Vanier College Science Lecture Series, 2023

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From nanoplastics, to robots, to the environment and our changing planet, a line-up of speakers will explore the secrets of science and research during for the Vanier College Science Lecture Series from March 20-24, 2023. Each day, speakers or activities will inform, inspire and entertain students through science. See the full schedule and program.  Speakers include the following:

**_The root of the problem: tropical forests in a changing world
_****Dr. Fiona Soper, McGill University
**Dr. Soper, an ecosystem scientist and Assistant Professor at McGill University in the Department of Biology and Bieler School of Environment, will give an overview of her research investigating the functioning of tropical trees and the role of tropical forests in global change. She will also share details of her path in science, from Australia to being a Professor in Canada. Monday, March 20th, 8:30 – 9:45 am, Auditorium

**_Nuclear Wastewater Treatment to Mustard Gas Detoxification: The Fascinating Study of Molecular Sponges
_****Dr. Ashlee Howarth, Concordia University
**Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are complex molecular sponge-like materials. Dr Howarth will explain the assembly of MOFs, and describe the important physical and chemical properties of these materials. 10:00 – 11:15 am, Auditorium

**_Sustainability
_****Dr. Ivan Taylor, Policy Dynamics Inc.
**Tuesday, March 21st, 10:00 – 11:15 am, Virtual

**_So, how is the St. Lawrence doing these days?
_****Dr. Christiane Hudon, Université de Montréal, Research Scientist, Emerita, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
**The seminar provides an overview of the major environmental issues facing the St. Lawrence River, a unique and emblematic river system, and uses examples of headlines reporting on major St. Lawrence River issues to shed light on the Science hidden behind the News.

**_Robotics at the McGill Aerospace Mechatronics Laboratory
_****Jad Ashkar & James Anawati, McGill University
**First, Jad AshKar will describe his personal journey from discovering his passion for robotics in high school to being part of the McGill robotics team.  He will share the challenges he faced along the way before he ultimately found his calling in Mechanical Engineering and the field of robotics. Then, James Anawati will present the diverse robots researched at the McGill Aerospace Mechatronics Laboratory, including agile uncrewed aerial vehicles, gliders, airships, submersibles, quadcopters, spacecraft, and forestry manipulator arms. Thursday, March 23rd, 10:00 – 11:15 am, Auditorium

**_Plastic Pollution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments
_****Nathalie Tufenkji, Ph.D., P.Eng., FCAE, McGill University
**The degradation of bulk plastics in the environment leads to the release of microplastics that can contaminate water supplies, agricultural fields, and foods we consume. This lecture will present work aimed at overcoming challenges to better understand the fate and impacts of nanoplastics in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Friday, March 24th, 10:00 – 11:15 am, Auditorium