This hybrid program is part of the Illinois Distinguished Lectureship Series. Presented by Chicago Council on Science and Technology, Illinois Tech Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER), and Armour College of Engineering

High energy, long life rechargeable battery is considered as the key enabling technology for deep de-carbonization. Energy storage in the electrochemical form is attractive because of its high efficiency and fast response time. In this talk, Y. Shirley Meng, Ph.D. will discuss a few new perspectives for energy storage materials including new superionic conductors, reactive metal anodes and their interfacial engineering in a device and system. Meng will also discuss a few future priority research directions for electrochemical energy storage and answers questions from the audience.

Join C2ST, The Geographic Society of Chicago, Chicago Park District, The Wetlands Initiative, and many other community science organizations for a day of fun at Big Marsh Park, one of Chicago’s largest outdoor spaces! Participate in arts and science-based activities with Calumet region scientists and attend guided walks to record nature observations! Big Marsh Park features walking, running, and biking trails that attract outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all skill levels. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals, and birds.

Ready to see the night sky in a whole new light? As we continue our Science in the Parks series, we are excited to journey across the cosmos with C2ST, our solar system ambassadors, and–of course–the Chicago Park District to bring astronomy to Life at Jackson Park

Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a seasoned veteran of the night sky, this program should be a blast! Together we will experience Saturn at opposition, when it gets larger, brighter, and closer than any other time of year! This summer, we will learn about astrolabes, an astronomical multi-tool that has been used to track the sky for the last 2,000 years!

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How do we measure air quality? What causes poor air quality? Are there particular things humans do that impact air quality the most?

The quality of the air we breathe every day can have large impacts on our health and wellness. Scientists are working to learn more about what exactly causes poor air quality in certain areas as well as working to find solutions to help improve the air quality in the places we live and work. Join C2ST virtually on Aug 28th from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm as we talk with Dr. Daniel Horton, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University, and Aryiana C Moore, 4th year PhD candidate in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology to find out more. We will hear about their current research as well as get a chance to ask questions.

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Although the meaning of self-care can vary across different contexts, it is generally recognized as acts or gestures that aim to maintain and promote an individual’s health for themselves or their community. Whether wanting to support our spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical health, there are always ways in which we seek to take care of ourselves and each other; giving and receiving this care, however, is made difficult by the constraints and tensions we face in our daily lives. 

Join us at Palmisano Park for an engaging day of food experiments and art creation! Learn about different methods of preparing and extracting dye from colorful fruits and vegetables!  Experiment with making plant-based dyes and use them to create beautiful paintings while engaging in mindfulness and reflection. Together, we will learn about the science of self-care, explore ways to meaningfully engage in self-care practices, and create beautiful art! The activities we will deliver are open to all ages and the program will include…

• Dye Extraction Workshop
• Art Creation Session
• Mindfulness and Reflection Activity

Restrooms in the Field house will be open and available for participants. Light ‘brain healthy’ snacks will be also be available!

*Science in the Parks is an ongoing effort by C2ST to live up to our philosophy that “Science is for Everyone.” Not only do we want to join your community, but we want to return and provide science programs that are relevant to you in the future.*

Join us for an illuminating panel discussion on the transformative future of air travel, Electric Horizons: The Future of Sustainable Air Travel. As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, alternative fuels emerge as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. This event will bring together leading experts, innovators, and industry pioneers to explore the cutting-edge developments and challenges in sustainable aviation. Join C2ST at Harold Washington Library on August 12th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and talk with Dominik Karbowski, Manager of the Low-carbon Aviation group Eco-Mobility at Argonne National Laboratory, Joseph P. Schwieterman, Director of the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University, and R. Eric Jones, Associate Dean and Professor of Aviation at Lewis University, Pedro J. Ortiz-Toral, the Program Director at GTI Energy, and Megan M Zahos, Principal Operations Inspector, Greater Chicago Flight Standards District Office.