Sequim Education Foundation president Dick Hughes announced last week that the foundation has formed Science Café, a “new venue for adults and young adults in the community to meet and share exciting topics in science and technology.”

 

According to a foundation press release, the idea of sponsoring a local science café was introduced to the SEF board by Student Enrichment Fellowships chairman Jodi Olson in May.

 

Foundation supporter Bryce Fish joined Olson and Hughes to research the idea and the Science Café of Sequim was born.

 

The original science café concept grew out of the United Kingdom as a means for people to gather in an informal atmosphere to deepen their understanding of hot topics in science and technology, regardless of their scientific background, Hughes said.

 

They have spread across the U.K., Europe and the United States. Science cafés bring together expert speakers and interested audiences for a short presentation and informal discussions on cutting edge STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.)

 

Sequim Education Foundation board members have formed an advisory panel of local experts to explore topics and line up qualified speakers for its Science Café in Sequim.

 

The group includes: Bill Henry, past president of ASCE; Joe Landoni, science teacher; Tom Pitre, Ph.D., adult educator; Darrell Plank, retired Microsoft mathematician and game designer; Bob Steelquist, marine biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and Kip Tulin, M.D., medical director for Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic.

 

The Science Café of Sequim is offered as a community relations project to promote public interest in STEM subjects, as well as promoting awareness of the Sequim Education Foundation and its mission to inspire Sequim public school children, Hughes said.

 

The Science Café meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Lipperts’ Restaurant, 136 S. Second Ave., Sequim. There is no charge; desserts and beverages will be available.

 

“SEF is very grateful to everyone who has contributed so generously of their time and professional talent to this project,” Hughes said.

 

For more information about the foundation, see www.sequimed.org.