Virtual Science Cafe: Tropical Forests in Wyoming, Himalayan Birds, and Crafting Nature

Our Virtual Science Café returns in February to illuminate research surprises in the field, and the changing role and value of research collections. 

Learn, unwind, and engage with Smithsonian scientists whose curiosity and perspectives are bound to help you think differently about the natural and cultural world.

“Do Himalayan Birds Wear Down Jackets?” by Sahas Barve

Summary: Self-proclaimed bird-nerd Sahas Barve has observed thousands of birds around the world. His recent work focuses on how birds stay warm in cold Himalayan habitats and if—like humans wearing jackets to stay toasty—their feathers act as one big coat, or if they take the “layer up” approach to keeping warm on the highest mountains in the world.

“Tiny Fossil, Big Insight” by Vera Korasidis

Summary: Sometimes the smallest organisms tell the biggest stories. Palynologist and geologist Vera Korasidis conducts field research in Wyoming – known for  its vast prairies and snow-topped mountains – to uncover the history of its landscapes and ecosystems. She’ll share stories of her research and findings, including the discovery of fossil pollen that reveals a different, more tropical picture of North America. 

“Crafting Nature in a Genomic Age” by Adrian Van Allen

Summary: As an anthropologist, Adrian Van Allen studies the cultures of science in museums. As she  interviews scientists and learns to prepare specimens, she discovers how ideas about nature are formed—and how they change as new technologies such as genomics  shape what is collected, prepared, and preserved for the future. In her talk, she’ll share her ethnography of how frozen collections of tissue samples and DNA  are made at the Smithsonian and what drives scientists to preserve our collective ecological heritage by putting “life on ice.”

This program will be presented virtually via Zoom Webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.