Join us tonight as we hear from University of Tennessee scientists for our first post festival event!
Timeline
6:30PM
Doors will be open at 6:30pm. There are numerous excellent food options in the Hardin Valley area so be sure to plan ahead and bring some tasty eats! Enjoy a bounty of drinks (both with and without alcohol) offered by the Casual Pint while chatting with new friends.
7:00-9:00PM
Following a brief introduction to taste of science and thanks to our sponsors, we will hear from our speakers with plenty of time between for questions and refills.
Nick Gladstone, Biologist studying the ecology, evolution, and conservation of cave-obligate species.
When not caving, Nick can be found hiking, climbing, fishing and capture amazing photographs of his many adventures.
Tennessee as an Epicenter for Subterranean Biodiversity: Cave Conservation and Research Opportunities
Over 10,000 caves have been documented in Tennessee. As such, a variety of cave-obligate organisms reside in the many caves within the state. These animals display unique morphological traits, such as the absence of eyes and skin pigment. While the study of these animals has increased over the years, many of these creatures are considered on the verge of extinction. Tonight, we will discuss the biodiversity of caves in Tennessee and potential strategies for conservation and management.
UT Knoxville iGEM: A team of UTK students researching DNA, which they cut into many pieces, put pieces back together in different ways, and place them in organisms to see what happens!
Engineering Bacteria to Make Natural Scents from Toxic Waste
Want to know how to make nice smells from toxic waste? Certain bacteria have DNA that allows them to break down toxic waste leftover from crude oil processing. We can dope our engineered organisms with toxic waste and the process leaves us with high value chemicals used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Who knew science could smell so good!