Oxford Science Café

April 2025

Using Neuroscience to Understand American Political Attitudes and Decisions

Dr. Ingrid J. Haas, Department of Political Science, Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska—Lincoln.

New research on American political behavior is using psychology and neuroscience to understand political attitudes and decisions. In this talk, I'll discuss what we can learn from psychology about how people support (or fail to support) democratic principles, and introduce neuroscience as a method to study political decision making.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom

Who Owns the Moon?

Michelle L.D. Hanlon, Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law, University of Mississippi School of Law, University of Mississippi.

Humanity is poised on a threshold unlike any other in its history. After millennia of being awed by the night sky and centuries of studying the patterns of stars and planets, the vast resources of space are within our grasp. As the commercial space industry grows in influence and importance, complex legal and ethical questions emerge about territory, resource rights, sustainability, equity, and the preservation of the space environment. Join us as we navigate the intricacies, gaps, and inconsistencies of space law and explore what boundaries exist on humans as we expand beyond our Earth and into the Universe.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom

March 2025

AI and Digital Transformation in Concrete Mix Design — The Future of Smart Materials

Dr. Ali Behnood, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Mississippi.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in concrete mix design is revolutionizing the construction industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. AI-driven algorithms optimize material selection, mix proportions, and performance predictions, reducing waste, costs, and environmental impact. By leveraging machine learning models, real-time data analytics, and automation, smart concrete mix design enables adaptive, high-performance materials tailored to specific project needs.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom

February 2025

The Great Planetary Alignment of 2025

Purnima Narayan, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Mississippi.

The media has highlighted the upcoming planetary alignment in January and February 2025, but how rare is this event? And how practical is it to observe all the planets? (Spoiler: Some will be quite challenging to view.) This talk will explore the significance of this alignment, provide tips for viewing with the naked eye or binoculars. We will also demonstrate how to use a planetarium application and a solar system simulator to visualize the event from your location.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
And via Zoom