On Thursday night, there’s going to be a discussion entitled “Optics for National Security Applications.”
Hold on there. Wait a second, don’t leave. There’s more. It’s happening at a bar. And you’ll be able to drink while you hear a seasoned scientist talk about lasers and bombs that can be found with lasers. Still here? Good.
Mobius Science Center is hoping to bring physics to the public by launching the Pub Science series. The program — this is the inaugural edition — is aimed at engaging the public in a scientific discussion in an environment that’s both welcoming and accessible to even the least science-curious drinkers out there.
“It’s a really effective way to get working scientists in touch with the general public who might never be exposed to this,” says Don Riefler, director of education and programs for the Mobius Science Center.
“We’re going to get science nerds, and those people will come every time, but we’re also hoping to get people who don’t have much background in science,” he says.
The first presenter is Hergen Eilers, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Washington State University Applied Sciences Laboratory. He’s going to be talking about his work and how it’s being used to find improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and measure the temperature inside of an explosion. The format allows for a brief (and mostly PowerPoint-free presentation) followed by a Q&A session that takes up the majority of the event’s time.
Riefler hopes that this presentation, and all future Pub Science events, helps the public think about the ethical implications of scientific advances.
“We want to talk about the sort of science that we know is here, but ask if it [should] be used,” says Reifler.
Just something to think about while you sip on that beer.
Pub Science • Thu, March 7 at 7 pm • Neato Burrito/Baby Bar • 827 W. First Ave. • Free with $5 suggested donation • mobiusspokane.org
