Galileo's Science Café
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Mason College of Science’s Galileo’s Science Café invites you to a fascinating, free and interactive science night featuring Dr. Jennifer Salerno’s research on- Life and Death on Coral Reefs: Microbes as Messengers of Coral Health and Disease
Abstract: Dr. Salerno’s research interests focus on microorganisms and the role that they play in maintaining and destabilizing organism health and ecosystem function. Recognizing the important link between human health and ecosystem sustainability, this research is approached through the lens of seeking to advance basic science, while also developing environmental monitoring tools, practical applications, and policy guidance for environmental resource management and conservation. In this talk, Dr. Salerno will discuss ongoing research in her laboratory pertaining to coral health and disease in the Caribbean. Her research group is currently working with collaborators in Roatán, Honduras to investigate the microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, and fungi) involved in the progression of a coral disease outbreak in the region. They are also exploring the roles that microbes serve in inducing coral larvae (babies) to settle and grow on the reef. Her group uses field observations on SCUBA, molecular biology, genomics, and microscopy to carry out this work. For the past four years, she and colleagues at Mason have worked to bring student groups to learn in the field and participate in this research.
Location: To include everyone, our 2021-22 sessions will be conducted in a hybrid format via in-person and simultaneous Zoom webinar sessions. In-person sessions are at -the Verizon Auditorium on the SciTech Campus in Manassas, VA. Free parking for each session is provided for our guests in the Occoquan Lot. Remote sessions will be held via live Zoom webinar.
Evening’s Schedule:
For face-to-face sessions: Currently, masks are optional. Check this link for the most recent Mason COVID policy. There is plenty of seating in the auditorium to allow social distancing. Social distancing while enjoying your free light dinner is also provided in several nearby rooms prior to the presentation.
For in-person guests:
- 6:00- 6:50 p.m. Check in at the Verizon Auditorium Lobby, pick up your individually packaged light dinner, and enjoy it in breakout rooms adjacent to the auditorium
- 6:30 p.m. Auditorium seating begins
- 7 - 7:45 p.m Scientific discussion
- 7:45 - 8:15 p.m Ask the presenters! Questions from the audience
- 8:15- 8:45 p.m Meet the scientist and networking reception (optional)
- 9 p.m Session closes
For remote guests:
- 6:30 p.m Logon begins
- 7 - 7:45 p.m Scientific discussion
- 7:45 - 8:15 p.m Q&A from the audience
- 8:15 - 8:45 p.m Meet the scientist and networking reception (optional)
- 9 p.m Session closes
