Polar Vortex!? The interesting thing about the most banal thing to come in conversation, like the weather, is that it can still be an opportunity for good science communication. Sure you may have a dad or an uncle on Facebook that still doesn’t believe in global warming, but this is your time to shine and exercise your skills in sci-comm and patience. At Nerd Nite however you can let your hair down and know that you are with friends, and everyone (eventually) will know your name. Get in here for a fab February. This month!
Poster by: Armin Mortazavi IG: @armin_mortazavi
When: Wednesday February 27th; Doors @ 7, show starts @ 7:30
1. Animals in Science
Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy
2017 saw the highest number of animals in Canadian science ever recorded: 4.4 million. This is despite that fact that a very small proportion (0-12%) of animal-based research translates into the creation of new drugs to treat the most important conditions of our time. This compelling talk will challenge audience members to rethink some of the often deeply held assumptions about the use of animals in research, testing and science education. It will beg the question: We can continue to use animals in science, but should we? *Note: no graphic images will be used*
Bio: Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy is a former neuroscientist who has spent her career getting to know animals better, on their terms. After retraining in animal behaviour, welfare, and ethics she now uses her science savvy to advocate for the advancement of science without suffering. Elisabeth is co-founder and executive director of the Animals in Science Policy Institute (AiSPI), a Vancouver-based national charity. She is an instructor at the University of British Columbia, an Advisor to both the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods, and the Humane Education Coalition. She is part of the editorial team for the Alternatives to Laboratory Animals journal, and also gives national policy advice to the Canadian Council on Animal Care on a regular basis.
2. The Laugh Track Legacy
Robyn Fashler
Despite delivering “the best medicine”, Laugh Tracks have a pretty lousy reputation. With this talk, Robyn aims to refute this unjust impression. She will discuss the history, controversy, and significance of canned-laughs and explain why they deserve a hearty guffaw themselves.
Bio: Robyn makes her way selling office furniture and she is weirdly enthusiastic about it– seriously, “Task Seating” is one of her favourite topics. Beyond that, Robyn is a self-proclaimed comedy connoisseur and is mildly obsessed with old-school television. Naturally, she also has a fascination with laugh tracks. She hopes you will see their value as well.
3. Chemistry of Cosmetics
Dr. Emma Davy
The cosmetics industry is marketed towards women to reduce aging! Look younger! Have no pores! But cosmetics are poorly regulated, if at all. Why is something many of us use barely regulated in terms of ingredient listing and trasparency for consumers? In this talk I will discuss the narrative around the word “chemical”, especially as it relates to cosmetics. I will discuss ingredients and regulation of these products. And finally, I will look at cosmetics from a woman’s perspective – are they so poorly regulated because women’s health is taken less seriously than overall health?
Bio: Emma has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Victoria where she studied organometallic chemistry. After a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Catalysis Research and Innnovation, Emma landed at Quest University Canada where she has been for the last three years as a teaching fellow and faculty member in the physical sciences. Emma is a passionate chemical educator, podcast lover, boy-band scholar, and overall giant dork.
