taste of science Tampa Bay brings you this special event combining science with a little friendly competition. We’ve partnered with East Lake Community Library and made Bingo our method of choice for sharing our fun facts with you.
Open to all grown ups, you can reserve your spot using the link below.
All work and no play makes for a very boring bunch of science fans, so taste of science would like to invite you out for an evening of science gaming fun.
Our Tampa chapter is excited to be relaunching with some chat about game theory, followed by a chance to play a series of science board games.
Join us at Corner Club in Seminole Heights to feed yourselves and your curiosity.
This will be a sensory friendly event.
In social situations, do you ever feel like you never quite do the right thing? That’s normal. It happens when your best behavior depends on that of others. What to do? Enter Joel and game theory as a wonderfully nerdy branch of mathematics -- think game of chicken, prisoner’s dilemma, and producer-scrounger games. It applies across all of nature including games of fear and stealth between predator and prey. Even cancer treatment is a game between the physician and the cancer cells.
Joel is a faculty in the Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology of the Moffitt Cancer Center. Joel is an evolutionary ecologist who studies nature and cancer through the adaptations of the organisms.
For over 30 years, as a wildlife biologist, he has literally worked from A to Z including aardvarks in South Africa and Zebra in zoo settings. His personal favorites are squirrels.
He currently applies principles of ecology and evolution to understand and treat cancer.
A chemistry-themed strategy game where players act as scientists racing to build chemical compounds by collecting elements and trading resources. It mixes science, negotiation, and a little luck, making it feel like a competitive lab experiment at the table.
In this biology-based board game, players work inside a human cell, gathering resources and building enzymes, hormones, and other cell components to score points. It turns complex cell biology into a colorful strategy game that’s surprisingly approachable.
Inspired by early computer pioneers Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, this game has players “program” punch cards to solve challenges and complete objectives. It’s a clever mix of coding logic, history, and strategy wrapped into a tabletop game.
This twist on the classic Pandemic puts players in the role of competing diseases trying to spread across the globe and outlast humanity. Instead of working together to stop an outbreak, everyone is trying to become the most deadly infection.
A game about the competitive world of academic research, where players conduct studies, publish papers, and build their scientific reputation. It captures the strategy—and sometimes chaos—of trying to succeed in the world of science and academia.
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!
Transforming student learning in biology
Using machine learning I have developed an automated scoring tool which predicts human grading of students’ formative written responses. Formative assessment allows teachers to discover the effectiveness of learning activities in the classroom. Examples of formative assessment include clicker questions, worksheets, or writing. By having students write we can get a much clearer picture of student thinking. However, grading student writing is time consuming. I have a solution to this dilemma.
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!)
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.
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.
Dr. Mel Rodgers with a model volcano.
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!
Mars: Your Personal Journey to the Red Planet
Have you ever wanted to visit Mars? Welcome to Mars 3D - Your Personal Journey to the Red Planet. This 3D experience will introduce you to the geology of Mars and the groundbreaking achievements in the exploration of the Red Planet. Audience will wear 3D glasses and touch real meteorites from Mars!
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.
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.
Did you know that Tampa is home to several outstanding cancer research programs, ranging from the basic biology of cancer cells all the way to clinical trials and patient care? We have been fortunate to interact with many incredible cancer researchers at previous events, and at our kickoff event, we will continue that tradition with Dr. Joel Brown and Dr. Liem Quang Le.
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!
How do you zoo? A day in the life of a zoo vet
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a zoo vet? Or what zoo vets do all day? If you’re curious about these things, this talk will walk you through a typical day at a large zoological institution. I’ll show you how the vet team at Busch Gardens plans procedures and works on animals as diverse as tigers and kangaroos to local wildlife. You’ll see why there’s really no such thing as “typical” at the zoo!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Did you know that Tampa is home to several outstanding cancer research programs, ranging from the basic biology of cancer cells all the way to clinical trials and patient care? We have been fortunate to interact with many incredible cancer researchers at previous events, and at our kickoff event, we will continue that tradition with Dr. Joel Brown and Dr. Liem Quang Le.
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?!
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.
Join us at the c.1949 beer garden with Christian Brown, Dennis Giardina, and Sarah Grasty for Ecology 101: from tree tops to seafloor! Christian will be sharing recent findings, photos, and stories from his studies tracking Wandering Salamanders, Dennis will discuss efforts to reintroduce native orchids that once flourished in the Florida Everglades, and Sarah will take us under the sea to see how her group maps the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.
Come over to Southern Brewing & Winemaking to learn about the cutting edge research scientists right here in Tampa are using to better understand the biology of cancer and improve therapies for patients. We are thrilled to have experts Dr. Gina DeNicola and Dr. Florian Karreth join us to share their knowledge and talk about the exciting research performed in their laboratories at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
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.
3....2.....1.....go! Join us at Foundation Coffee Co. for an evening of discussion with scientists whose studies take them outside of the lab and into the natural environment of Earth and beyond! Tonight we will hear from Dennis Giardina, who works with the US Park Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission climbing trees and studying panthers, Dr. Antonio Paris, a Professor of Astronomy who is searching for Planet 9, and Mel Rogers
Join us with Dr. Lori Collins, Dr. Arturo Araujo, and John O'Meara for a lively evening of discussion centered on the evolving roles for libraries in the digital age, how mathematicians are adding their efforts to the fight against cancer, and the science of brewing beer at Fodder & Shine! There's a little bit of everything for everyone!
Join us tonight at Southern Brewing to learn how science is used to help protect us everyday! We are pleased to announce our panel of experts: Jaclyn Angelo, Bruce Jamison, and William Evonosky. The evening will cover topics such as the science and technology currently used by our armed forces, advances in using genetics to solve crimes, what are exoplanets, and a first person perspective on transitioning from a U.S. Army Sergeant to an academic career. This is an evening you won't want to miss!
Land, sea, and air...we've got you covered! Join us for a captivating evening at c.1949 on their beautiful outdoor patio. We are pleased to feature Dr. Paul Wetmore, who will tell us how scientists study faults and geology to determine earthquake potential...is Florida at risk??? Next, we are excited to have Mary Stanko, an expert on birds of prey and the crucial roles they play in the ecosystem, join us with a few fabulous feathered friends. Finally, we are lucky to have Professor Jeff Ryan share his knowledge and experiences as a deep sea geochemist. You won't want to miss their stories and fascinating experiences!
Join us for an evening of talks on cancer treatment and research at Hidden Springs Ale Works! Tonight, two cancer researchers who are making vital contributions to the war on cancer, Dr. Eric Lau and Dr. John Mullinax, will share their stories and research. Come and find out what is on the horizon for treating cancer and pick our experts' brains!
Join us for an evening of climate change science at The Bunker! In tonight's session, we will learn about the impact of climate change on Florida and what we can do to help. Join our climate experts, Trista Brophy and Christine Downs, as they share their knowledge and research!
Join us for an evening of discussions at The Refinery focusing on growing global healthcare challenges! Tonight's talks will be presented by Dr. Amber Gum, who will speak about the increasing prevalence of depression and strategies to reverse this trend, Dr. Lindsey Shaw, who is discussing the rise in resistance to antibiotics and what's next in the "post-antibiotic era," and Justin Gibbons, who will provide an up to date perspective on malaria and the challenges of treating it.
Join us for an evening of biology at The Attic featuring Dr. David Morgan and Dr. Simon Hayward! This evening's guest speakers lead productive and respected academic research careers studying Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Their presentations and discussions will allow us to learn about the history and current understanding of Alzheimer's disease and take a closer look at how chemicals and environmental toxins can impact human health.
Several top news stories have recently had direct impacts on the Tampa Bay area... 2016 has been an eventful year! Have you ever wondered about the science behind these news stories affecting our community? Would you like the chance to interact with experts in these fields? How about in a bar with some libations?
