PART I: OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
Presented by Kenneth Bowes
Wednesday, April 24, 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Are you ready to ride the wind to a cleaner future? Offshore wind energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we power our lives with its abundant, sustainable energy. However, we must tackle some pesky obstacles, including soaring costs, slow-moving permitting processes, not-in-my-backyard opposition, wildlife impacts, and global supply chain woes. Fear not, fellow wind enthusiasts! In this presentation, we will take you through the exhilarating journey of building an offshore wind farm and provide some exciting strategies for overcoming these challenges. So, hold tight and prepare for a wild ride towards a greener future.
TICKETS: $40—Series Bundle (Includes Mug) | $12—Individual Session | $8—Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug
Coffee Talk is a Connecticut Science Center lecture series designed to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presentations. Each session includes a presentation, $5 parking voucher, and an assortment of beverages and pastries.
Kenneth Bowes, VP of Offshore Wind Siting & Permitting at Eversource Energy, leads siting, permitting, and compliance efforts for offshore wind and transmission projects. He provides technical consultancy and expert testimony in regulatory proceedings and contributes to industry committees focused on transmission and security, stemming from his past leadership roles within the Edison Electric Institute.
Wednesday, May 01, 10:00AM – 11:30AM
PART II: THE BLUE ECONOMY
Presented by Colleen Bielitz, PhD
Dive into the exciting world of the Blue Economy – where the ocean’s resources are utilized sustainably to boost economic growth without compromising the ecosystem’s health! In this presentation, we will explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry – a design technique that takes inspiration from nature – and how it can be harnessed to develop innovative and eco-friendly solutions for managing ocean resources. Join us on a discovery journey and discover how the Blue Economy is a sea of possibilities waiting to be explored.
TICKETS: $40—Series Bundle (Includes Mug) | $12—Individual Session | $8—Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug
Coffee Talk is a Connecticut Science Center lecture series designed to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presentations. Each session includes a presentation, $5 parking voucher, and an assortment of beverages and pastries.
Colleen L. Bielitz, PhD is an esteemed academic, administrator, and technology visionary who leads innovative initiatives promoting sustainable solutions and principles of biomimicry. Currently directing Strategic Initiatives and Outreach at Southern Connecticut State University, she established Project Blue, a research and innovation center in New Haven focused on the Blue Economy.
Wednesday, May 08, 10:00AM – 11:30AM
PART III: TALKING TRASH
Presented by Jackson Somers, PhD
Join us as we delve into the fascinating and oftentimes overlooked world of waste management. From garbage and recycling to the latest advances in tackling food waste, this discussion promises to shed light on the industry’s many challenges today. With a special focus on Connecticut, we will explore the innovative solutions being implemented right now and the exciting possibilities for the future. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation about the present and future of trash.
TICKETS: $40—Series Bundle (Includes Mug) | $12—Individual Session | $8—Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug
Coffee Talk is a Connecticut Science Center lecture series designed to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presentations. Each session includes a presentation, $5 parking voucher, and an assortment of beverages and pastries.
Jackson Somers, PhD serves as an assistant professor of environmental economics in the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut and is also an affiliate of the Zwick Center for Food and Resource Policy. He has focused his extensive expertise on the waste industry, with particular attention paid to garbage, recycling, and food waste, among other related topics.
Wednesday, May 15, 10:00AM – 11:30AM
PART IV: OUR CLIMATE & OUR LAND
Presented by Guiling Wang, PhD
Embark on a voyage through Earth’s dynamic ecosystems, where the interplay between climate change and land use unfolds in a compelling saga of resilience and adaptation. As these colossal forces collide, they sculpt our landscapes, providing challenges as well as opportunities for ecosystem services. From verdant rainforests to rugged mountainsides, each corner of our planet weaves a narrative of adaptation, highlighting the invincible essence of Mother Nature herself. In the realm of climate and land use, change stands as the ultimate constant—and within change lies the potential for discovery, exploration, and endless thrill.
TICKETS: $40—Series Bundle (Includes Mug) | $12—Individual Session | $8—Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug
Coffee Talk is a Connecticut Science Center lecture series designed to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presentations. Each session includes a presentation, $5 parking voucher, and an assortment of beverages and pastries.
Guiling Wang, PhD is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut, focusing on land-atmosphere interactions, hydrological cycles, and climate change’s effects on water resources and agriculture. She co-led the Connecticut Physical Climate Science Assessment report and co-authored the Land Cover and Land-Use Change chapter of the Fifth National Climate Assessment.
