Science Circle

Virtual Worlds for University Students: Some Thoughts and Experiences
2020-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtech
Virtual Worlds for University Students: Some Thoughts and Experiences

Virtual Worlds such as SL have a great potential as an educational platform, and there is an extensive literature on the subject. Likewise, they can offer social and psychological benefits, which can be very important, especially in the times of a social distancing. Much of this is due to the subjective sense of presence, including the avatar self-identification.

Our immediate motivation to re-introduce VWs as a viable online venue for the Caltech students (the undergraduates in particular, especially the incoming class) to socialize, interact, network, collaborate, and learn collectively until the pandemic is no longer limiting such interactions in the physical space. At the moment, the students in this cohort (roughly 18 to 22 years old) depend on the traditional social media for such interactions. Later on, we plan to introduce educational activities such as the lectures, office hours, etc. We thus created Virtech, a Caltech sim in SL, and I will describe the process that led to this choice. The initial response from the students was mostly enthusiastic, but mixed, and their feedback was very valuable, as we continue to develop Virtech.
This presentation will take place on Virtech sim, followed by a guided tour and exploration.

George Djorgovski (SL: Curious George)

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Classical Sunday Concerts
2020-11-29 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-11-22 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-11-15 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-11-08 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-11-01 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café
CLASSICAL SUNDAY CONCERTS
Sundays at 7 AM SLT
Weekly piano concerts by Earl Kiech at the lighthouse cafe.
Wake up quietly, start your afternoon relaxed or take a seat in a comfortable armchair to end your day with us.
No matter what time zone you are in, Earl’s music balances a stressful week at any time of the day.
This is the perfect time to catch up with colleagues and like-minded people

Kuhn: A Primer in Scientific Paradigm Shifts
2020-11-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Auditorium
Guests

1. Stephen L. Gasior

2. Giuseppe Longo

Matthew Burr

Previous panels on film

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The Biochemistry of Our Senses
2020-11-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
“The Biochemistry of Our Senses”
All living things become aware of, and interact with their environment and each other through, their senses. While the mechanism of sensory perception may be complicated, it all comes down to chemistry and physics, with chemistry being mostly electricity and energy levels in atoms. No magic required.
Understanding the chemistry of biology reveals secrets about how life exists, how living things are all related, and provides important clues about how and why living things evolved from each other.
Join me in exploring the fascinating and dynamic world of the very small, the menagerie of molecules that create familiar tastes and smells, that help us to see and feel, that mess with or fool our natural systems, and that make up us and the rest of life and living things.

Dr. Phil Youngblood

Reference work in the library

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Podcast

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Fire, flood, drought, repeat … environmental challenges for human habitability
2020-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Every morning when I awake, I notice it’s too cloudy to see the sunrise. You may have noticed this too where you are. Smoke from the megafires in the western US has blanketed my dawn sky. I am thousands of miles away so safe from the flames, but not safe from the fallout – none of us are. I had hoped against hope that this year we would not be having to deal with fire maelstroms and megafires but if anything, they are worse than last year. Some communities are seriously grappling with the science and ethics so that they can effectively address these challenges over the long-term. Join us to hear updates and discuss what we can do.

Linda M. Kelley

Reference work in the library

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Cyber security
2020-11-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
A presentation by Myron Curtis

This presentation discusses, as an example of what can be done across the Nation, California’s progress in developing comprehensive career pathways to a variety of Cybersecurity jobs in order to fill existing and future unfilled positions. Global demand for information security professionals has been growing exponentially and has reached a critical point. It is imperative; therefore, that we build a workforce of qualified cybersecurity specialists and trained users (including technicians and managers).
We need coordinated and linked education, training, and workforce development programs in order to fill that demand.
Thus, California is developing a framework for the design, development, and implementation of a California Cybersecurity Career Education Pipeline and Pathway Project (CCCEPPP) to prepare 50,000 entry-level cybersecurity professionals in California from 2020-2030 and reduce current/future state workforce capability skills/gaps.
In order to maximize efficiency and meet diverse key stakeholder needs, California seeks innovative ways to balance the academic and professional demands of cybersecurity programs to achieve enhanced student access to quality, cost-efficient and available cyber-security programs statewide.
The California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy has 15 recommendations to lay out a framework, blueprint, and structure for the design, development, and implementation of a California Cybersecurity Career Education Pipeline and Pathway and additional educational toolkits to serve statewide cybersecurity workforce development and education in “high need” essential workforce areas and sectors at all levels of education and training (K-12, Associates, Bachelors, Graduate, Professional Cortication/Training). Model curriculum, extra-curricular activities, cyber-competitions, professional and career development, and a host of related issues are included.
Paraphrased from the Executive summary in the California Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Strategy v3o GM[19781].pdf

Professor Myron Curtis

Reference work in the library

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Recent Developments in Materials Science
2020-10-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Auditorium
Recent Developments in Materials Science
Join Matt Burr and Mike Shaw for a discussion about materials. What new materials such as graphene and nanotubes hold promises for new technologies? What are the prospects for advanced batteries? What can we look forward to with breakthroughs and novel materials?

Guests

1. Dr. Michael J. Shaw

2. Dr. Kurt Winkelmann

Matthew Burr

Previous panels on film

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Classical Sunday Concerts
2020-10-25 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-10-18 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-10-11 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-10-04 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café
CLASSICAL SUNDAY CONCERTS
Sundays at 7 AM SLT
Weekly piano concerts by Earl Kiech at the lighthouse cafe.
Wake up quietly, start your afternoon relaxed or take a seat in a comfortable armchair to end your day with us.
No matter what time zone you are in, Earl’s music balances a stressful week at any time of the day.
This is the perfect time to catch up with colleagues and like-minded people.

Microbial life beyond Earth
2020-10-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Introduction to astrobiology and the scientific search for evidence of microbial life beyond Earth, especially on moons in the solar system. Review, with questions welcome, the very real and exciting possibility of finding such life in the fairly near future, and its far-reaching implications. For a general audience, brief discussion of key basic principles in areas of microbiology, physics and chemistry that drive, inform and focus the search.

James Woods
Previous work in the Film Collection

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The Dragon’s Smile
2020-10-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
A presentation by Dr. Mary Anne Clark.

Snooping in the Databases: Amelogenin in the Komodo Monitor

I love browsing the databases when new genome sequences are published. I’ll be talking about looking for the gene for amelogenin in the genome fragments of the Komodo monitor, whose genome was published in 2019. I’ll describe how I found the gene, how you can do your own snooping in the databases, and what I learned about lizards in the process.

Dr. Mary Anne Clark

Reference work in the library

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Emerging Technologies - The Future is Here!
2020-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
A presentation by Phil Youngblood, PhD.

Every technology, from fire and the wheel long ago, to quantum computers and companion robots today, is at some point an “emerging technology,” that is, an application of science well beyond ‘concept’ or experimental stage, something that is very real but is not mainstream yet. Emerging technologies may only be known by those who follow the field closely or may be known more widely, but most people have not yet experienced them firsthand… but soon will!

What are the emerging technologies of the 2020’s? Join me as we examine eight interrelated technologies that will shape your world in the next decade:
— 5G communications
— artificial intelligence (new applications)
— 3D printing (new applications)
— brain machine interface
— immersive spaces (like SL)
— augmented/virtual reality
— autonomous transport
— robotics

Dr. Phil Youngblood

Reference work in the library

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Podcast

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The Scientific Method
2020-10-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

by Robert A. Hendrix, MD
The scientific method has roots in natural proclivities of humanoid species: the human drive to explore, observe, and occasionally, experiment. With emergence of verbal language, the experience of the individual could be shared and remembered, and sometimes drawn, thereby becoming part of the collective memory, technology and culture of human society.

Human skull with post-trephination with opening marked. The exhibit is presented as part of the permanent exhibition “Disorders of the prehistoric population in the Polish lands” at the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk .Pleple2000 9.July 2010; This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unreported license.

Mummified cat, ancient Egypt, 2000-100 BC; Science Museum, London, Welcome Images / CC BY 4.0

In this presentation, we will consider the historic timeline of the scientific method leading to formalization by Sir Francis Bacon as an approach for gaining knowledge about the natural world. Along with a short biography of Bacon, we will look at “best practices” as well as the sometimes ethical and humanitarian failings of scientists. Overall, the culture and methods of science have given rise to exponential progress and growth in human knowledge.

In the latter half of the hour, we will ask members of the audience to offer ideas as to how experiments can yield erroneous results as a lead-in to discussion of errors commonly made in experimental design and method.

Robert A. Hendrix, MD

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

Podcast Global Outbreak of Fatty Liver Disease

Podcast Doctor’s Tips for Healthier Mind and Body

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Sunday Concert
2020-09-27 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-09-20 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-09-13 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-09-06 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-08-30 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-08-23 07:00 - 08:00, 2020-08-16 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café
Weekly piano concerts by Earl Kiech at the lighthouse cafe.
Wake up quietly, start your afternoon relaxed or take a seat in a comfortable armchair to end your day with us.
No matter what time zone you are in, Earl’s music balances a stressful week at any time of the day.

Ethics Dimensions in Scientific Research
2020-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Every last Saturday of the month, Matthew Burr organizes a scientific panel.
Ethics Dimensions in Scientific Research

Guests

1. Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

2. Dr. Robert A. Hendrix

3. Professor Phil Youngblood

Matthew Burr

Previous panels on film

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Horse-hunting Crocodiles of Ancient Germany
2020-09-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
About 45 million years ago, Germany was part of a warm subtropical set of islands, teeming with life. In this warm, greenhouse environment reptiles were enormously successful, reaching larger body sizes than mammals and pushing into new ecological roles. Explore the fascinating environment known as Geisletal with Dr. Alex Hastings as he presents some of his research from his fellowship at Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany.

Dr. Alexander Hastings

Reference work in the library

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Biology and Racism
2020-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Rarely explored in conversations about race are the actual biological underpinnings of differences in skin color, eye color, hair, etc. This talk will explore the genetics and physiology of what creates these differences in appearance. And when possible, discuss the origins and “why’s” of these genes. Further discussion on concepts of “race” and population genetics will cover the history of human groups and how scientists try to grapple with the understanding of genetic heritage over time and geography. Finally, a commentary on what biology tells us about racism will close the presentation.
Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Reference work in the library

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Mola Art and Aesthetics among the Guna People
2020-09-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Photo: Visit centro America
Mola Art and Aesthetics Among the Guna People
Unique Native American Art from Panama

The Guna, a native American culture from the lowland tropics of eastern Panama, are caretakers of one of the most extensive remaining rain forests in Panama. Guna women have, for many years, sewed molas, multilayer reverse appliqué cloth panels for their blouses. Guna mola textile art is breathtakingly beautiful.

This talk presents the visual power of mola art as one of the most evocative and transcendent indigenous art forms. The Guna women’s ability to transform any visual image that she may come in contact with into iconic art that can be worn as blouse panels represent a personal statement of a highly evolved and sophisticated visual aesthetic. The mola tells endless stories of life … whether they be traditional myths, shimmering geometric designs, natural motifs of plants and animals of the ocean, sky or rain forest or designs derived from commercial advertisements or television.

The Guna have conscientiously adopted certain aspects of western culture while successfully maintaining much of traditional culture and beliefs. The talk briefly discusses how this strategy has conserved mola art that is very much alive and well today in a contemporary world where many authentic indigenous art forms have unfortunately been lost. Even the casual observer cannot help but be impressed with the incredible range of the human imagination represented by the Guna woman’s unique and vibrant aesthetic representation of their world.

By Bill Harp, Cultural Anthropologist, Coclé, Republic of Panama
Bill is a technologist, cultural anthropologist and a geospatial analyst who has worked as a cultural anthropologist in Panama. During his time in Panama he conducted research among the Emberá people in eastern Panama and subsequently earned his MA in Anthropology from the University of Oregon where he specialized in the ecology and cosmology of tropical lowland, indigenous cultures of the new world.
Bill and his wife, Susan, alternate between their country homesteads in Coclé, Panama and North Idaho where they maintain subsistence gardens and orchards.

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