Science On Tap – Storm Chasing in the PNW: Wet Cameras & Mist Opportunities
Extreme conditions are rare in the Pacific Northwest, but when the forecast hints at chaos, a small but dedicated group of storm chasers and weather geeks across the northwest spring into action, ready to capture the extraordinary. Join us as we explore the most extreme weather that the Pacific Northwest has to offer through the lens of meteorologist and storm chaser Garret Hartung, including strong southerly windstorms, atmospheric rivers, cold core tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme east wind events. What makes these events unique to the PNW? Why do we often miss out on some of the more extreme weather events seen elsewhere in the US? What makes storm chasing here so particularly difficult? Garret Hartung is a Senior Meteorologist at Portland General Electric with more than five years of experience forecasting weather in the PNW. An avid storm chaser since 2016, he has pursued and documented extreme weather and other natural phenomena across much of the Central and Western US. He is also a proud graduate of OSU where he earned a B.S. in Earth Sciences with a focus on climate science and meteorology. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Science on Tap: Your AI Lover – Reaching for Romance Across the Net
Humans are inherently social, and for many, romantic love represents the pinnacle of emotional connection. Yet, not everyone finds a romantic partner or experiences the kind of connection they seek. Some may turn to AI for solutions. From virtual companions to AI-driven therapists, artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we communicate, alleviate loneliness, and express desire. And as AI continues to evolve, it could become more than just a tool in our lives: it could become a romantic partner. Dr. L. Kris Gowen will delve into the science of love, belonging, and happiness to explore whether AI mitigates loneliness or exacerbates it. Using what we already know about the intersections of emotional connection and technology, she will reflect on whether humans can truly fall in love with an AI, and can an AI reciprocate? What might a human-AI romance look like, and what could it mean for the future of intimate relationships? L. Kris Gowen is a queer sexuality educator who has spoken nationally and internationally on the intersections of sex and technology. She has authored textbooks, teacher guides, and lesson plans to support inclusive school-based sexuality education, based in science and curiosity. When not thinking about sex and relationships, she lives and breathes all things karaoke. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Science On Tap: Indigenous Science – Seed Banks for Eco-Restoration
Many ecological restoration projects are one-size-fits-all: kill the weeds, then plant native seeds. But across the West, native plants have unexpectedly reestablished themselves via wind, water, or underground seed banks at restored properties in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California within various ecosystems—prairies, estuaries, sagebrush steppe, wetlands and coastal sand dunes. Scientists, in particular Indigenous scientists, have found that native seeds can regerminate after decades of dormancy underground and that some species—even federally endangered ones—will regrow once invasive plants are removed, or water is returned. This approach, known as “natural regeneration,” is understudied and overlooked by Western scientists. Yet Indigenous-led projects show that it is a more effective and more affordable way to restore degraded lands. This show will discuss a handful of tribally led restoration projects where native plants have returned on their own. Josephine Woolington is a writer and musician based in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. She is the author of “Where We Call Home: Lands, Seas, and Skies of the Pacific Northwest,” which won the 2024 Oregon Book Award for general nonfiction. Her wide-ranging, long-form feature story on this subject was published in High Country News. David G. Lewis (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde), an OSU anthropology and Indigenous studies assistant professor who descends from western Oregon’s Takelma, Chinook, Molalla and Santiam Kalapuya peoples. Lewis has studied a Willamette Valley site, called Lake Labish, where wapato, a traditional food for PNW Indigenous peoples, has reappeared after a 120-year absence. He is the author of Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley (2023). Tickets:$15.00 DISCOUNT (senior, student, it’s your birthday, just can’t afford the GA price right now)$25.00 GENERAL ADMISSION$35.00 VIP: Premium seating in the front several rows of the center section$45.00 SUPPORTER: Premium seating, pint glass (beer not included), and good feelings for supporting the programMinors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our venue FAQ here
Consider This with Dahlia Lithwick
Join us for a conversation about law, justice, and the public interest with Dahlia Lithwick, senior legal correspondent at Slate and host of the Amicus podcast about law and the Supreme Court. One of the leading legal commentators in the US, Dahlia Lithwick has covered courts for Slate since 1999 and regularly appears as an analyst on MSNBC. Her recent book, Lady Justice: Women, the Law, and the Battle to Save America, presents a historical account and perspective on the intersection of feminism, law, and politics during the Trump administration. She has testified before Congress about access to justice in the era of the Roberts Court and how MeToo impacts federal judicial law clerks. General AdmissionPrice: $15 Conversation StarterPrice: $30 Ticket sales do not cover the full cost of presenting Consider This events. When you buy a Conversation Starter ticket, you help us keep ticket prices low for everyone. Oregon Humanities uses income from Consider This ticket sales to pay for venue rental and honoraria for our guests. Conversation Starter tickets convey no special benefits beyond good feelings and our gratitude. No Cost To make sure as many people as possible who want to attend are able to, we make a portion of tickets available at no cost. (More information below) If you’re able to pay for a ticket, we ask that you do so to help keep this program accessible to all. Please click the link below to register for no-cost tickets. Click here to register for no-cost tickets to Consider This.
Consider This with Manu Meel
Join Oregon Humanities for a conversation about political differences, young people, and the long-term health of our democracy with Manu Meel, CEO of BridgeUSA, a multi-partisan student movement working to bridge our differences and change how we talk about politics. Manu Meel is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides. He believes that the biggest threat to American democracy is polarization. He hosts The Hopeful Majority, a weekly podcast, and contributes to several news outlets. Manu works on pro-democracy efforts nationally and advises political leaders on reducing polarization. In 2022, Manu was recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for leading BridgeUSA. This event is part of The People and the Public, Oregon Humanities’ 2024–25 Consider This series. General AdmissionPrice: $15 Conversation StarterPrice: $30 Ticket sales do not cover the full cost of presenting Consider This events. When you buy a Conversation Starter ticket, you help us keep ticket prices low for everyone. Oregon Humanities uses income from Consider This ticket sales to pay for venue rental and honoraria for our guests. Conversation Starter tickets convey no special benefits beyond good feelings and our gratitude. No Cost To make sure as many people as possible who want to attend are able to, we make a portion of tickets available at no cost. (More information below) If you’re able to pay for a ticket, we ask that you do so to help keep this program accessible to all. Please click the link below to register for no-cost tickets. Click here to register for no-cost tickets to Consider This. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian Review our venue FAQ here
Science On Tap – The Story Collider: Stories About Science
From heart-breaking to hilarious, The Story Collider show is a live storytelling event featuring stories from people from all walks of life about how science has affected their lives. Whether you wear a lab coat or haven’t seen a test tube since grade school, science is shaping all our lives. Every year, The Story Collider hosts live shows – in person and online – around the world with all kinds of storytellers: researchers, doctors, and engineers, of course, but also patients, poets, comedians, and more. Our team’s favorite stories from those shows land on our weekly podcast. They’re all true and all very personal. Science on Tap OR WA is excited to be partnering with them for an evening of true, personal stories about science. Tickets:$15.00 DISCOUNT (senior, student, it’s your birthday, just can’t afford the GA price right now)$25.00 GENERAL ADMISSION$35.00 VIP: Premium seating (front center rows)$45.00 SUPPORTER: Premium seating, pint glass (beer not included), and good feelings for supporting the program Science on Tap is an event series based in Portland, OR, where you can sit back, enjoy a pint, and laugh while you learn. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don’t have to be a science geek to have fun—all you need is a thirst for knowledge! Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here
Science On Tap – Summer of the Sharks: Studying Ocean Predators
The word “shark” has historically conjured images of a mindless, man-eating machine. Yet there are over 500 shark species of all shapes and sizes, consuming everything from seagrass to marine mammals. All are critical to our oceans, and their presence usually indicates that an ecosystem is healthy. However, in order to reverse their decline, we need to know more about them. How do sharks behave?What is their population size?How old do they get?How many young do they have? Getting answers is a huge challenge – how do you study something that is out of sight and sometimes larger than your own boats? Oregon’s waters are home to 15 shark species, but a dedicated research program was only recently established for these animals – the Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University. At this Science on Tap, learn about their innovative research methods, from animal-borne cameras and “FitBits” to satellite tracking to drone footage, as well as why this information is critical to conservation. Some of their scientists have been featured on Shark Week, BBC and National Geographic, so come prepared with all of your questions about sharks, shark science, and sharks in the public eye! Dr. Alexandra (Alex) McInturf (she/her) is a research associate in the Big Fish Lab (BFL) at Oregon State University. Her research focuses on the social lives of sharks and tracking the movements and assessing the diets of many species. She completed her PhD in Animal Behavior at the University of California, Davis in 2021. She has been with the Big Fish Lab since then, where she conducts her research, mentors the BFL’s many undergraduate and graduate students, and leads community engagement efforts. Tickets:$15.00 DISCOUNT (senior, student, it’s your birthday, just can’t afford the GA price right now)$25.00 GENERAL ADMISSION$35.00 VIP: Premium seating (front center rows)$45.00 SUPPORTER: Premium seating, pint glass (beer not included), and good feelings for supporting the programMinors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian.Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Science On Tap: Evolution Under the Influence
Evolution Under the Influence: Alcohol and the Coevolution of Humans and YeastHave you ever sat down at a bar, ordered a beer, and thought to yourself, “Why do humans even have so many specific genes for breaking down alcohol?” This is what happens when a guy with a PhD in Molecular and Medical Genetics from OHSU starts making booze professionally. The answer, as it turns out, takes you a long way back in human history; our relationship with yeast (the organism that makes alcohol), predates human evolution. At this Science on Tap, Dr. Kevin McCabe, Winemaker, Enologist, and Beekeeper at Double Strand Wine, will take you through the history of primate alcohol consumption, the importance of yeast and alcoholic fermentation to human history, and how early microbiology turned the tables on yeast and gave humans control over our boozy destiny. Tickets:$15.00 DISCOUNT (senior, student, it’s your birthday, just can’t afford the GA price right now)$25.00 GENERAL ADMISSION$35.00 VIP: Premium seating in the front several rows of the center section$45.00 SUPPORTER: Premium seating, pint glass (beer not included), and good feelings for supporting the programMinors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our Health & Safety Policies HERE
WorldOregon’s International Speaker Series – Masih Alinejad: The Wind in My Hair – The Fight for Women, Life, Freedom in Iran
With this event, WorldOregon’s 2023 International Speaker Series concludes it spotlight on bold voices addressing human rights, political and cultural polarization, and movements toward a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future. Named one of Time Magazine’s 2023 Women of the Year, Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist in-exile who is one of the most prominent and vocal opposition figures challenging the Islamic Republic of Iran—and has been an inspirational global leader for the Women, Life, Freedom movement..ABOUT THE SPEAKERMasih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her veil, or hijab, and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind. From that, My Stealthy Freedom was born—her viral social media campaign against compulsory hijab that became the biggest civil disobedience movement in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, it has almost 11 million followers.Described by The New York Times as “The woman whose hair frightens Iran,” Alinejad wrote the widely acclaimed, bestselling memoir, The Wind in My Hair, sharing her extraordinary story about living in exile, leaving her country, challenging tradition and sparking change. An inspiring account about political activism, family, heritage, overcoming adversity and more, Alinejad offers a compelling and shocking look at the realities of the world we live in.Her commitment to human rights has won her the UN Watch’s International Women’s Rights Award, the AIB Media Excellence Award, the Swiss Freethinker Association’s Freethinker Prize, and the American Jewish Committee’s Moral Courage Award among other honors. Alinejad currently lives in exile in New York City.For full biography click here. About the SeriesWorldOregon’s International Speaker Series is one of the nation’s premier platforms for international affairs. For more than two decades, the series has put you in the room with the global leaders, visionaries, and inspiring voices that are changing our world. Now in its 23rd year, the International Speaker Series continues its tradition of presenting a broad spectrum of the people, big ideas, and issues framing our role on the world stage. About WorldOregonWorldOregon was founded in 1950 with the mission to broaden and deepen public awareness and understanding of international affairs, engaging Oregonians with the world—and with each other. WorldOregon programs keep Oregonians connected to the people, places, and ideas that are shaping our shared global future. Tickets$45 General Admission$35 WorldOregon Members$20 Students/Veterans Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
WorldOregon’s International Speaker Series presents Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch: Lessons from the Edge
Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, became a household name in 2019 when she was abruptly ousted by then-President Trump and subsequently called to testify at the former president’s first impeachment trial. Having been born into a family that survived Soviet and Nazi terror, Yovanovitch was raised with a keen sense of just how precious and fragile democracy can be. Her bold decision to speak truth to power resulted in powerful testimony that elevated her as a courageous and dignified voice of truth and defender of democracy at home and abroad. Join WorldOregon for a rich, candid conversation on Ambassador Yovanovitch’s insights and reflections on democracy, a lifetime of public service, getting “our house in order” as a world leader, and —just recently back from Ukraine—why she remains optimistic about the Ukrainians’ continued fight for freedom from Russian aggression.Marie Yovanovitch served as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, in addition to other senior government positions during her 33-year diplomatic career. She retired from the State Department in 2020 and is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a non-resident fellow at Georgetown University. She has received multiple awards, including the Presidential Distinguished Service Award (twice), the Secretary’s Diplomacy for Freedom Award, the Trainor Award for Excellence in the Conduct of Diplomacy, and the PEN/Benenson Courage Award.About the SeriesWorldOregon’s International Speaker Series is one of the nation’s premier platforms for international affairs. For more than two decades, the series has put you in the room with the global leaders, visionaries, and inspiring voices that are changing our world. Now in its 23rd year, the International Speaker Series continues its tradition of presenting a broad spectrum of the people, big ideas, and issues framing our role on the world stage. About WorldOregonWorldOregon was founded in 1950 with the mission to broaden and deepen public awareness and understanding of international affairs, engaging Oregonians with the world—and with each other. WorldOregon programs keep Oregonians connected to the people, places, and ideas that are shaping our shared global future. Tickets$45 General Admission$35 WorldOregon Members$20 Students/Veterans Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
