RAPID CITY, SD (Sept. 13, 2019) –
Topics for the fall STEAM
Café series range from a researcher’s experiences in Mongolia to the
ecological impacts of animal decomposition to the development of the microscope.
STEAM Café, a series of free informal talks by South
Dakota School of Mines & Technology faculty, staff and visiting
experts, is a partnership between the university, South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Hay Camp Brewing Company.
An acronym for Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, STEAM Café is held at 6 p.m. the third
Tuesday of each month, at Hay Camp. A food truck will be available at each
STEAM Café for meal purchase, and handcrafted beer will be available for
purchase from Hay Camp.
“STEAM Café is a great opportunity
for community members to engage with Mines staff and faculty to talk about things
happening in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math,”
said Jim Rankin, president of SD Mines. “I would invite everyone to check it
out. They won’t be disappointed.”
Sept. 17, 6 p.m.
Mongolia: The People, Mountains
and Rivers
Scott Kenner, head of the
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Kenner,
Fulbright Scholar to Mongolia (2012-13), will present on his experiences with
the people, mountains and rivers of Mongolia. His research on rivers in
Mongolia has continued over the past six years with a focus on hydrologic and
physical characterization of rivers for environmental low flows and
hydro-geomorphological characterization, comparing rivers of temperate steppe
ecoregions in the US and Mongolia. His work has included river basins in the
internal west drainage, the central arctic river basins and the eastern river
basins of Mongolia. The countryside of Mongolia has extensive diversity ranging
from the arid Gobi regions to the glacial Khangai Mountains. His research has
allowed him to interact with the Mongolian people, from the urbanized Ulaan
Baatar in the Capitol City to the eagle hunters of western Mongolia.
Oct. 15, 6 p.m.
Life After Death: Ecological
Impacts of Animal Decomposition
Sarah
Keenan, assistant professor in the SD Mines Department of Geology &
Geological Engineering
In life, animals provide
critical ecosystem services and live within complex trophic networks,
transporting nutrients to/from other organisms. After death, animals continue
to play an essential role in ecological processes by releasing material held
within soft tissues back to the environment through decomposition. From a
paleontological perspective, decomposition represents the first step in forming
our fossil record, yet we know surprisingly little about the timing, rates and
ecological impacts of decay. Following an animal’s death, tissues begin to
decompose, releasing fluids, stimulating scavenger activity and forming a
“nutrient hotspot.” The longevity of these hotspots in environments, the
consequences of hotspots on cycling of elements like carbon and nitrogen, and
the impacts on soil microbial communities are largely unknown. This talk will
explore recent research into vertebrate decomposition and highlight the
remaining unknowns.
Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Through the Lens: Tools for
Extending Our Vision and Knowledge
Melissa Santala, assistant
professor of materials science at Oregon State University in Corvallis
Since their invention around 1600,
optical microscopes have been used to investigate objects too small to be seen
with the unaided eye. In the 20th century, the development of the electron
microscope has allowed us to image materials at atomic resolution. Melissa
Santala will draw upon selected historical texts and her experience as a
materials scientist and microscopist to discuss the power and pitfalls of using
these tools for scientific purposes. She will also consider the “A” in “STEAM”
and discuss the use of microscopy to create images of aesthetic and artistic
value.
Dec. 17
The Origin of South Dakota
Esports – SD Mines: Past, Present and Future
Wyatt Engel, Hardrocker
Athletics Esports Coordinator
Esports is
one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world and has
somehow found roots in an unlikely place: South Dakota. This talk will look at
the development of internet culture and video games over the last 10 years, the
origin of esports in South Dakota, and the biggest playmakers who pushed the
esports industry to blossom. Discussion will highlight sustainability and
growth in the industry, from entertainment to software engineering jobs.
Attendees will be challenged to open their minds to a new generation of
competition and embrace what is to come.
Hay Camp Brewing Company is
located at 601 Kansas City Street in Rapid City.