A Sip of Science Returns to the Aster Cafe October 20

A Sip of Science returns to the Aster Café's River Room on Thursday, October 20, with the topic Invasive Mammals vs Endemics: Who will be voted off the island?

Invasive species are the leading cause of bird extinctions on islands worldwide. Eradication of these animals is an increasingly used conservation tool to protect endemic island species. Protecting biodiversity through conservation actions can be an inexact science and a dirty proposition in a race against time — a high stakes contest to save species, protect populations and preserve biodiversity. Join us as Dr. Julia Ponder talks about the challenges and rewards in the effort to eradicate invasive rodent populations and protect endemic species in the Galapagos Islands.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S SPEAKER

Julia Ponder is Executive Director of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her degree in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M University and has a Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Ponder has presented around the world on avian and raptor medicine. In addition to her clinical work, she is currently focused on the wildlife health component of Ecosystem Health, raptors as sentinels for infectious disease and environmental contaminants, and identifying emerging issues related to raptor health and populations. She has worked with endangered and threatened raptor populations, and consulted globally on raptor health issues. 

Please note - Due to the increased popularity of the Sip of Science program, RSVPs and tickets will be required at the door. Please be sure to RSVP early and bring your ticket to the event!

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that puts science in context through storytelling. This science happy hour is sponsored by the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED) and is a chance to hear about new and exciting research over beer, in a cool bar. Come talk with the experts about their efforts to address some of the Earth's most pressing problems. NCED's A SIP OF SCIENCE brings the wonder of science to happy hour.