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Open daily - 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Interested in science? Want to learn more about the latest breakthroughs in easy-to-understand terms without a lot of jargon? Then Café Sci at Kamin Science Center is the place to be!
Café Sci allows anyone interested in science to come together and discuss today’s issues with experts, including plenty of opportunities for questions. Following a brief talk by our monthly guest speaker is a Q&A session to help improve your knowledge.
Mon., Aug. 3
7–9 p.m.
Attend onsite or stream virtually
Presenter
Nicholas Baldauf, entomologist with the Allegheny County Health Department
Use this link to view the webinar:
https://youtube.com/live/-ZDO5uGo0IE?feature=share 
About Nicholas Baldauf
Nicholas Baldauf is an entomologist, overseeing the Allegheny County Health Department’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program. Nicholas earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Allegheny College and a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota.
Unique Solutions to Difficult Analytes: Quantification on Mass Spectrometers by Alternate Methods
Mon., Feb. 2
7–9 p.m.
Attend virtually or onsite
On-site location: Works Theater | 4th Floor of the Science Center
Presenter
Jeremiah Jamrom, Ph.D.
Use this link to view the webinar:
https://youtube.com/live/8dbZgov9ELk?feature=share
What is a mass spectrometer and how does it work? Learn how researchers employ this tool to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions and reveal the composition of unknown compounds or mixtures. This talk will focus on isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS) alongside calibration curves with real lab applications and use cases for each system.
About Jeremiah Jamrom, Ph.D.
Jeremiah Jamrom received his doctorate in chemistry with a focus on isotope enabled metrology at Duquesne University 2022. There he researched small organic molecule quantitation utilizing dried blood cards as a matrix and quantitation of analytes below the lower limit of quantitation. Since then, he has worked for Applied Isotope Technology developing biomarker quantification suites for human health applications.
Register for Café Sci
Register for the free lecture and attend in person. Kamin Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation. Have a question? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!
Mon., July 6
7–9 p.m.
Attend onsite or stream virtually
Presenter
Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.
Salamander skin is enriched with glands that produce thousands of secretions. Some secretions function to entice breeding partners, dissuade predators, or prevent infection by pathogenic microbes. For most of the secretions, the function is unknown, representing a potential treasure trove of interesting biological compounds.
In this Café Sci talk, you will uncover the secret life of salamander skin, and how a better understanding of salamander slime could lead to the discovery of new drugs or products for use in humans.
About Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.
Dr. Sarah Woodley is an associate professor of biological sciences at Duquesne University. She is a comparative physiologist who uses integrative methods to understand animal health and disease. She has published more than 75 papers or book chapters, many of which deal with the fascinating properties of salamander skin.
Mon., June 1
7–9 p.m.
Presenter
Tanisha Bowman, MSW, LSW, APHSW-C, NEDA Proficient
Palliative Care and Hospice Social Worker | Deathwalker | End-of-Life Educator
Use this link to view the webinar:
https://youtube.com/live/C__Gu-hAAWo?feature=share
The landscape of illness and end-of-life care in the United States is changing — and our understanding and response need to evolve alongside it. Many people, whether giving or receiving care, are experiencing the challenges of a system that often feels strained or incomplete.
In this Café Sci talk, we’ll explore the current state of deathcare, what may be missing for both individuals and institutions, and the opportunities we have to reimagine and improve this vital aspect of our lives.
About Tanisha Bowman
Tanisha Bowman is a deathwalker, hospice and palliative care social worker, and end-of-life educator. An up-and-coming leader in her field, Tanisha lectures at hospitals throughout the U.S., does a multitude of end-of-life related education at both the clinical and community level, and has been interviewed by multiple podcasts and media outlets. Her passion for helping people live their best death is a major driving force behind her work and she is always honored to be given opportunities to share her knowledge and experience with others.
Mon., March 30
7:30–9 p.m.
Presenter
Christopher Monroe
(Professor, Duke University; Founder and Chief Scientist, IonQ, Inc.)
Use this link to view the webinar:
https://youtube.com/live/wjPn3ZMtY-U?feature=share
Kamin Science Center is proud to collaborate with Pittsburgh Quantum Institute. Professor Chris Monroe will be giving both a public lecture at PQI 2026 (for STEM students) and also a lecture for the broader public as part of Kamin Science Center’s Café Sci lecture series.
Quantum computers use some of the strangest ideas in physics to do things today’s computers simply can’t. By tapping into uncertainty, entangled particles, and states that don’t behave like everyday reality, they can tackle massive data problems, explore new materials and chemistry, challenge modern encryption, and even enable entirely new ways of communicating. In this talk, Professor Monroe will share where quantum computing stands today—and how researchers across universities, industry, and government are turning these once‑theoretical ideas into real‑world technologies.
About Christopher Monroe
Christopher Monroe is the Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Duke University. He is also the Co-Founder and Chief Scientist of IonQ, Inc., the first public quantum computing company. Monroe has pioneered nearly all aspects of atom-based quantum computers and simulators, from demonstrations of the first quantum gate, monolithic semiconductor-chip ion trap, and photonic interconnects between physically separated qubits; to the design, fabrication, and use of full-stack ion trap quantum computer systems in both university and industrial settings. He is a key architect of the US National Quantum Initiative, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, the UK Institute of Physics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Register for Café Sci
Register for the free lecture! Kamin Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation. Have a question? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!
Quantum computers exploit the bizarre features of quantum physics – uncertainty, fuzzy states of reality, quantum entanglement – to perform tasks that are impossible using conventional means. These include the computing and optimizing over ungodly amounts of data; breaking encryption standards; simulating models of chemistry and materials; and communicating via quantum teleportation. However, quantum computers are notoriously hard to build and scale. Despite this, many important problems known and unknown will never be solved until we have them, so society is well-motivated. During the lecture, Professor Montore will discuss the state-of-the-art in this remarkable field, led by scientists and engineers from academia, industry, and government.
About Christopher Monroe
Christopher Monroe is the Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at Duke University. He is also the Co-Founder and Chief Scientist of IonQ, Inc., the first public quantum computing company. Monroe has pioneered nearly all aspects of atom-based quantum computers and simulators, from demonstrations of the first quantum gate, monolithic semiconductor-chip ion trap, and photonic interconnects between physically separated qubits; to the design, fabrication, and use of full-stack ion trap quantum computer systems in both university and industrial settings. He is a key architect of the US National Quantum Initiative, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, the UK Institute of Physics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Register for Café Sci
Register for the free lecture! Kamin Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation. Have a question? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!
Dr. Emily Earnest, P.T., D.P.T., W.C.S., C.L.T., C.S.C.S.
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy
Have you ever heard of your pelvic floor? Or have you had problems “down there” and only been told to do Kegels to fix it? Problems of the pelvic floor might seem mysterious, but they are actually perfectly normal. There are ways to prep your pelvic floor to reduce the chance of injury and improve comfort. Join physical therapist Dr. Emily Earnest as she demystifies the pelvic floor and discusses how pelvic floor physical therapy can help your symptoms.
About Dr. Emily Earnest
Dr. Emily Earnest, P.T., D.P.T., W.C.S., C.L.T., C.S.C.S., is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Emily is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Certified Coach. The majority of her clinical practice has focused on pelvic health and lymphedema physical therapy. She also has extensive experience in treating orthopedic concerns and chronic pain. Emily currently works for the VA VISN 4 Clinical Resource Hub Tele-Pain Program as a pelvic health and chronic pain specialist. In her free time, Emily enjoys playing Gaelic football and camogie and writing fantasy novels.
Register for Café Sci
The on-site and virtual event is FREE, but preregistration is required ! Kamin Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation. Have a question for Emily? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!
Virtual Café Sci
Presentations
Dr. Davina Durgana on the Fight Against Modern Slavery
Dr. Raj Krishnaswamy on Innovation Strategy for the Polymers Industry
Dr. Andrew R. Zentner Teaches Lessons from the Universe
Doug Dehaven on the Creation of the Button Wall
Has Café Sci had an impact on you? Are you a scientist interested in speaking at Café Sci? Do you have a recommendation for a speaker or topic? Contact us at CustomerService@KaminScienceCenter.org.
Dr. Davina Durgana on the Fight Against Modern Slavery
