You're invited! Cafe Scientifique at Carnegie Science Center

[Divernan]

I'm passing along this announcement/invitation. I've gone to a number of the Cafe programs. They have been good quality and address topical science issues in terms which reasonably intelligent laymen can understand. Also good question and answer sessions at the end of each presentation. And being in the Science Center after it's closed for the day is sort of cool.

http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/emarketing/ecards/2011/cafesci/index.php?c=cafesci&m=ecard


Join us for Café Scientifique!
Monday, November 14, 2011

Sustainable Energy Systems for the 21st Century

Now that the world has reached a population of more than seven billion, we face an urgent need for a transition from a fossil-based to a renewable-based energy economy. Discover how Pittsburgh plays a crucial role in this global challenge, as many sustainable energy battles are taking place in our own backyard.

How do consumer decisions contribute to our dependence on fossil fuels? How will an exponentially growing population deplete our natural resources? Why aren't manufacturers advocating for clean energy practices? What are the risks of ignoring the need for renewable energy?

Hear Patricia DeMarco, PhD, director of the Rachel Carson Institute, discuss these questions as well as our local connections to the global energy crisis. Topics will include Pittsburgh's deteriorating air quality, the Marcellus Shale, and Chatham University’s eco-campus. Participate in a lively dialogue on issues that will surely influence many generations in the future. Sharing questions, thoughts, and ideas is encouraged.

Patricia M. DeMarco, PhD
Director, Rachel Carson Institute

Join us for a riveting program that affects each of us. Don't miss this month's installment of Café Sci!

Free to attend, RSVP here!
Date: Monday, Nov. 14, 2011
Time: Doors open at 6 pm, and the program is 7–9 pm.
Please be on time, the Science Center doors close at 7:45 pm.
Location: Carnegie Science Center's Works Theater (fourth floor)
Admission: FREE!
Parking: $5
Menu: Café-style food available for purchase and cash bar open until 8:30 pm.
Please RSVP by Thursday, Nov. 10, even if you don't plan on purchasing food. If you already reserved your spot, you do not need to do so again.

Café Sci is THE place in Pittsburgh where adults interested in science can get together to discuss today's hot topics in a cool, informal setting. Each event features eating, drinking, and informal discussion led by guest speakers who are experts in their fields. Admission is FREE, and a cash bar and buffet are available. Doors open at 6 pm, and the program is 7–9 pm. Please be on time, the Science Center doors close at 7:45 pm.

[Divernan]

1. Here's the bio for the speaker.

http://www.clarion.edu/178142/

Patricia M. DeMarco
Executive Director, Rachel Carson Homestead

Patricia DeMarco has a thirty year career in energy and environmental policy development and implementation.

She received a Bachelor of Science and a Doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. She pursued a career in research at Yale University and at Boston University with a focus on mutation mechanisms. She turned her attention to energy and environmental policy through her work as Executive Director of the Power Facilities Evaluation Council and as staff to the Governor of Connecticut on such issues as nuclear power plant safety, energy conservation, and clean fuels technology. She worked as the manager of resource development for the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Co-operative and started up a technology development firm as a loaned executive.

She operated and sold her own business, the Energy Roundtable, which merged with another firm to become E Cubed Corporation, an energy trading company. She moved to Alaska in 1998 and over ten years had the position of President of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, served as a Commissioner of the Alaska Regulatory Commission, and as Associate Dean for the College of Business and Public Policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

She returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh in September 2005, and is now the Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association in Springdale, PA. She holds Adjunct Faculty appointments at the University of Pittsburgh and at Chatham University.

[blue neen]

2. It's good to know that she's the Exec Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead.

Ms. DeMarco sounds like a well-qualified individual!

Clarion is my alma mater! Go Golden Eagles (they're having a not so stellar year in football)! Maybe they'll get a win today. :)