2020 Programs

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SCIENCE IN YOUR LIFE 2020

January 29, February 5, February 13

7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

(Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)

The 2020 series will be at 7:30 p.m. on January 29, February 5 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.

2020 Science in Your Life will be held at THREE different locations

Bradford Walker

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Orville A. Todd Middle School Dining Hall

11 Croft Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

7:30 PM MUSIC BY ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL PHILHARMONIA (a 45 student string orchestra conducted by Jonathan Handman).

8:15 PM “THE WORLD OF GEMOLOGY: HISTORY AND VALUE OF PRECIOUS GEMSTONES”

Speaker: Bradford Walker

Shreve, Crump & Low

Greenwich, CT

Precious gemstones have captured the imagination for centuries, with the allure, value and often mystery. Mr. Walker will dazzle us with stories about Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds. Where are they found and why are some regions more desirable than the others? What contributes to their color and other properties? Additionally, he will examine some of the most notable gems owned by monarchs, celebrities and American royalty, past and present.

Brad Walker is a fourth-generation jeweler and executive vice-president of Shreve Crump and Low, one of America’s oldest institutions. He received his Graduate Gemology degree prior to graduating from Babson College with a BA in Business. Shreve Crump and Low was first opened in 1796 just 20 years after the Declaration of Independence.

Dr. James Green

Reference:

  • Alan Alda and Jim Green Podcast ~ May 2020: Chief Scientist Dr. Jim Green was interviewed by science communications advocate (and movie and television star) Alan Alda for his podcast series: "Clear and Vivid" in an episode entitled "Houston, do we ever have a problem!" Alan Alda Talks with NASA's Chief Scientist.

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Our Lady of Lourdes High School Auditorium

131 Boardman Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

7:30 PM MUSIC BY ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ MACHINE (Conducted by Rich Guillen)

8:15 PM “THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MOON: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE”

Speaker: Dr. James Green

NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC

Dr. James Green

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.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Spackenkill High School Auditorium

112 Spackenkill Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

7:30 PM MUSIC BY VIVACE ORCHESTRA (a 30-person string orchestra conducted by Jonathan Handman)

8:15 PM “INTO THE HEART OF CUBA”

Speaker: Daryl Hawkes

Unconventional Travelers

Wilton, CT

Daryl Hawkes

Daryl will travel to Cuba with the goal of shooting documentaries for magazines and television and will share his nonstop, day to day adventures, experiences, discoveries, and valuable lessons he learned on these incredibly spiritual journeys. He will discuss his style, philosophy, and various techniques he uses when photographing subject matter. Equipment, lighting on location, environmental portraits, and travel tips on planning a trip to Cuba will all be covered as well.

Daryl is also the former host and producer of the television show “The Unconventional Traveler” which featured some of the worlds’ leading explorers, travel photographers and filmmakers sharing their work from various expeditions and documentaries. He produced over 100 shows over a 10 year period and some of his guests included Jane Goodall, Buzz Aldrin, Reinhold Messner and George Schaller.

Officers 2019-2020

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

David Pfirman

Mary Louise VanWinkle, Ph.D.