June 11, 2018

Soapbox Science debuts at UCalgary

Leading female scientists take to their soapboxes June 13 to share their research and passion for science

Soapbox Science is an international program promoting the visibility of women in science. This is the first time the program has come to Calgary, courtesy of the Faculty of Science.

Soapbox Science is an international program promoting the visibility of women in science. This is th Gloria Visser-Niven, University of Calgary

This week, some of our community’s top women scientists are coming out of their labs and into a brand new “habitat” both on campus and at the Calgary Zoo’s Canadian Wilds for an afternoon of all things science.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Faculty of Science is bringing Soapbox Science to campus and transforming the Taylor Quad into an informal speaker’s corner. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 13, experts will cover curious topics like: Why were the dinosaurs so massive? What is Big Data and why is it a big deal? Why should you pay attention to the bees in your backyard? And can we predict major earthquakes off Canada’s west coast?

“When we bring science to unexpected locations and give people the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists, we break down barriers,” says Dr. Steve Vamosi, PhD, associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Faculty of Science. “When many people think of a scientist, they picture an old man in a white coat — we want to challenge this perception by showcasing the work of female scientists in a fun and friendly way.”

These remarkable women in science will amaze you with their latest discoveries, and answer the science questions you have been burning to ask.

This week, Dr. Jessica Theodor, profossor in the department of Biological Sciences, will join other women scientists to be a part of Soapbox Science. Theodor will talk about how climate change affects body size and why dinosaurs were so massive.

This week, Dr. Jessica Theodor will join other women scientists to be a part of Soapbox Science.

Gloria Visser-Niven, University of Calgary

What is Soapbox Science?

Soapbox Science is an international program promoting the visibility of women in science. This is the first time the program has come to Calgary, courtesy of the Faculty of Science.

“Soapbox Science is a great initiative that encourages curiosity and conversations to flow,” says Dr. Lesley Rigg, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Science. “Through this event we hope to inspire people to look at science in a different way.”

Soapbox Science at the Calgary Zoo June 16

If you’re looking for a fun activity this weekend, join our scientists on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Calgary Zoo for another Soapbox Science event. For more details go to http://ucalgary.ca/science/soapbox-science