November 2024
Is Oxford drinking water High in iron (Fe) levels?
Dr. Inoka Widanagamage, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Mississippi.
We as a community experience high Fe levels in our drinking water in Oxford, Mississippi. You might have noticed iron stains (like rust) in tubs, sinks, bathrooms in your homes or even in the public restrooms. We as scientists were curious what could cause this rust looking material. We have recognized a distinct reddish brown soil color in water and in soil in the area is caused by high iron (Fe) present in the groundwater system. Water and soil samples were collected from selected wells and a few creeks to understand the geochemistry of the water representing the aquifer of the area. We identify potential iron sources and investigate additional variables, such as anthropogenic and environmental factors, that affect higher dissolved iron levels in groundwater.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
October 2024
Listening to the Symphony of the Universe
Dr. Anuradha Gupta,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Mississippi.
Our universe is full of cosmic symphonies, and with special instruments, we can listen to them. These symphonies—known as gravitational waves—are ripples in the fabric of space and time, created by powerful events like the collision of black holes or the merging of neutron stars. In this talk, Dr. Anuradha Gupta will show how YOU can tune in to the music of the universe and uncover the secrets of the most mysterious and energetic events in space.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
September 2024
Men are from Earth, Women are from Earth, and Other Updates from Gender Psychology
Dr. Carrie Smith, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Mississippi.
Join Dr. Carrie Smith, Associate Professor of Psychology, for an engaging discussion about how gender research is done and how we can move beyond overly simplistic ideas about men and women. We will discuss consider gender differences and similarities across domains.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
April 2024
From Seed to Cup
Gretchen Williams, Owner and Founder of Heartbreak Coffee.
Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day, whether made at home or bought from a local coffee shop, many people don't realize the journey the coffee bean (seed) goes on before it ends up in their cup for consumption. Join Gretchen Williams, the owner and founder of Heartbreak Coffee to learn more about the journey of coffee, from seed to cup, as well as the specifics of specialty coffee and the inner workings of Heartbreak!
Wednesday, April 16, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
Neural Frontiers: Ethical Considerations in Brain Technologies
Dr. Anna Wexler, Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania.
In the rapidly advancing field of neurotechnology, cutting-edge innovations such as brain-computer interfaces, neural recording devices, and brain stimulation products are revolutionizing the way we understand, interact with, and manipulate the human brain. These technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for medical breakthroughs but also introduce critical ethical challenges. This talk will dive deep into the world of neurotechnologies, exploring their potential as well as the ethical quandaries they pose regarding neural privacy, cognitive enhancement, and post-trial obligations for neural implants.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
March 2024
From Plankton to Planets: Science Poems and Possibilities
Dr. Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Author and UM professor in English and creative writing, University of Mississippi.
Please join New York Times bestselling author and University of Mississippi Professor of English and Creative Writing, Aimee Nezhukumatathil for a casual chat about using science in poems and essays and for a writing prompt for all ages. Bring a notebook and a pen!
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
February 2024
Ice Age Archaeology and the First Americans
Dr. Jesse Tune, UM Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Archaeological Research, University of Mississippi.
When did humans first show up in the Americas and how did they get here? These seem like simple, straightforward questions. Yet after more than a century of research they remain some of the most challenging questions in North American archaeology. Stone tools known as Clovis points are the oldest, well-dated indications of humans in the Western Hemisphere at ~13,500 years old. While older evidence is often suggested, few sites older than Clovis survive the crucible of scientific scrutiny. The uniquely destructive nature of archaeological research makes testing hypotheses and replicating results particularly challenging. However, new research spurred by advancements in field and lab methods is allowing us to ask new questions and gain clearer insight about this early period of human history. Join us for a discussion about the ongoing pursuit to understand the earliest archaeological evidence of humans in the Americas.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom
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