Take the chill off wintry Saturdays by learning about hot topics such as genetics, the atomic world, lasers, and superconductivity. These and other topics will be featured during the 2012 Science-on-Saturday lecture series beginning January 7 at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in Plainsboro.
The 28th annual series includes nine talks from January through March. Although the free talks are geared toward high school students, they are open to everyone. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. and the talks begin at 9:30 a.m. in PPPL’s auditorium. Students, teachers, parents, and community members are welcome to attend any or all of the lectures.
Science on Saturday has become a tradition in the Princeton community and multiple generations have had the opportunity to hear world-class scientists present their research. The audience usually includes high school students, Princeton University staffers, and community members.
One of the organizers for the series is Ronald Hatcher, a Plainsboro resident. A senior research engineer at PPPL, he decided to pursue a career in science during high school. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and mathematics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He began working at PPPL in 1984 and chose to live in Plainsboro due to its proximity to the laboratory.
Potential speakers are chosen by reviewing science magazines and journals to consider contemporary science topics and stars in scientific fields. “We choose speakers based on acquaintances, interesting research and/or bio, and recommendations from past speakers,” Hatcher says.
The 2012 Science-on-Saturday schedule follows:
Saturday, January 7. “Out of Africa: Genetics and Human Migrations” presented by Gyan Bhanot, department of molecular biology, biochemistry, and physics at Rutgers University.
Saturday, January 14. “What is the Universe Expanding Into? And Other Perfectly Reasonable Questions” presented by David Goldberg, department of physics at Drexel University.
Saturday, January 21. “Visualizing the Atomic World” presented by Udo Schwarz, department of mechanical engineering and materials science and the department of chemical and environmental engineering, Yale University.
Saturday, January 28. “Exploring the Warped and Violent Universe” presented by Nergis Mavalvala, department of physics, MIT.
Saturday, February 4. “Cooperation and Conflict in the Natural World” presented by Suzanne Alonzo, department of ecology and evolutionary biology, Yale University.
Saturday, February 11. “All Tied Up in Knots” presented by Lisa Traynor, department of mathematics, Bryn Mawr College.
Saturday, February 18. “Using Lasers to Control and Probe the Brain” presented by Adam Cohen, department of physics, Harvard University.
Saturday, March 3. “Why Are Computers So Stupid and What Can Be Done About It?” presented by Ernest David, computer science department, New York University.
Saturday, March 10. “One Hundred Years of Superconductivity” presented by Michael Norman, materials science division, Argonne National Laboratory.
The laboratory is on Princeton University’s Forrestal Campus off Route 1 in Plainsboro and not on the University’s main campus in Princeton. The lectures usually last, with questions, about two hours. Registration is on-site prior to each session. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
PPPL is a federal facility. Upon arrival, all adult visitors must show a government-issued photo I.D. This could include a passport or a driver’s license. Non-U.S. adult citizens must show a photo I.D., plus provide the following information: citizenship, date of birth, and place of birth. For the welfare of both staff and visitors, PPPL security staff retains the right to inspect vehicles and personal packages such as briefcases, satchels, book bags, and purses.
— Lynn Miller
Science on Saturday, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Forrestal Campus, Route 1 North, Plainsboro. Free. 609-243-2121. www.pppl.gov.
