No PhD? No problem. Over some cold brews this week, Drexel University scientists will be chatting about their research in language understandable to even those who struggled through high school biology.
Pint of Science is an outreach organization that brings scientific lectures to breweries and bars around the globe. This week, Pint of Science comes to Philadelphia for three nights of events at Bourbon Blue, Fergie’s Pub and Franky Bradley’s.
Drexel faculty will join researchers from various Philadelphia institutions to touch on topics ranging from cocaine addiction to robotics.
“Our goal is really to reach non-scientists,” said Andrew Matamoros, a PhD candidate in Drexel’s College of Medicine and a city coordinator for Pint of Science Philadelphia. “A lot of people think scientists speak a different language but, you know what, we’re just people. We like beer!”
Matamoros said he and co-cordinator Anand Rao were inspired to get involved with Pint of Science, because, “here in Philly especially, we have an incredible research climate.”
The three events are free, but those interested should register for tickets at the Pint of Science website. Once reserved tickets sell out, more should be available at the door. Here is the line-up of Drexel faculty members who you can share discussion and a drink with this week:
Monday, May 23, at Bourbon Blue, 2 Rector Street
Peter Baas, PhD, professor in the College of Medicine and director of the neuroscience graduate program, will discuss what exactly are microtubules, and how investigating their function can help us better understand brain injury.
Tuesday, May 24, at Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom Street
Minjun Kim, PhD, professor in the College of Engineering, will give an overview of magnetically controlled microswimmers being developed in his lab that will allow surgeons to clear out blocked arteries.
Rodrigo España, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Medicine, will speak on his research into how our brains become addicted to cocaine. Ongoing studies in his lab are investigating whether neuropeptides could be used to treat drug addiction.
Megan Detloff, PhD, an instructor in the College of Medicine, will explain her efforts to understand how exercise may change the way we treat neuropathic pain and spinal cord injury.
Wednesday, May 25, at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor Street
Michael Lane, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Medicine, focuses his research on the respiratory dysfunction that many patients face after a spinal cord injury. He’ll discuss neuroplasticity — or the brain’s potential to adapt to your needs — and how new therapies he’s testing in his lab could increase this ability.
For media inquiries, contact Lauren Ingeno: lingeno@drexel.edu or 215.895.2614.
