science Archives - Sustainable Saratoga https://sustainablesaratoga.org/tag/science/ Sustainable practices, to benefit current and future generations in Saratoga Springs, NY Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:28:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-13/ Wed, 27 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15675 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, May 27 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Title: Restoring Coral Reefs: Science, Hope, and Climate Reality

Description: Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea, yet many are disappearing faster than we ever imagined. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing are pushing reefs toward a tipping point, but all is not lost. Around the world, scientists, communities, and practitioners are working to give reefs a fighting chance.

In this talk, I’ll introduce what coral reef restoration really means (hint: it’s more than just planting coral), and explore the different strategies being used from the Caribbean to the Pacific. I’ll show why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution: what works in one place may fail in another, depending on local threats, people, and ecosystems. From coral nurseries and reef gardening to working with nature and supporting reef resilience, restoration is as much about social and cultural context as it is about science.

Finally, we’ll take an honest look at the future of coral reefs in a warming world. What can restoration realistically achieve? Where does it help most, and where does it fall short? And how can hope, grounded in science and climate reality, guide the next chapter of reef conservation?

Whether you love the ocean, worry about climate change, or simply enjoy a good story over a pint, this talk will leave you with a clearer picture of what’s possible and what’s at stake for the world’s coral reefs.

Bio: Dr. Margaux Hein is a marine biologist, Founder and Lead Consultant of MER Research and Consulting.

Originally from the Principality of Monaco, she obtained a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Science at the

University of Queensland and her Masters and Doctorate at  James Cook University in Australia. Her expertise and passion revolve around coral reefs and finding ways to protect and conserve them in the face of rising environmental and climatic challenges. Her research focuses on improving the effectiveness of coral reef restoration efforts across socio-economic and ecological scales.

With projects around the world since 2012, she is currently acting as an official consultant with the International Coral Reef Initiative, the  Reef Resilience Network, The Nature Conservancy, and Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco.

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-12/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15638 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, April 29 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Title: Could that Star Already be Dead? Why Relativity Says You Can’t Ask.

Description: The theory of Special Relativity is now over 120 years old. Its conclusions about how time slows down in GPS satellites and about how many particles reach Earth’s surface have been confirmed countless times. But what relativity says about the nature of space and time is still so deeply counterintuitive that our lack of intuition can make us wrong even about things that seem obvious. In this talk, I’ll first introduce the basic ideas of Special Relativity. I’ll then discuss the often repeated story that some of the starlight we see might be from long-dead stars, and explain why that story is asking a question that doesn’t actually have an answer.

Bio: Jesse Ernst is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Physics at U Albany. He conducts research in the area of elementary particle physics. Jesse and his family reside in Saratoga Springs.

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-11/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15545 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Speaker: Kelsey Jensen

Title: Measuring What Matters: Turning Soil Data into Climate Solutions

Talk Description: “Climate-smart” and “regenerative agriculture” are everywhere right now—from USDA programs to labels at the local farmer’s market. But what do these buzzwords actually mean, and are they living up to the hype?

Measuring the real impact of farming practices turns out to be surprisingly hard. The Soil Inventory Project, a national nonprofit, is tackling this challenge head-on—quantifying how practices like reducing tillage, planting cover crops, and applying fertilizer affect soil carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions. Come explore how researchers are cracking this problem by working with farmers, food companies, and everyone in between, and what it could mean for building a food system that’s actually good for our climate.

Bio: Kelsey Jensen was COO for The Soil Inventory Project and a research scientist in the Covey Lab at Skidmore College. Her research background is in soil carbon sequestration and ecosystem ecology. She holds a Doctorate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University and BAs in Chemistry and Environmental Studies from Colgate University. She is currently a Climate Innovation Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund and continues to work closely with TSIP as an academic collaborator.

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-10/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15429 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, February 25, 2026 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Speaker: Kim Frederick

Title: Turning All Citizens into Scientists using Paper and Cell Phones

Talk Description: For too long, scientific information has only been accessible to scientists who have access to lab facilities.  More recently, the World Health Organization established the REASSURED standard which calls on the science community to develop testing technology that is Real-time, Easy, Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free and Deliverable.  Our lab at Skidmore College develops paper-based testing devices where the science measurement can be done with a cell phone camera.  In recent years we have developed microfluidic paper analytical devices (µPADs) for measuring contamination of drinking water by hydrofracking wells, ensuring proper dosage for antibiotic tablets and developing a urine-based diagnostic for malaria.  In this discussion we will talk about how this technology works, what kinds of problems we have tackled and what problems of local interest might be important for us to look at.  Come and join the conversation!

Bio: Coming soon

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-9/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15243 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, January 28, 2026 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Speaker: Daniel Peterson

Title: Fake News on Social Media: Exploring Age Effects

Talk Description: Today, most Americans get their news, at least in part, via social media. Unfortunately, the way news stories are propagated and shared on such sites can amplify fake news stories. Though the factors underlying who falls prey to believing such stories and why is well examined with younger adults, there’s comparatively much less research looking into older adults. In this talk, I’ll detail two studies (and introduce an ongoing third) that looks at the factors that predict when older adults endorse fake news stories and how those effects differ from the more commonly studied younger adult population.

Bio: Daniel Peterson is a cognitive psychologist specializing in human memory. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he examined the theoretical underpinnings of memory retrieval. Today, he is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Skidmore College where he looks at more applied memory questions including effective study strategies and eyewitness memory. 

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-8/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=15133 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, November 19 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Talk Title – Checking in on the Neighbors: patterns and drivers of a curious social behavior in tree swallows.

Talk Description – Social nest visitation is a common behavior exhibited by many species of birds.
However, the motivating function underlying the act of peeping into your neighbors’ nest varies
by population and species. Tree swallows have long been known to express this behavior, but
recent advances in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology have enabled the
population-wide, automated tracking necessary to advance our understanding of why some
birds visit their neighbors and why some birds are targets of their neighbors visits. Here, I
present the results of 13 years of automated, RFID-tracking of tree swallow visitation behavior
from the Cornell Experimental Ponds in Ithaca, NY. We explored the explanatory power of
various hypotheses for social visits and further explored how both stress and environmental
factors altered visitation patterns. Finally, I present some thoughts on why this might be an
important and previously underappreciated behavior for tree swallows as a semi-colonial,
obligate secondary cavity nesting and declining species.

Thomas Ryan is an Assistant Lecturer at Skidmore College, who recently defended his Ph.D.
in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. He obtained his B.S. from SUNY ESF
and, prior to grad school, spent time working—mostly on various species of wood warbler–
with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Point Blue
Conservation Science, as well as volunteering with various bird-themed research projects in
Jamaica, New Zealand, and Australia. He is broadly interested in the behavioral ecology of birds,
having previously worked on projects that explored brood parasitism, migration, the effects of
climate change on breeding behavior, and the management of endangered birds.

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-7/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=14729 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Thursday, June 26 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Talk Title: High Science: Growing, Knowing and Appreciating Cannabis

Cannabis is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood plants on the planet. From its unique biology and ancient history to its modern-day cultivation and uses, this talk will dive into what makes cannabis so special. We’ll explore its botanical quirks, the science behind its effects, and the basics of how to grow it successfully. Whether you’re a seasoned grower, a curious consumer, or just love cool plant science, come grab a drink and learn why cannabis deserves its place among nature’s most incredible creations.

Michael Cahill, is a professor of botany, sustainable agriculture, and cannabis cultivation at SUNY Adirondack. His work explores the intersection of plant science, agroecology, and education, with a focus on how cannabis fits into broader conversations about sustainability and social change. Passionate about making science accessible and engaging, he brings a mix of research, hands-on experience, and storytelling to educational spaces.

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-6/ Wed, 28 May 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=14146 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, May 28 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Talk Title: Don’t Sleep on the Fly! What Studies of Fruit Flies Can Teach Us about Sleep

We spend almost 1/3 of our life sleeping, and yet we know very little about this mysterious behavioral state. An answer to even the seemingly simplest question continues to elude us: Why do we get sleepy? In the last 20 years, many advances in our understanding of this topic have come from studies of an unlikely subject – the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. In this talk, I will discuss some of the broad benefits of studying sleep in fruit flies and will share some of the projects from my lab in which we examine how sleep is regulated by internal and environmental factors.

Chris Vecsey, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Director of the Neuroscience Program at Skidmore College. He has been at Skidmore for 10 years, but before that was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Swarthmore College, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Brandeis University, a Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania, and an undergraduate at Amherst College. His research examines the neurobiological mechanisms of sleep regulation in fruit flies, and he teaches courses on Neurophysiology, Mechanisms of Memory, and the Neurobiology of Sleep.

Science on Tap Saratoga

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-5/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=14144 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, April 30 @ 7:00 pm.

Talk Title: Tiny Bug, Big Problem – Ticks and the Diseases They Carry.

Talk Description:  Ticks are blood sucking arachnids that can transmit harmful microbes while they bite. In New York, Lyme disease is the most common bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks, but other serious diseases like babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis can also occur. This talk will look at the potential consequences of tick/human interactions, with a focus on Lyme disease – the most common tick-borne illness and one that is associated with long term chronic illness if not correctly diagnosed and treated.

Holly Ahern is an award-winning professor at SUNY Adirondack where she teaches courses in
biology and microbiology. As a result of her family’s personal experience with Lyme disease, she
co-founded and is Vice-President of Lyme Action Network, a national 501-c-3 with a mission of
patient education and advocacy. Holly is also the Scientific Advisor for the Focus on Lyme
Foundation based in Phoenix, Arizona, which funds strategic research projects aimed at
improving the quality of diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. As a
scientist and advocate, she was appointed to serve on state and federal advisory groups,
including the HHS Tick Borne Disease Working Group and the NYS Tick Borne Disease Working
Group. She remains actively involved in NYS and federal legislative initiatives to improve access
to care for “long-hauler” Lyme disease patients and people with other chronic illnesses. In
2023, Holly co-founded and serves as Chief Scientific Officer of ACES Diagnostics, a company
created to make clinically accurate diagnostic tests and therapeutics broadly available to Lyme
disease patients.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Science on Tap Saratoga

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science on Tap https://sustainablesaratoga.org/event/science-on-tap-4/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=14133 Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. Each talk takes place in a relaxed pub atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Department and Sustainable Saratoga, these monthly opportunities for discussion reflect the unique intellectual culture of the greater Capital Region and promote scientific literacy.

The next Science on Tap is Wednesday, March 26 @ 7:00 pm.

Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Come early to get a bite to eat. The talk will start promptly at 7:00pm.

Talk Title – Salting the streams: How NY’s road salt usage is disrupting our freshwater ecosystems

Talk Description – Road salt usage varies extensively within the USA. In 2023 New York led the nation, applying more than 600,000 tons of dry sodium chloride road salt. Road salt enters our watersheds, negatively affecting drinking water quality and stream health. Nonetheless, there has been little investigation into how road salt in New York is affecting the health of benthic invertebrates, key players in stream food webs. Many benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic insects who feed on the bottom of stream, break down plant matter, a key component of aquatic nutrient cycles. They are also a primary food source for fish, amphibians, and birds. Exposure to high amounts of chloride can cause invertebrates physiological stress or death, and thus road salt usage directly impacts the abundance of diversity of benthic invertebrates in our streams. Understanding the extent in which New York’s abnormally high use of road salt is affecting our steam ecosystems is key for watershed conversation, including setting data-informed recommendations for limits on pollution concentrations.

Melissa DeSiervo, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Biology Department at Union College (Schenectady, NY). She is a population and community ecologist interested in species interactions and movement in a rapidly changing world. She primarily works on plants and insects in a variety of local and non-local ecosystems including forests, grasslands, ponds, and freshwater streams.

Science on Tap Saratoga

The post Science on Tap appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>