As part of a new initiative to stimulate interest in science and technology, the Richmond Public Library invited two TRIUMF scientists to share presentations about their work to the public on Saturday, May 17th. Dr. Makoto Fujiwara and Dr. Joe Mildenberger presented on their areas of expertise—antimatter and radiation safety, respectively.
Hosted on a sunny, Saturday morning at Richmond Library's Brighouse branch, the presentations drew a range of about 30 guests including students, families, and curious passers-by. The presentations by the two TRIUMF scientists gave the listeners an introduction to their work and the underlying physics. Makoto's explanation of antimatter and the ALPHA project discussed the challenge of capturing antihydrogen – using humorous metaphors to describe various laws of subatomic physics. Afterwards, Joe gave a presentation about radiation, its biological effects, and the aftermath of Fukushima. By the end of his talk, the reassuring assessment of local effects of radiation from Fukushima seemed to have assuaged listeners' fears of radioactive tuna and westerly winds. In addition to the physics-based presentations offered by Makoto and Joe, TRIUMF's CEO / CAO, Jim Hanlon, gave an introduction about the laboratory and spoke about the goals and projects of TRIUMF.
This was the first in a new series of lectures organized by the Richmond Public Library. The Science, Innovation, and Technology (SIT) Speaker Series brings in a variety of local scientists and experts to share their knowledge and passion with the public. The vision for the SIT series, set out by organizers Lee Anne Smith and Wayne Swim, is to foster an environment where a "nucleus" of passionate individuals can learn from one another and benefit from their collective curiosity. Future presentations will likely be hosted bi-weekly and plan to feature high school and university students in addition to established scientists.
The next installation of the Science, Innovation, and Technology Speaker Series will be hosted on May 29th at the Brighouse Richmond Public Library and will feature presenters from Boreal Genomics and Clean Energy BC. Matthew Wiggins, head of Biomedical Researchat Boreal Genomics, will describe how cancer can be detected early on using mutant DNA. Afterward, Paul Kariya, Executive Director of Clean Energy BC, will present about the growing clean energy sector in BC. For more information, vist: http://www.scwist.ca/science-innovation-technology-speaker-series-at-ric...
–Nick Leach, Outreach Assistant