think + drink (science)

On the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 pm, we transform the Bishop Planetarium into a forum for discussions at think + drink (science), a place where you can grab a beer or a glass of wine (or a soft drink) and learn about cutting-edge science in a relaxed, informal setting. Typically our “expert du jour” gives a short presentation on the topic of the month, and then opens the floor for questions and discussion.

think + drink (science) details:

• Cost: Eligible members of the Discovery Society – $5, Non-members – $8
• Refreshments: Beer, wine, soft drinks and snack available for purchase.
• Tickets: Paid reservations required; please purchase tickets online using the links below or call 941-746-4131, ext. 113.
• Seating: Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; please arrive promptly. Pre-purchased program seats will be held until 5 minutes prior to program start time ONLY, at which time they may be released for re-sale (no refunds or exchanges will be given after the start of the program).

Programs and Online Tickets:

• • • April 10: “The Dolphins of Sarasota Bay: Helping Cetaceans Around the World” with Dr. Randall Wells, Chicago Zoological Society/Mote Marine Laboratory
      Research by the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program over the past 49 years on the long-term resident bottlenose dolphins of Sarasota Bay has taught us a great deal about the lives and needs of our aquatic neighbors.  We have also learned much from them that has benefited dolphins and porpoises around the world, through the development of crucial datasets, training conservation scientists, and developing and refining techniques for field studies. Dr. Wells began studying dolphins as a high schooler and today is Director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program — the longest-running study of a wild dolphin population in the world.

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    • May 8: “Animal Stories: Natural History and Children’s Literature” with David Berry, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
      Many of the most beloved books for children follow the adventures of animals. This talk will explore the connection between natural history and children’s literature, as well as reveal the inspiration behind some of the most famous animal stories ever written. David Berry is the Associate Director of Academic Affairs at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. He teaches a course on the art of natural history at New College of Florida.

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    • June 12: “Florida from Space: What Satellites Can Tell Us About Red Tides, Rising Seas, and Coastal Change” with Dr. Matt McCarthy, University of South Florida
      With harmful red tides, rising sea-level and devastating hurricanes affecting Florida’s coastline, high-resolution images taken by satellites can provide a valuable birds-eye view and track changes over time. Dr. McCarthy will show us how he and fellow oceanographers use these images to study how Florida’s coastal habitats and waterways have been changing in recent years and how they might continue to evolve in the future. Dr. McCarthy is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg. He grew up in Gainesville, Florida, spending much of his early years fishing, sailing and hiking along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Now he uses satellite imagery to study those coastal areas to better understand how human impacts and a changing climate are affecting red tides, coastal habitats and water quality.

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