary Scientist and former astrophysics professor, and Liotta Dowdy, PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida. Our distinguished speakers will take us on a tour of past, present, and maybe even future societies and the techniques and psychology they use in their research!

Dr. Bryanna Fox

The science behind offender profiling and criminal psychology

Dr. Fox is a USF Professor specializing in criminal psychology and policing, and former FBI Special Agent.

Liotta Dowdy

Isotope analysis to help reconstruct past diet and migration patterns for past populations or individuals

The purpose of this talk is to introduce the utility of chemical isotope analysis in forensics or looking at past human populations. What is isotope analysis? How it is useful in forensics? 

In my current dissertation research, I am looking at modern populations and their enamel to determine the quantity of chemical isotopes and trace elements in the teeth from different regions of Florida or out of the state; and to examine the regional variation of the quantities of these elements. Therefore, we pursue to create a geographic map (isoscape) of the elemental isotopes ratios and/or values in teeth that will be useful in the identification process of the missing and unidentified people in the U.S.A.

Health: from Humanity to Hippos

Are you ready for some Wednesday global health and wellness? Well, then you should join us at Skipper’s Smokehouse on April 24 with:

• Dr. Dominique Keller, Senior Zoo Veterinarian at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Dr. Thomas Unnasch, Department Chair & Distinguished University of South Florida Health Professor and Interim Chair of Environmental and Occupational Health

• Dr. Derek Wildman, Professor in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida.

  Scroll down to read more about our fantastic speakers and their transformative science to be discussed.

  See you on Wednesday!

Dr. Thomas Unnasch

Using Science to help eliminate river blindness

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is an ancient scourge that is of the most important causes of socio-economic disruption in Africa. In the most afflicted areas it blinds 40% of the adult population. The international community has been working to eliminate this disease for over 40 years. I have devoted my life to developing new tools to help this elimination effort. I will provide an overview of this very important but little-known disease, discuss the challenges we face when trying to eliminate it.

Dr. Derek Wildman

How has pregnancy evolved? 

What causes a pregnant woman to go into labor? How come elephant pregnancies are almost two years long while a mouse pregnancy last only three weeks? Can DNA tell scientists whether a woman is going to deliver a preterm infant? Can we inherit the biological effects from traumatic events our ancestors experienced? I will do my best to answer these and other big questions in pregnancy research.

Galaxies, Gravity, and Criminology

What decent taste of science festival would be complete without hearing about space, geology, or criminology? Good news! This year, we’ve combined three audience favorites into one exciting Tuesday evening. And did we mention this is all taking place at the awesome Rock Brothers Brewing? Starting with Dr. John Cochran, Professor of Criminology at the University of South Florida, we will learn about the myths, facts, and controversy surrounding the death penalty and his research into social and scientific aspects of its usage in America. Next, you won’t want to miss Dr. Denija Crnojevic, Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Tampa, tell us about her research into how galaxies form and evolve, particularly faint, distant galaxies using space-borne telescopes. Then gravity will bring us back to Earth to meet Mitchell Hastings, who is currently pursuing a PhD in geology at the University of South Florida. Mitchell will tell us how they use changes in gravity to understand what structures and processes occur beneath volcanoes and how they may interact with faults!

Dr. John Cochran

Myths and Facts about the Death Penalty in America

Public opinion on the death penalty is strongly divided with both supporters and opponents offering a variety of reasons for their positions. While these reasons are matters of belief for those who espouse them, they are also open to social scientific inquiry. This inquiry has established some of these beliefs as myths and others as supported by facts. This talk will discuss these beliefs and research behind them.

Dr. Denija Crnojevic

Galaxies in a Nutshell!

What are galaxies, and how did we discover them? Did you know that they can evolve into different shapes and sizes, and that they interact within their "communities" just like humans do? Are you curious about the ultimate fate of our own Galaxy, the Milky Way? I will be talking about this and more (even black holes!), and you will get a chance to ask everything you ever wanted to know about galaxies! 

Mitchell Hastings

Understanding Volcano-Tectonic Interactions: What Can We Learn From Gravity?

Typically, we think of gravity as a constant, something that doesn't change with time or space (at least on Earth). However, that's not the case, gravity varies across the globe as a function of where you are but more importantly, with whats beneath you. This talk is aimed at how we can use changes in gravity to understand what structures and processes occur beneath volcanoes and how they may interact with faults.

Diversity and Inclusion in STEM

Despite pervasive stereotypes and media portrayals, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields today have become more diverse and inclusive than ever. Nobel prize winning work such as the discovery of green fluorescent proteins or the creation of immune-based therapies for cancer are just two of many discoveries made possible by multi-cultural teams of men and women. But reaching this point has not been easy, and efforts to improve STEM diversity and inclusivity need to remain a priority. To better understand the challenges of maintaining and expanding diversity and inclusion, Dr. Anita Marshall, an advocate and researcher of disability inclusion in STEM as well as a member of Choctaw Nation, Dr. Daniel Cruz-Ramirez de Arellano, LGBTQA+ advocate and instructor of general and organic chemistry at the University of South Florida, and Renee Fonseca, graduate student with a passion for diversity studying genetics and bioinformatics at the University of South Florida will join taste of science Tampa for an interactive discussion at The Bricks Ybor on Monday, April 22!

Dr. Anita Marshall

Adventures in Accessible Geology Field Research

Many geologists have tales of adventure out in the wilds of nature. Field research is an important part of our academic training and a big part of our cultural identity as geologists. Come hear a very different take on these tales as we talk about the challenges and triumphs of doing field research with a disability. From the slopes of an active volcano in Nicaragua to the bogs of western Ireland, this is a globe-trotting tale of science, innovation, teamwork and creative problem solving.

Dr. Daniel Cruz-Ramirez de Arellano

Queer in STEM: Demographics and Disrupting Stereotypes of Identity

The Queer in STEM national study provides an unprecedented look at the personal stories and workplace experiences of LGBTQ-identified STEM professionals. Quantitative analysis of 1,427 participant responses to an online survey allows us to describe the diversity of LGBTQ identities and STEM fields represented by survey participants. Qualitative analysis of 54 semi-structured interviews allows us to develop a model of identity for queer professionals in STEM fields.

Renee Fonseca

From Professors to Participants: Improving diversity in science

Diversity and science are more closely linked than you might think. From the people doing research to study participants, a lack of diversity is creating knowledge gaps. When entire populations are left of out of STEM everything from artificial intelligence to medical treatments, and education to quality of life falls behind. 

Get ready to be amazed by Dr. Antonio Paris, Dr. Christine Theodore, and Dr. Olaseni Sode at 7venth Sun Brewery!  Dr. Paris is Chief Scientist at the Center for Planetary Science and renowned author who excels in bringing planetary science to the people.  Dr. Theodore is a Professor of Chemistry at The University of Tampa where she works as natural products chemist focusing on finding new drug leads for research.  Dr. Sode specializes in theoretical and computational chemistry at The University of Tampa, where he is a Professor of Chemistry researching the chemical properties of carbon dioxide. 

Come over to 7venth Sun Brewery for a lively Friday evening of marine science discussion with the Associate Curator of The Florida Aquarium and "Shark Guy" Eric Hovland and Dr. Kristine White, professor, marine biologist, and amphipod specialist at The University of Tampa.  You are welcomed and encouraged to stick around afterwards for a complimentary viewing of the stunning Chasing Coral documentary, courtesy of the film producers!  

Would you like to know a secret?  We here at taste of science love birds!  Do you know what else we love?  DINOSAURS!  So how could anyone resist this incredible opportunity to join Dr. Ryan Carney and Dr. Holly Kilvitis at Hidden Springs Ale Works to learn about birds, dinosaurs, and diseases?!  

Important Parking Information: 

If driving, please park either in their lot directly across from Hidden Springs on Franklin Street, on Henderson Avenue just west of Tampa Street, or use any available street parking along Franklin Street.

Join us at c.1949 for Women in Science, an evening dedicated to past, present, and future women scientists and their remarkable contributions to science, featuring Dr. Lori Collins and Jaclyn Angelo!  Dr. Collins is a professor and co-director of the Digital Heritage and Humanities Collections (DHHC) in the University of South Florida Libraries, working to preserve and protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage through education and global engagement.  Jaclyn is a forensics expert, with more than a decade of experience in the field who currently uses her training to close unsolved cases using DNA evidence.

Meet us at Coppertail Brewing for an evening of brainstorming!  We are delighted to have Marissa Voors, a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Amber Gum, a psychologist and professor at the University of South Florida, and Dr. Eric Lau, a cancer biologist and assistant professor at the Moffitt Cancer Center share their stories and talk with us about the clever approaches they use to tackle familiar health complications and challenges in our community. 

With great weather (okay, a tad chilly!), fabulous speakers, and an inquisitive audience, "Science Behind the Brews" was a hit and is a preview of things to come during our April Science Festival!  Be sure to mark you calendars for April 22-28, 2018 and check back soon for venue and speaker details.  In the meantime, enjoy some photos from our kickoff event:

Join us at Southern Brewing & Winemaking for an evening of discussion about BEER! Curious about what gives your favorite suds their flavor? Pondering fermentation? Meditating about malts? Reserve your FREE tickets below to share some brews and learn all about it with two local beer experts, as your Tampa taste of science kicks off its 2018 spring season! Limited quantities of special event themed T-shirts will also be available for purchase.