Planet Microbes: Environmental Microbiology Discussion Group [In Person]

Genspace NYC

Join us on the Genspace rooftop to discuss hot topics in environmental microbiology!

Genspace Rooftop

Microbes are the invisible engines that keep the planet running. They were the first lifeforms to arise on early Earth 3.5 billion years ago, and they’ll likely exist long after we’re gone...but it&#x27;s here and now we’re interested in. How do microbes influence our climate, and how are they responding to climate change? Join ocean microbiologist Kyle Frischkorn, Ph.D. for an informal discussion of environmental microbiology research that’s hot off the press. This monthly discussion will be a participatory discussion on the very definition of life. In THE GREAT VIRUS DEBATE, you’ll choose a side and make your case that viruses are or are not alive. We’ll begin with some definitions and general conversation before selecting sides.Article 1: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bqkWTRBlpMX7q-2ufOz4qaAU4ScxFw1K/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Ten reasons to exclude viruses from tree of life</a>Article 2: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTLAuEAy_N7ZGAdyru76grUvC7uvZXpA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Reasons to include viruses in the tree of life</a>Participants of all backgrounds and experiences are welcome to join. Please keep in mind that the debate is just in fun, as the topic is still unsettled even in the scientific community! This is a free event, but donations are strongly encouraged if you’re in a position to contribute. This session of Planet Microbes will be in person on the Genspace rooftop and is pet friendly. Feel free to bring a snack and a drink to enjoy an evening of scientific discussion with us!We are currently unable to offer an online live stream or recording of this session. Please register only if you are able to attend in person.COVID-19 Safety Notice: As many of you have heard, New York City will be lifting the indoor mask mandate and vaccine mandate beginning March 7, and individual businesses can set their own guidelines. Genspace has decided to continue our mask and vaccine requirement for both participants and staff for the time being. We made this decision to protect our staff and participants, who may be immunocompromised or caring for loved ones who are at risk. We will re-evaluate this policy on April 15. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding to keep our community safe. Participants age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination (we recommend using the <a href="https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass-and-excelsior-pass-plus" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Excelsior Pass</a>). This is a socially-distanced event. Masks are required to be worn for the duration of the event. If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend. You can find a list of symptoms and a self-checker tool on the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/coronavirus-self-checker.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CDC website</a>. Upon entry, guests are required to fill out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchQ8tAFgvj7oYeT9HmwM-R7e8khB_-rqoRkXHPtrLWwmVHbw/viewform" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">COVID-19 health screening form</a> and show a vaccination card.If you have had COVID-19 within the past 15 days, a negative PCR test is required before coming to Genspace. Please show Genspace staff your proof of negative PCR test results. Rapid tests and minimum quarantine period of 5 days are not accepted without a negative PCR test. Given the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the pandemic, please note that terms of this event are subject to change, and we will update you ASAP.

<h3>Meet the Instructor </h3>Kyle Frischkorn’s (he/him) career as a scientist set sail when he learned that phytoplankton— microscopic plants that live in aquatic environments —are responsible for half the oxygen in every breath we take. The question of how these microbes accomplish this feat, and how they’ll fare in a changing climate, has continually inspired his scientific endeavors. Kyle obtained his PhD in microbial oceanography from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and conducted postdoctoral research at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, France. His research took him to the remote reaches of the tropical oceans, where he studied the bacterium Trichodesmium, a nitrogen-fixing phytoplankton, that hosts a microbiome of other bacteria that work together to survive the high seas and perform the metabolic activities that keep the planet habitable. Kyle is now an associate editor at the scientific journal Nature Communications, where he is responsible for handling research manuscripts in all areas where biology and Earth science intersect.

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Planet Microbes: Environmental Microbiology Discussion Group [In Person]

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Planet Microbes: Environmental Microbiology Discussion Group [In Person]

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