When 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 8th, 2017

WhereLacey Timberland Library Main Room; Note Location

            Map: https://goo.gl/maps/eytXfWHNYv22

Our November Topic Is: Adventures in Astrobiology

Chemistry helps us understand life on Earth and also explains what we can expect life to look like on other worlds. Some of the questions we’ll tackle include:  Does life need water to survive? How does the chemistry of an organism’s environment affect its survival mechanisms? How do organisms get energy from their environment? Is it possible to have an ecosystem that isn’t based on photosynthesis?

Our speaker is: Dr. Robin Bond

Robin Bond has been interested in extraterrestrial life since the age of five. After waffling a bit on which scientific major to choose–because all the sciences are so much fun–she received her BA in chemistry from Cal State Los Angeles. Later, she did an interdisciplinary Ph.D. (officially in geochemistry, although there was also a lot of biology involved) at the Colorado School of Mines. Robin taught at St. John’s University in New York before accepting a position as a Member of the Faculty at The Evergreen State College. Her research examines the redox chemistry of the natural world, including building models of the ocean on Jupiter’s moon, Europa.

Science Cafe of Olympia meets each month on the second Wednesday.  It provides an informal atmosphere where people with and without scientific background can meet to deepen their understanding on interesting topics in science and technology.  After a presentation by an expert in the field, the meetings are opened for discussion.  Science Cafes are found nationwide and are loosely affiliated with the U.K.- based Cafe Scientifique, an international organization promoting public engagement with science.

Driving directions to the Lacey Timberland Library: Coming from the north: From Interstate 5 southbound, take exit 109 Martin Way. Turn right off the exit onto Martin Way. At the first traffic light, turn left onto College Street. Drive about 1/4 mile then turn left onto Abbey Way/6th Avenue SE, and then then take the next left.

Coming from the south: From Interstate 5 northbound, take exit 108 Sleater Kinney Road/College Street. After exiting, stay to the left toward College Street. Continue on 3rd Avenue SE. Turn right onto College Street. Turn left at the next traffic light onto Abbey Way/6th Avenue SE, and then then take the next left.

Some of the organizers of the Science Cafe of Olympia are affiliated with the Puget Sound Section of the American Chemical Society.

Send us your comments and suggestions on topics, speakers and how we can improve out meetings.  Feel free to pass this notice on to like-minded friends.