Childhood should be a time of carefree enjoyment. Unfortunately, for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, leukemia or multiple sclerosis, youth is hardly worry-free. Learn what stem cell researchers are doing to develop cures for these and other diseases that rob children of some of their best and brightest days.

Kirkwood OASIS - Kirkwood Community Center

111 South Geyer Road, St. Louis, MO 63122

FREE to the first 10 registrants, $9 per person thereafter. OPEN to ALL. Space is limited.

To register call 314-533-8586 or e-mail rsvp@academyofsciencestl.org

On Science Series co-sponsor:

Pamela Gay, Ph.D., Astronomer, Assistant Research Professor, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville; Co-Host, Astronomy Cast; Team Member, Galaxy Zoo

We live in a new age of technology-driven science, with new instruments and new computers that allow us to collect more information – more images, more DNA profiles, more environmental sensor data, than ever before. With this flood of information, scientists are no longer able to explore all the images, all the data, on their own, so more and more – science is turning to the public and requesting help. From the discovery of rare “Green Pea” galaxies to the first sighting in fourteen years of a rare non-spotted ladybug in the Northeastern U.S., ordinary citizens are contributing to discoveries in science.

It is possible to get involved in meaningful science either by going online or by going outside. The Galaxy Zoo project invites people to help astronomers better understand our evolving universe by classifying online galaxy images from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Rather be outside? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a variety of bird counting projects to help track the population of birds around the United States. Starting with the original citizen science projects begun by Benjamin Franklin, astronomer, writer, and podcaster, Pamela Gay, talks about citizens and science, the problem of data flood, and the ways ordinary citizens today can, and do, contribute to the pursuit of scientific discovery.

Photo © Pamela Gay

All Seminars are held in The Living World (north side of Zoo)
Parking FREE in Zoo North Lot.

FREE & OPEN to ALL.

For more information call 314-533-8586 or email mbauer@academyofsciencestl.org

Science Seminar Series Co-sponsored by:

Panel Moderator: Marc Lopata, P.E., Chief Technology Officer, Azimuth Energy

Featured Topics and Panelists:

Clean Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
Richard Axelbaum, Ph.D., Director, Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization and Professor, Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

The world is facing a challenge like never before. Energy usage is skyrocketing and the consequence is that atmospheric CO2 levels are dangerously high and rising, potentially threatening our very planet. There are entrepreneurial opportunities in producing clean energy and challenges that must be met if we are to make a difference worldwide.

Energy, Our Environment & Development: What is Washington University Doing?
Pratim Biswas, Ph.D., Fellow, Academy of Science - St. Louis; Stifel and Quinette Jens Professor, and Director, McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environment Partnership, and Chair, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

Learn about Energy Basics and why energy is such an important issue not only for all of us here in America, but for people across the globe. Find out how Washington University faculty, students and staff are addressing global energy challenges.

Environmental Economics... Wait, is that an Oxymoron?
Lea-Rachel Kosnik, Ph.D., Environmental Economist, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Missouri - StL

Most people assume Economics is about business, making money, and utilizing goods in destructive and/or consumptive ways. At the same time, Environmental Studies focuses on protecting and nurturing earth’s resources. The two seem polar opposites, but economists can and do contribute to solving our most pressing environmental issues. Learn why there are hundreds of economists currently employed at institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the World Wildlife Fund; and discover how economists have been integral in shaping renewable energy legislation and renewable energy initiatives across the land.

Energy Makes the World go Round
James McLaren, Ph.D., CMC, Founder and President, StrathKirn, Inc., -- a biotechnology and bioenergy consulting company focused on the future

Energy—after food it’s the most important issue of our age. Everything we do, from sitting and thinking to flying around the world, consumes energy. Humans have been outstanding at developing high performance systems for convenience and comfortable living, which means using a huge amount of energy. Where does it come from? What types of energy do we harness? Will it ever run out? Will you be able to drive a car five years from now? Will energy ever be free? Why is bioenergy different? You don’t need to have a “sparky” personality but you do need to be “bright,” so... if you are a bit of a “live-wire,” come along and find out about the different sciences and skills that are working together on the future of energy. You might be able to plug right in

DRAWINGS for TWO FREE JUNIOR SCIENCE ACADEMY MEMBERSHIPS at each Seminar.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPETE FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS - one $250 Middle School Student Scholarship and one $250 High School Student Scholarship. Attend 3 of the 5 seminars or panel discussions and write about your experience. Scholarship decisions announced in May 2010!

To be held at Kirkwood High School Keating Theater, 801 W. Essex, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Parking free in the high school lot.

This event is free and open to middle and high school students, teachers, adults, and the general public.

Pioneering Science Series co-sponsor: