2009
Science on Tap’s topics in 2009 included the cultural impact of Charles Darwin, the “movement” of plant life, and the discovery of fossils in Pennsylvania.
April 2009
Brenda Casper, plant ecologist and professor of biology at the University of Pennsylvania, encouraged participants to explore the ways that plants manage to “move” through fruits and seeds.
May 2009
Scott Gilbert, Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology, Swarthmore College, discussed the role of Evo-Devo in solving Charles Darwin’s dilemmas.
June 2009
Janet Monge, professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania and the Wagner Free Institute of Science, discussed the sticky bits, bones, rotting flesh, and mummified tissues that are the stuff of forensic anthropology.
July 2009
Ted Daeschler, associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Academy of Natural Sciences, discussed his pioneering research collecting and describing Late Devonian fossil vertebrates in Pennsylvania and the Arctic.
September 2009
Robert Hicks discussed the presence and potential of Curie's quartz piezo-electric apparatus in the cabinet of mementos—a “repository of historic souvenirs” assembled a century ago.
October 2009
Sabrina McCormick presented compelling evidence of environmental links to breast cancer, ranging from everyday cosmetics to industrial waste.
November 2009
For this edition of Science on Tap, Colin Purrington explored why Charles Darwin and his work remain significant today and worthy of celebration.
Decemeber 2009
Peter Dodson, professor of paleontology, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, revealed how paleontology is done in China and told the stories behind the numerous species he has personally uncovered.