Past Science Cafes

The Hidden World of Color and Heat

UAF biochemist Kriya Dunlap and artist Jennifer Moss explored how people use thermal imaging to see heat. Participants used pastels to create art as it might be seen through the lens of a thermal imaging camera.

Experiencing Science through Computer Animation

Participants made stickpin whale puppets with artist Hannah Foss, who animated a movie about bowhead whales for the UA Museum of the North. She guided participants through the puppet making while discussing what makes a whale… a whale!

The Physics of Fashion

UAF atmospheric scientist and fashion expert Dr. Nicole Molders led participants in an exploration of how fabrics can help create warmth, while looking fashionable all the while. Participants measured heat loss and retention associated with fabrics of their choosing.

Why do some birds have such gorgeous feathers or smell like tangerines?

Wildlife biologist Julie Hagelin (UAF and AK Department of Fish and Game) showed how birds use smell and color to communicate with each other.  Participants used sequins, paper, pipe cleaners, and perfumes to create their own bird and its mating signal.

Imaging the Arctic

An artist joined a research scientist on an expedition to Greenland in 2013 to illustrate the impacts of climate change. While Dr. Kristin Laidre studied narwhals from the sea ice, expeditionary artist Maria Coryell-Martin recorded the research process and environment.  Participants heard their stories and learned about gesturing.

Picturing Pollen

Under a microscope, pollen grains are a work of art, with intricate shapes and surprising colors. Dr. Christa Mulder, UAF Biology Professor, and biology graduate student Katie Spellman, showed images of spectacular pollen shapes, and projected them onto the wall for families to explore.

The Art of Ice Crystals

Erin Pettit, Assistant Professor of Geophysics at UAF, talked about the dynamic nature of frozen waterfalls and ice crystals, which can flow even at temperatures of -30!  Participants explored how thermal imagery can capture the hidden world of ice waterfalls.

The Art and Science of Satellite Imagery

Satellite images of Earth hold important clues about how Earth’s systems behave. They are also fantastic art pieces. Dr. Anupma Prakash, geophysics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, discussed the art and science of satellite imagery. Participants created artistic models of landscape images during the event.