"Science on Tap" Brainchild of two Weldon Post-docs

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science on tap image
Science on Tap Lafayette is a free monthly forum featuring some of Lafayette and Purdue University’s best and brightest minds, who discuss their work and how it impacts lives across the globe. Occurring on the second floor of the Lafayette Brewing Company in downtown Lafayette, their event provides Purdue researchers and affiliates an opportunity to teach and inform within a more comfortable and informal setting. Kate Stuart and John Paderi, organizers of the series, emphasize the importance of sharing the collective efforts of Purdue University so that they do not go unnoticed within the local community. The next talk is Feb 17th, 6pm.

To most Purdue University students, the many innovations taking place within labs and offices throughout campus are merely academic exercises orchestrated by professors, with no real bearing on society as a whole. This perception, however, could not be further from the truth. Most projects taken on by professors and graduate students have a distinct end goal in sight, specifically designed as a solution to major widespread problems. This contributes to Purdue’s reputation as a world-renowned research and development leader. Now, thanks to the open event ‘Science on Tap’, citizens of the local communities can get a firsthand look at the technological revolution occurring in their backyards.

Science on Tap Lafayette is a free monthly forum featuring some of Lafayette and Purdue University’s best and brightest minds, who discuss their work and how it impacts lives across the globe. Each meeting is conducted by a requested speaker, who focuses on his or her personal area of research expertise. Following the talk, the speaker engages in round-table discussions with attendees concerning the topic of their presentation. Featured speakers have come from all corners of the local area, ranging from local industries to Purdue University departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Materials Engineering, and Anthropology, among many others.

Possibly the most anticipated talk was given by Dr. Steve Wereley, from the School of Mechanical Engineering, entitled “How a Nanoscale Guy Stumbles into a Mega Problem: Measuring the Size of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill”. Dr. Wereley received national attention for his accurate analysis techniques, and was recruited onto a team of scientists and engineers by U.S. Department of the Interior to give an accurate report of the oil spill. His Science on Tap Lafayette talk marked his first public remarks about his experience to the greater Lafayette community, and was attended by over 150 spectators.

The next session will be February 17th, 6:00 pm, on the second floor of the Lafayette Brewing Company (622 Main Street, Lafayette IN), the speaker has not yet been announced.