Life on the Edge (2015)

Friday, 30 September 2016Friday, 30 September 2016 StarrLeave a comment

I am working my way through Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology, and although I’m not quite done yet, I just have to pause and talk about it with you.

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What is life? And, maybe more importantly, why and how exactly is life? This is the huge question that McFadden and Al-Khalili aim to start answering in this book about quantum biology, which is the key to unlocking why and how life exists. They start with the example of the robin – as featured on the cover – that is able to use magnetoreception to navigate our vast planet, and take us on a journey through science history, from classical physics (Newton and his apple) to the birth of the field of quantum physics to the present day.

Women in Science (2016)

Friday, 26 August 2016Friday, 26 August 2016 StarrLeave a comment

I am a woman.
I am in science.

But you don’t have to be either to appreciate the women who have contributed to our collective body of scientific knowledge! And in fact, it’s important to take time to appreciate them because their work has frequently been trivialized or overshadowed by their male colleagues. I am grateful that we are finally able to give at least some women the recognition for their work.

For example, I’m really thrilled about the new trailer for Hidden Figures (definitely watch this!), which focuses on the black women whose work allowed an American astronaut to complete an orbit around the Earth. Women in Science has a feature on Katherine Johnson (who will be portrayed by Academy nominee Taraji P. Henson) if you’re interested in her story in advance of seeing the film!

I also liked how informative the book was about science as a whole field. Not only does the author and illustrator talk about each woman and her role in shaping our knowledge of science, but she talks about science itself. You can look at a timeline of events…Read More »

75th Intel Science Talent Search Awards Gala

Friday, 18 March 2016 StarrLeave a comment

My friend Annie told me that there was this really cool awards gala happening with a celebrity keynote speaker (more on that in a bit). She sent me the registration link and urged me to sign up! But I was instantly suspicious. The Intel Science Talent Search, maybe the most prestigious pre-collegiate science awards program in the country? A black tie gala? Dinner provided? Where was the catch? How much did I need to pay to get in? And, of course, what was I supposed to wear to this???

Long story short, I got in without a hitch, had a lovely time, and was totally blown away by these talented high school seniors whose dedication to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is going to make the world a better place.

(Also I got to see Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson!)