Join us the monthly during the semester for the SEBS Science Cafés. These informal get togethers offer the opportunity for you to have a conversation with a scientist and other attendees about different science topics. The dates, topics and location of the Science Cafés are listed below.
Everyone is welcome to join in the dialogue! Bring your questions, we will provide the coffee, and join us for an engaging conversation. Students, faculty, staff, and class groups are all invited to participate.
Spring 2020 Schedule of Events
Beyond monocropping: A plan for sustainable agriculture
Peter Kahn
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
February 11, 11 a.m.
Chang Science Library, Foran Hall
Every culture that has depended on annually planted grain crops as the base of its food chain has collapsed due to soil exhaustion, related ecosystem damage and the resulting economic and political turmoil. Even without the impact of global climate change on agriculture, this problem is a real concern for United States agriculture. Are we doomed to repeat history, or can we learn from these past disasters? Dr. Kahn will talk about the ecological, economic and political problems of large-scale monocrop industrial agriculture, and what we can to prevent history repeating itself.
What's that on my plate? A short tour of food trends
Rick Ludescher
Professor, Department of Food Science
March 10, 10 a.m.
Chang Science Library, Foran Hall
These are exciting times for those who love food in America. The availability of fresh, high quality, exotic, artisanal, and novel foods and beverages is inspiring. An international industry caters to the needs and desires of a diverse population, which now requires that food fulfill a wide variety of societal as well as culinary needs. This talk will summarize these demands and highlight some of their inherent tensions. For Rutgers alumni registration and a parking permit, please register no later than March 7.
Flavor development from the "ground" up
Ian Keith
Chef, Harvest Café
April 23, 2:30 p.m.
Harvest Café, IFNH
Where does food flavor come from? At Harvest Café, flavor comes from the "ground up." Chef Ian Keith will talk about flavor development and the Culinary Herb Garden through tastings and pairings at this special edition of the SEBS Science Café. NOTE: Limited seating. Registration will be required for this Café.