Tag Archives: Sweet Science Series

Sweet Science Series & Junior Cafe Scientifique – Joint Webinar – “Beyond COVID-19: How Do Engineering and Technology Transform the Microbiology Landscape”

Greetings, fellow astrophiles!

This in from the TACNY email list – and how appropriate that the Technology Alliance of Central New York is adapting to the current pandemic with the latest trends in online presentations.


Saturday, April 25, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

You must register in advance HERE


Presenter: Douglas Yung, PhD

Douglas Yung is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Syracuse University and the Director for the Bioengineering undergraduate program. He earned his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from UCLA in 2003 and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Caltech in 2008. He worked as a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California on sensor development, microfluidics, and bacterial spore viability. His work includes the anthrax smoke detector, spacecraft surface sterilization, and determination of life longevity by detecting spores in extreme environments.

Douglas has long been intrigued by the interfacing of microbes with engineering tools on a micro- and nano-scale. He is unraveling methods to rapidly assess the viability of superbugs and harness energy from extremophiles using a combination of electrochemical, optical techniques and MEMS devices. He is an advocate of a hybrid teaching and learning environment replete with project-based hands-on work, experiential activities and peer collaboration, a style departing from traditional top-down expository pedagogies.

About Sweet Science Series

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lectures, a program founded in 1913, is now called the Sweet Science Series and features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere for adults of all levels of technical understanding. A minimum of six free and open to the public presentations are held each year.

About TACNY Junior Cafe Scientifique

TACNY Junior Cafe Scientifique, a program for middle-school students founded in 2005, features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere and seeks to encourage students to consider careers in these areas. Students must be accompanied by an adult and can explore the MOST at no cost after the event.

About TACNY

Founded in 1903 as the Technology Club of Syracuse, the nonprofit Technology Alliance of Central New York’s mission is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology; and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York. For more information, see www.tacny.org

Sweet Science Series – Lockheed Martin Overview And Manufacturing And Test Facilities Tour

October 15th, 6:00-7:30 pm

RSVP By Tomorrow, October 7th

Refreshments at 5:30 pm

Lockheed Martin, 497 Electronics Pkwy, Syracuse, NY 13221 


The Sweet Science Series will be hosting an event at Lockheed Martin in Liverpool, NY.  The event will include a brief overview of the Lockheed Martin site, followed by a walking tour of the manufacturing and test facilities. 

People interested in learning more about the Lockheed Martin Syracuse facility are invited to attend the free Sweet Science Series presentation on Tuesday, October 15th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lockheed Martin, 497 Electronics Pkwy, Syracuse, NY 13221. Admission is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be served at 5:30pm. Please note that due to security considerations, all visitors must be 18 or over, and no walk-in visitors will be allowed. RSVP to sweet.science@tacny.org by October 7th. RSVPs must include the following information for all visitors:

  • First and last name
  • Company affiliation
  • Citizenship type, and citizenship country
  • Country of birth
  • Statement declaring the attendee is 18 or over

Additionally, foreign nationals must provide passport country, passport number and expiration date.

Presenter Information

Dr. Michael (Mike) Leone is Director of Product Engineering and Advanced Materials for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) division.  In this position, Dr. Leone oversees product development across the enterprise, partnering with the chief engineers, Center of Excellence senior leadership team, and RMS staff to achieve all program, and Engineering and Technology goals.

About Sweet Science Series

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lectures, a program founded in 1913, is now called the Sweet Science Series and features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere for adults of all levels of technical understanding. A minimum of six free and open to the public presentations are held each year.

About TACNY

Founded in 1903 as the Technology Club of Syracuse, the nonprofit Technology Alliance of Central New York’s mission is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology; and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York. For more information, see www.tacny.org

Sweet Science Series – Onondaga Lake Cleanup And Tour Of The Onondaga Lake Visitors Center

September 17th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Refreshments at 5:30 pm

Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse, NY 13209

Please Note there will be some construction in the parking lot.

The Central NY community has played a key role in the efforts to clean up Onondaga Lake. The Onondaga Lake Visitors Center was built to provide the public with access to the significant work taking place by hundreds of scientists, engineers, and skilled craft laborers from this region. From significant improvements in water quality, to the return of native plants and animals, you will see the progress being made to restore the natural beauty and habitat of Onondaga Lake.


People interested in learning more about the Onondaga Lake cleanup are invited to attend the free Sweet Science Series presentation on Tuesday, September 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center, 280 Restoration Way, Syracuse NY 13209. Admission is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be served at 5:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask that people RSVP to sweet.science@tacny.org by September 15th.

Presenter Information

Craig Milburn is Managing Partner at Brown & Sanford Consulting and serves Honeywell as Program Manager of Communications and Government Affairs on the Onondaga Lake project. His main responsibilities include developing and implementing strategy for communication activities, charitable programs, and government affairs. He works closely with community members on the Onondaga Lake Citizen Participation Working Group, local stakeholders and government officials to keep them apprised of the progress with the lake cleanup. Craig has overseen three community planning projects that gathered community input for future uses of Honeywell-owned land along Onondaga Lake and nearby areas. He’s lived in Central New York since 1994 and is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse.

About Sweet Science Series

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lectures, a program founded in 1913, is now called the Sweet Science Series and features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere for adults of all levels of technical understanding. A minimum of six free and open to the public presentations are held each year.

About TACNY

Founded in 1903 as the Technology Club of Syracuse, the nonprofit Technology Alliance of Central New York’s mission is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology; and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York. For more information, see www.tacny.org

Sweet Science Series – Actionable Insight With Scanners and Drones

April 4, 6:00-7:30 pm

Refreshments at 5:30

NEW LOCATION! The Tech Garden, 235 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Several “reality capture” methods including 360 photos, drones, and 3D laser scanning that have emerged in recent years are changing the way that design teams are approaching a variety of building and site projects. These tools provide some allure to attract clients, but how often do these technologies result in quick, actionable insights? We have found that these emerging tools can be used to provide new perspectives on building and site conditions and have proven to be effective ways to save time and energy. Some examples include facade analysis, floor analysis, and thermal scanning. In addition, virtual reality (VR) can be used in combination with reality capture to precisely compare design intent to as built conditions. This validation process is developing quickly and offering more actionable insight into projects as well as a rapid return on investment. In this session, we will take a look at several projects highlighting these technologies that assist in improving quality, mitigating risk, and building confidence within our project teams. The perception is that these technologies are difficult and expensive to implement into your workflows. We hope to offer some keen insight on how you can leverage many of these tools within days with your own projects teams at a low cost. We’ll also explore some additional uses such as augmented reality that can take your projects to the next level.

People interested in learning more about applying drone insights are invited to attend the free Sweet Science Series presentation on Thursday, April 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Tech Garden, 235 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202. Note, this is a new location! Admission is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be served at 5:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask that people RSVP to sweet.science@tacny.org by April 2, 2019.

Presenter Information

Greg A.M. Hale, PE, is CTO & Disruptor with Hale Technology in Practice – Greg has been disrupting the AECO industry for the last 19 years with a background in construction management, structural engineering, BIM management and technology consulting. Hale Technology in Practice (Hale TiP) was founded in 2014 and now manages seven technology professionals. He specializes in Autodesk Revit and Navisworks, laser scanning, photogrammetry and mobile technology and provides training, strategic planning, 3D building documentation services and best practice solutions. Greg has spoken at many professional events including Autodesk University, SPAR Point International and New York State Geocon. During the school year he is an adjunct professor, teaching Revit and Design Technology to students at Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition, Greg is founder of the Western New York AEC Technology Group and supports BIM user groups across western New York. He earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada – Reno.

About Sweet Science Series

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lectures, a program founded in 1913, is now called the Sweet Science Series and features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere for adults of all levels of technical understanding. A minimum of six free and open to the public presentations are held each year.

About TACNY

Founded in 1903 as the Technology Club of Syracuse, the nonprofit Technology Alliance of Central New York’s mission is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology; and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York. For more information, see www.tacny.org

Sweet Science Series – Serious Unseriousness: Exploring Games, Play, And Purpose

Thursday, 13 December 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.; Refreshments at 5:30 p.m.
Milton J Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology – Syracuse, NY


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With recent advancements in virtual reality, game design, and other technologies, games have come a long way from the early days of Monopoly or Battleship. Join Dr. Nathan Prestopnik (Ithaca College) to discuss how games and game technologies are being used to tell stories, teach students, and bring enjoyment in educational, corporate, and private contexts. Following the talk, join Dr. Prestopnik for a live demonstration of the Play|Write VR creative writing system, or challenge your friends at popular contemporary board games from the game library of Play the Game, Read the Story.

People interested in learning more about gaming are invited to attend the free Sweet Science Series presentation on Thursday, December 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Cafe at the Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse’s Armory Square. Admission is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be served at 5:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask that people RSVP here by December 11th, 2018.

Presenter Information

Dr. Nathan Prestopnik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Ithaca College, where he teaches game design and human-computer interaction. Nathan’s research is about storytelling, motivation, and engagement in serious games and playful systems, and he is constantly working with his students on innovative and exciting game design research projects. To date, these have included Happy Match & Forgotten Island, citizen science adventure games focused on taxonomic species classification, Arena, a Spanish-language learning game, and (most recently) Play|Write, a playful creative writing system for virtual reality built in Unity with the HTC Vive and Leap Motion 2. Nathan earned his Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies in April 2013. He also holds dual bachelor degrees in film production and military history, an M.S. in New Media, and an M.Phil. in Information Science from Syracuse University. Before embarking on an academic career, Nathan was a UI/UX designer in various regions of the United States, including Los Angeles, CA, Clifton Park, NY, and Syracuse, NY. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, exploring, writing, and playing games.

Play the Game, Read the Story is the Syracuse area’s premier board game and comic store, with several locations throughout CNY.

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lecture Series

TACNY John Edson Sweet Lectures, a program founded in 1913, is now called the Sweet Science Series and features discussions about topics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an informal atmosphere for adults of all levels of technical understanding. A minimum of six free and open to the public presentations are held each year.

About The MOST

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is a hands-on science and technology museum for all ages. The MOST hosts numerous STEM education programs and community outreach events annually and is home to 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, Silverman Planetarium, and Bristol IMAX® Omnitheater – the only domed IMAX theater in New York State. The MOST’s vision is to be a preeminent science and technology center, inspiring all generations through hands-on education and entertainment.

Technology Alliance of Central New York

Founded in 1903 as the Technology Club of Syracuse, the nonprofit Technology Alliance of Central New York’s mission is to facilitate community awareness, appreciation, and education of technology; and to collaborate with like-minded organizations across Central New York.

For more information about TACNY, visit www.tacny.org.