Cal Poly and the Central Coast will see its first-ever Science Café in the Robert E. Kennedy Library this Wednesday afternoon.
Several of these discussion cafés have already sprung up in coffee houses, bars and other libraries around the Bay Area, Los Angeles and the rest of the country, but none in the Central Coast until now.
This informal discussion series will feature conversations with a scientist and 10-minute presentations from four different Cal Poly contributors – including electrical engineering department Chair Art MacCarley, Electric Vehicle Engineering club, Cal Poly Rose Float and Human Powered Vehicle – centering on the theme of “Improbable Vehicles.”
According to John Dunning, who has a doctorate in electrochemical engineering Cal Poly research scholar and café discussion moderator, improbability is a function of history. What was once improbable is now commonplace.
“We can use this (forum) as a way to ask ourselves some questions: What was improbable then? What is improbable today? What is the future going to be like? Then let the people talk,” he said.
Conversations will stem from topics such as what are the driving forces behind the creativity of methanol motorcycles, electric race cars, human powered vehicles and Cal Poly’s Rose Float?
The Science Café discusses scientific topics and discovers what other groups are up to around campus.
“I think this project is bringing in so many parts of campus,” event team member Jeanine Scaramozzino said. “These are your colleagues. These are other students on campus. This is a way to see what they are doing and being part of the community.”
But what’s unique about the Science Café is it is not a two-and-a-half hour PowerPoint lecture getting shoved down your throat. The approach will be informative, yet relaxed.
“It is sort of the anti-lecture. The goal is to encourage the community, including non-scientists, to participate in a science forum,” Dunning said.
“Here’s your chance to participate. Isn’t it part of your responsibility to come and share your vision? Share your ideas and share what you think might happen. How can you have a conversation about anything if you’re not there?” asked Scaramozzino.
Science Café will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the second floor of the library, right next to Julian’s Patisserie. Snacks will be served.
There are different themes for each month’s discussion. The next Science Café session will be Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. and will be an ode to Darwin’s birthday. This birthday tea party will feature birthday cake and biology faculty member, Christy Strand, as she talks about her work at Galapagos Islands.
Science Café is the library’s program and is sponsored by the College of Engineering and supported by the College of Math and Science.