Of Note

TSRI Faculty Featured on UC-TV Videos

Ryan Shenvi, associate professor at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) and Sandra Encalada, Arlene and Arnold Goldstein Assistant Professor at TSRI, are featured on UC-TV, the University of California’s online media outlet, in online videos of their recent presentations to San Diego high school students.

In his presentation “Strong Inference,” Shenvi explores the crucial roles of imagination and critical thinking in the practice of the scientific method. Shenvi, whose lab focuses synthetic chemistry, tells the students, “Science is all about seeing the same thing as everyone else, but thinking about it in a different way.”

Encalada’s lecture, “Transport and Traffic Jams: How Molecular Nanomachines Mobilize Inside Neurons,” explains her research on communication between neurons, the anatomy of the nervous system and the role of the scientific method. In a presentation that drew the highest viewership on UC-TV in January, Encalada details the steps of her lab’s work in using model animal systems, such as C.elegans, to understand neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS.

Saturday Science, a series of three presentations during the current school year, was made possible by an anonymous donor and Gilead Sciences in the San Diego area. TSRI researchers, graduate students, graduate office staff and community supporters worked with the San Diego County Office of Education to publicize the Saturday Science program and recruit science classrooms. UC-TV will also film the third and final Saturday Science presentation of the year, featuring a presentation by TSRI Assistant Professor Gabe Lander, on April 25 at The Auditorium at TSRI.

In other science outreach to the San Diego community, TSRI Associate Professor Marisa Roberto was a recent featured speaker for the Point Loma Nazarene University’s Perspectives on Science program, a monthly seminar series for science teachers—from the community college to elementary school level. In her presentation, “Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse: Neuronal Adaptions in the Brain,” Roberto shared her lab’s research in developing new therapeutic agents to alleviate alcohol dependence and other addictive disorders. The event drew a large and engaged audience.

Send comments to: mikaono[at]scripps.edu

UC-TV Video: Chemist Ryan Shenvi speaks on “Strong Inference.”

UC-TV Video: Biologist Sandra Encalada speaks on “Transport and Traffic Jams.”

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Of Note

TSRI Faculty Featured on UC-TV Videos