23rd SCIENCE EXPLORATION DAY 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
University at Buffalo, Amherst Campus
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Nickel City Reptiles & Exotics
Step into the realm of amazing animals with Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics and take a "walk on the wild side" with Jeff Musial, wildlife educator. Watch as Jeff Musial presents some of the most misunderstood, threaten and endangered species from all over the world! Students will learn important conservation and biodiversity lessons from this lively, "wild" presentation.
|LARGE GROUP PRESENTATIONS|
COMBUSTION ENGINEERING OR HOW TO BE A PYROMANIAC...
Believe it or not, you use fire everyday. Come learn and see how engineering fundamentals are applied to fire. Will include demonstrations showing the engineering considerations of combustion.
ENDANGERED SPECIES - C.I.T.E.S. TRADE IN WILDLIFE
The importation and exportation of wildlife and endangered species is regulated by the USFWS’s law enforcement agency. Buffalo is an international border port, where inspectors are responsible for monitoring the international wildlife trade in commercial products. A film, slides and display materials will add to this session.
BEYOND THE TWILIGHT ZONE: FLESH-INVADING FLIES
Presentation will review the nearly incredible biology of fly larvae that occasionally infest the human skin, eyes, or deep oral cavities. An emphasis will be placed on case studies from his work as Regional Entomologist with the New York State Department of Health. Preserved insects associated with some of the case studies will be demonstrated after the PowerPoint presentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY IN OUR COMMUNITY: THE ROLE OF STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COOPERATION
A collaboration of UB students, community members, government and industry have worked to answer questions about pollution in local environments. A review of efforts in three Buffalo neighborhoods will be given, including Hickory Woods and Seneca Babcock, along with successes in citizen design of cleanups on East Ferry. A review of the Niagara County community of Lewiston Porter project will also be given. The ability of the community to understand and participate in the planning, execution and interpretation of scientific results improves the way we deal with environmental issues.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
This informative program will provide an overview of the common STIs such as Herpes, HPV and Chlamydia, along with some of the more exotic ones that students should be aware of.
THE REAL SCIENCE BEHIND CSI: APPLIED FORENSIC SCIENCE
An overview of a typical crime laboratory and the responsibilities for each of the sections of the lab will be provided. Discussions will include a definition of forensic science, how different scientific disciplines integrate to assist investigators in resolving inquiries of a legal nature, and examples of crime scene reconstruction. The role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness will also be discussed.
|SMALL GROUP PRESENTATIONS|
1. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND EARTHQUAKE SIMULATION TOUR
(Tom Albrechcinski, SEESL/UB-NEES Site Operations Manager, Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, UB)
The Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) laboratory is a part of the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL). The laboratory is capable of conducting testing of full or large-scale structures using dynamic or static loading. This is enabled by the availability of two shake (earthquake simulation) tables; large-scale dynamic and static servo-controlled actuators; and a 40-ton capacity crane. Participants will hear a presentation describing this very unique facility and observe an example of the nature of seismic testing using a “Mini-Shake Table” prior to the tour of the laboratory.
2. ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN THE UNITED STATES
3. SCIENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
"Touch, Play and Think" about some of the science in your everyday world. All too often we go about our lives not thinking about the principles of science that impact what we do and how we perceive the world. Learn more about how science plays this role in your life, even though you might not be aware of it.
4. CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER
This presentation will be an introduction to the field of Cancer Cytogenetics. The genomes of cancer cells are very unstable, often characterized by gains/losses of whole chromosomes and rearrangements between chromosomes. This specialized area of chromosome analysis examines the genetic changes that occur in the cells of cancer patients.
Students will receive instruction in this cutting-edge field of genetics. The relevance of these findings to patient diagnosis and prognosis will be discussed. Students will be shown techniques used in the laboratory and will be given the opportunity
5. TOUR OF CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT LASER LABORATORIES
Interested in chemistry? This session includes tours of two research laboratories under the direction of Professors Frank Bright and David Watson. In exploring these state-of-the art laboratories, students will learn about ongoing research activities, laser-based instruments, applications of chemistry research and the important role of student scholars in research.
6. PENGUINS ARE “COOL” BIRDS
This presentation will focus on some of the 17 species of penguins that live in the Southern Hemisphere. From the 4’ tall Emperor to the small Little Blue penguins, this program will highlight the biology and natural history of these interesting birds.
|7. DIET AND EXERCISE: THE MAGIC PILL FOR PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASE?
(Dr. Harold Burton, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions)
Physical inactivity and poor nutritional habits have been identified as primary risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, among other behavior-driven diseases. WNY has the highest incidence of heart disease related deaths in the U.S. and also has a high number of diabetics. Treatment of heart disease with various drugs that lower blood pressure and cholesterol is common, but drugs are expensive, many have side effects and drug prescription does not promote a change in lifestyle. The two biggest problems in our society that lead to the development of heart disease are 1) a sedentary lifestyle (low levels of physical activity) and 2) unhealthy diets (high in saturated fats). Learn how heart disease develops and then, learn about an inexpensive, effective way to help prevent and manage the disease with diet and regular physical activity.
|8. ECOLOGY & FISHES OF THE LOWER GREAT LAKES
(Denise L. Clay, Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office)
Interested in learning about Lake Erie and Lake Ontario? This session covers the history and ecology of the lower Great Lakes, including how they were formed and their past and current condition. Learn about Great Lakes fishes and ways students can get experience working in the field. Hands-on activities and samples will be provided throughout the session.
|9. BENEATH THE SEAS
(Helen Domske, Associate Director, Great Lakes Program, University at Buffalo, Sr. Extension Associate, NY Sea Grant)
Take an imaginary journey beneath the sea to learn about the incredible creatures that live in the world's oceans. From the great whales to the colorful fishes of the coral reef, learn about some of these unique creatures and the changes that humans are causing in these watery environments.
|10. TOUR: DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(Dr. Denise Ferkey, Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo)
Interested in biological sciences? The Department of Biological Sciences is a primary focus for instruction, research, and service in the basic biological sciences. This tour will focus on worm brains and behavior.
|11. ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES NEAR ABSOLUTE ZERO
(Prof. Frank Gasparini, Physics Dept., University at Buffalo)
A presentation on temperature, and an experiment using liquid helium and samples of a semiconductor, metal, superconductor, and an alloy will highlight this program. Experience the display of temperature in real time as the samples are cooled simultaneously from room temperature to 4.2K. A discussion of the mechanisms which govern conduction and some student interaction will occur.
|12. ASTRONOMY: PORTABLE STARLAB PLANETARIUM
(Arthur Gielow, Planetarium Director, Buffalo State College)
Finding their way around the night sky via a portable planetarium, participants will observe projections of constellations, stars and galaxies. Learn more about the nature of the universe.
|13. REALLY GROSS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(Don Gill, Jr., Instructor, ECC South)
An interesting laboratory presentation of preserved specimens prepared to various levels of dissection. Comparative anatomy and physiology will be discussed. (Not for the faint of heart.)
|14. THE LURE OF CERTAINTY: EXPLORING THE PROBLEM OF HUMAN ORIGIN
(Dr. John R. Grehan, Director of Science, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences)
Outlines the historical challenge of how scientists cope with challenges to certainty in science. General examples from fields such as genetics and geology followed by a detailed look at the contradictory evidence from genetics and morphology regarding the last common ancestor between humans and the great apes.
|15. VIRTUAL AND RAPID PROTOTYPING
(Dr. Kevin Hulme, Senior Research Associate, and Dr. Andrew Olewnik, Research Associate, NYS Center for Engineering Design & Industrial Innovation, University at Buffalo)
Tour the NYS Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation. In our Motion Simulation Laboratory, students will be introduced to advanced simulation and visualization technologies that support research in vehicle and transportation design, and in the entertainment industry. In our Design and Prototyping Lab, witness a "3-D printer", and related technologies that support prototype and product development in engineering design and manufacturing.
16. WOULD YOU DRINK "THAT"?? – THE SCIENCE
Have you ever wondered where tap water and bottled water come from? Tour the drinking water research facilities at UB to see demonstrations of the science behind drinking water treatment. Find out why prescription drugs may actually show up in drinking water.
|17. PHARMACY TOUR: PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS
(Cindy Konovitz, Assistant Dean, Louise Cooper, Instructor and Project Support Specialist, and Patricia Cotter-Grace, Director of Professional Practice Laboratory Operations, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo)
Tour and learn about "Medication Experts" in action. The tour begins in our Pharmacy Museum and Turn-of-the Century Apothecary, where students will see how pharmacy was practiced during the 1800s and early-to-mid 1900s. "Cigarettes for asthma," a prescription for alcoholic beverages (used during the Prohibition of the 1920s), other artifacts are on display. Students will visit training sites, including a patient discharge room (complete with a "model" patient) and professional practice laboratory, where they will have an opportunity to prepare a simple medication.
|18. THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF SEVERE WEATHER
(Judy Levan, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, and Dave Zaff, Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service)
Your local National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Buffalo will be presenting information on the Science and Technology of Severe Weather. Students will learn how thunderstorms and tornadoes develop and see some of the devastating impacts that result from these forces of nature. Learn how NWS forecasters assess damage from these events and get to test your skills on making your own damage assessments.
|19. VETERINARY MEDICINE IN 2009
(Dr. Kristin Mahoney, VMD, Associate Veterinarian at Brighton-Eggert Animal Hospital with a special interest in geriatric medicine)
Through the use of a case study, students will learn about veterinary sciences and the opportunities available in this interesting and challenging field. Students will see x-rays and materials associated with veterinary science and learn about the role of today's veterinarian.
|20. INVESTIGATING "PARANORMAL" MYSTERIES
(Dr. Joe Nickell, Paranormal Investigator, Skeptical Inquirer Magazine)
A presentation featuring a revealing and entertaining look at such mysterious phenomena as the ghost at Mackenzie House and cases of alleged "spontaneous human combustion" - all from the speaker's own case files and all examined from the scientific point of view.
|21. TRAINING, CAREERS AND ROLE OF THE VETERINARY LICENSED TECHNICIAN
(Debbie Piotrowski, Veterinary Technician, Medaille College)
A presentation to describe what a Licensed Veterinary Technician is and some emergency first aid and CPCR measures all pet owners should know will be discussed and demonstrated, along with general animal health issues for animals.
22. GLOBAL WARMING: FACT OR MYTH
23. CSI: CRITTER SIGN INVESTIGATION
Learn to read the clues that animals leave behind and solve the nature mysteries in your own backyard. Hands-on investigations will include real biofacts from native mammals, birds, and insects.
A presentation on the history and recent developments of cosmology will introduce students to the scientific study of the large scale properties of the universe as a whole. Students will learn more about this interesting area of scientific study.
25. BIOMIMICRY: LOOKING AT NATURE AS MODEL, MEASURE, AND MENTOR
Discover Biomimicry a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Hands-on investigations will look at specific examples of innovations inspired by nature for a sustainable, healthier planet.
26. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORIES TOUR
The electrical engineering program emphasizes photonics, communications and signals, digital electronics, micro-electronics, and materials. The tour will focus on demonstrations within Electrical Engineering Laboratories including the Microwave Lab, the Microelectronics Lab, the High Power Electronics Lab, and the Laser/Photonics Lab.
27. HEALTH SCIENCES PRESENTATION
How do you determine whether someone is healthy? Insurance companies use body mass index (BMI) to determine health insurance. Is this measure appropriate? Is weight or body fat measurement an appropriate index of health? Why are diets and exercise important measures of health? Are heart rate changes during rest and exercise a good indicator of health? These questions will be answered during the presentation.
28. LUMINOL: SHEDDING LIGHT ON CRIME
Crimes of violence frequently involve bloodshed. In many of these cases, the perpetrator has an opportunity to wash blood away from the crime scene. Luminol is an extremely sensitive presumptive blood test that can detect trace amounts of blood. This presentation will introduce the student to how forensic investigators use luminol to detect trace amounts of blood and how they are then able to use that information to reconstruct events that may have taken place during the commission of a violent crime. Actual case examples will be used to demonstrate the power of this investigative tool.
|9:15am - 10:00am||First Session||9:15am - 10:00am|
|10:10am - 10:55am||Second Session||10:10am - 10:55am|
|11:05am - 11:25am||Lunch||Large Group||11:05am - 11:50am|
|11:25am - 12:10pm||Large Group||Lunch||11:25am - 12:00pm|
|12:20pm - 1:05 pm||Fourth Session||12:20pm - 1:05pm|
Bag lunches are strongly recommended!
Science Exploration Day
c/o Dr. Rodney Doran
University at Buffalo
505 Baldy Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260