Want to get out of the house for interesting adult conversation about a newsworthy subject with an expert in the field, hosted in a tasty, warm environment, then head downtown to one of New Rochelle’s Science Cafés. Initiated by PBS’s NovascienceNow, Science Cafés are free monthly gatherings each with a noted scientist making a brief presentation and leading a discussion on an interesting and timely topic of conversation intended for the general public.Often the conversation continues over food and beverages which can be purchased at the host restaurant.
The New Rochelle BID joins the New Rochelle Public Library and Iona College in co-sponsoring a second season of the New Rochelle Science Cafés.
Schedule for Winter-Spring 2011
Stimulating Science & Society Dialogs for Scientists and Non-Scientists
Join us for a second season of provocative conversation with renowned scientists, cutting edge information, and insightful questions for further personal exploration.
Made possible through a partnership of the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library, Iona College, and the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). Free.
For reservations, please email Professor Jerry Levkov at jrmlevkov@gmail.com or call Barbara Davis, NRPL Community Relations Coordinator at (914) 632-8254.
Bio-Technology Basics
Professor Eric Muller, Iona College
Tuesday, January 11, 7:00 pm
Ossie Davis Theater, New Rochelle Public Library
Dr. Eric Muller introduces the fascinating, growing field of bio-technology. As defined by the United Nations, Bio-technology is any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. Biotech is used in a variety of different sub-disciplines such as agriculture, medicine, and industry. This talk will focus on the background and ethical implications of one topic from each of these areas: genetically modified foods, the human genome project, and use of biological systems for weapons detection and security. The next two sessions are being held downtown where you can feast on conversation and then dine on a great feast afterwards.
Genetics for the Consumer
Sharon Terry, President & CEO of Genetic Alliance
Tuesday, February 8th, 7:00 pm
Coromandel Restaurant, 30 Division Street, New Rochelle
Not a day goes by without genetics making the news. Is this hype or is their reason to hope? From the genome full monty to designer babies, there is a great deal to consider. Will our world be healthier because of this onslaught of discoveries? Sharon Terry, president & CEO of Genetic Alliance, a large network of genetics organizations, will explore these questions and others—in plain language! Ms. Terry became involved as the parent of two children with a genetic disease, and founded a nonprofit to advance research on the disease. She is an Ashoka Fellow, a social entrepreneur; and received an honorary doctorate from Iona College for her work.
To learn more about Sharon Terry and the Genetic Alliance, click here.
Suburban Ecosystems; Soil and Climate Change
Dr. William H. Schlesinger, President of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 pm
Coromandel Restaurant, 30 Division Street, New Rochelle
Dr. William Schlesinger will discuss the fascinating activities of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and his groundbreaking work in linking environmental chemistry and global climate change. How does suburban life impact the ecosystem? What small measures can add up to big changes? These and other timely questions will spark the conversation.
To learn more about Dr. Schlesinger click here and the Cary Institute of Ecosystems Studies. For more information on this and other upcoming
Science Cafes: go the library’s website www.nrpl.org and click on the Science Café logo.