2019 Programs
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SCIENCE IN YOUR LIFE 2019
January 30, February 6, February 13
7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
(Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
The 2019 series will be at 7:30 p.m. on January 30, February 6 and February 13. As in the past, each program will consist of an understandable talk by a scientist involved in research on the topic, and an opportunity for questions from the audience. Brochures giving speakers, and subjects and the location will be distributed in January. The purpose of these lectures is to bring together the general public and scientists to explore topics of interest and importance to everyone. Admission is free.
Click to download PDF Brochure
7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
(Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Our Lady of Lourdes High School
131 Boardman Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
January 30, 2019
7:30 PM MUSIC BY VIVACE ORCHESTRA
(30 person string orchestra conducted by Jonathan Handman)
8:15 PM “THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MOON: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE”
Speaker: Dr. James Green
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC
Scientists believe that the Moon was formed out of a collision between the Earth with a Mars sized planet named Theia at a very early stage of the development of the solar system. From then on, the Earth and the Moon’s evolution have been intertwined. The Moon has kept the Earth’s rotational axis pointing in the same direction providing a significant level of stability for the Earth’s climate. Today, the Moon holds many fascinating mysteries for scientists to explore. Scientifically there have been a number of stunning advances in lunar science and a realization that going back to the Moon will provide scientists with the opportunity to accomplish transformational science in understanding the origin and evolution of our solar system. NASA’s future plan is to go to the Moon to stay and then onto Mars.
Dr. James Green is NASA’s Chief Scientist who focuses on NASA’S strategic science objectives. He has written over 115 scientific articles.
February 6, 2019
7:30 PM MUSIC BY ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ MACHINE
(Conducted by Rich Guillen)
8:15PM “CONQUERING LYME DISEASE – SOLUTIONS THROUGH SCIENCE”
Speaker: Brian Fallon, MD
Columbia University Medical Center New York, NY
Dr. Brian Fallon, director of the Lyme & Tick-borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center, will present a message of hope. He will review recent scientific advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention that will help to stem the tide of this most challenging disease. While the controversies and uncertainties associated with Lyme Disease are well known, less well known are the great strides being made by contemporary science that are leading to remarkable new approaches to conquer this disease.
Dr. Fallon received his BA and M.Ed. from Harvard University. He has been associated with Columbia University since 1979 where he obtained a MPH in epidemiology and a MD. He co-authored a book “Conquering Lyme Disease: Science Bridges the Great Divide” with Jennifer Sotsky, MD which was published by Columbia University Press in December 2017.
February 13, 2019
7:30 PM “MUSIC BY ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL PHILHARMONIA
(a 45 student string orchestra conducted by Jonathan Handman)
8:15 PM “MARCH OF THE PENGUINS: NEW DISCOVERIES FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE”
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Ksepka
Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT
Penguins have undergone one of the most remarkable transitions in vertebrate evolution. Over sixty million years ago, these birds arose from flying ancestors, but gave up flight to become flippered divers. The fossil record reveals many unexpected surprises in the history of these remarkable birds: “giant” species (more than a foot taller than living Emperor Penguins), spear-billed species with long pointed beaks, “svelte” long-flippered species, and even penguins with red and grey feathers. The fossil record also reveals that today, penguins have reached what appears to be their lowest historical point in species diversity, reinforcing conservation concerns for imperiled populations.
Dr. Daniel Ksepka is Curator at the Bruce Museum. He earned his PhD from Columbia University and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in paleontology and evolutionary biology. His quest to unlock the secrets of penguin evolution have brought him to New Zealand, South Africa, and Peru.
Officers 2018-2019
Maung S. Htoo, President, Ph.D.
Edwin E. Fitchett, Vice-President
Robert Brickner, Secretary
Arne C. Christensen, Treasurer
Board of Trustees
Robert Brickner
Arne C. Christensen
Edwin E. Fitchett
James Holmgren
Margaret A. Horton
Maung S. Htoo, Ph.D.
Steven C. Johnson
Mary Louise VanWinkle, Ph.D.