14 VALLEY LIFE | June 2017

Some astronauts paint and other scientists play the piano. You never know what you might learn when you meet some of the great

thinkers and doers of our time.Talcott Mountain Science

Center and Academy has had a long tradition of inviting guests to speak to students, parents and the public on a variety of topics in their field, all of which helps students get excited about their learning and the possibilities for themselves.

Sixth grader Alexandros Cooke was excited to hear what scientist Dr. Kerri Cahoy had to say. Alexandros said the scientist talk-ed about black holes, a perfect topic for budding astrophysicists. Hearing her talk, he remembers being interested and engaged. He

also enjoyed the presentation by Dr. Ronald Mallett who talked about the Grandfather Paradox.

“As you get closer to the speed of light, your heart slows down; you think time is passing normally but for someone else it’s passing faster,” Alexandros said of this scientific theory, adding, “I found it very interesting.”

Ariana Pourkavoos, a fourth grader, especially enjoyed the pre-sentation by Dr. Jeff Karp, who works in the field of biomedical engineering.

“I really like biology and being inspired by things in nature,” Ariana said.

Dr. Karp, Ariana explained, has done research on using snail goo as a type of putty to repair heart defects.

She said the putty would stay

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Academy students learn from legends in their fields by Alicia B. SmithAssociate Editor

LIFEin the classroom

Forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee was a guest at Talcott Mountain Science Center and Academy.

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June 2017 | VALLEY LIFE 15

in place until the heart completely heals and then it biodegrades.

“It’s been tested on a rat and is on its way to being made for humans,” she said.

While Alexandros was not interested in some of the guest speakers, he said many of them ended up being interesting, and he always ended up learning something new and interesting.

“I find it enjoyable to listen,” he said. “Any talk is interesting and kind of engaging and makes you want to learn more about whatever topic they are talking about.”

Ariania agreed.“It made me interested in

topics and I want to learn about them,” she said.

If the two students could invite anyone to come to their school and talk, Alexandros would want to hear what astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson had to say. Ariana,

who also enjoys writing, would like to hear J.K. Rowling.

“For students this is an opportunity to see how science is applied,” said Jonathan Craig, executive director of the Talcott Mountain Science Center and Academy. “If using textbooks you don’t see what is cutting edge.”

“By having people from differ-ent fields and areas of study, you see what they can do,” said Christine Buhler, associate director of development and marketing.

Among the guests are former students and others at the top of their field.

Craig has been at the school for 38 years and has enjoyed meeting the guests as much as the students have. He especially enjoyed learning more from marine biologist Dr. Eugenie Clark.

“I picked Eugenie up in New Haven and spent an hour with her

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“For students this is an opportunity to see how science is applied.”

–Jonathan Craig

Dr. Ronald Mallett discussed physics and time travel.

Scientist Eric Fossom signs his autograph for students.

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16 VALLEY LIFE | June 2017

driving. It was the field I studied. All of her experiences were phenomenal.”

For Buhler it was Jane Goodall.“She was fantastic,” Buhler said.During his tenure, Craig has met

20 astronauts, all of whom he said have been great ambassadors for the space program. He has also met three Nobel Laureates and four MacArthur Fellows.

Many guests are willing to take the time to participant in these pub-lic forums because of the school’s reputation, others return because they are alumni.

Dr. Henry Lee has been to speak several times as has astronaut Captain Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon.

Craig said Dr. Lee has a great sense of humor and is always impressive in that he is able to translate scientific information into examples the students can understand.

Craig recalled the time he was teaching a class and was discussing powerful storms in the Pacific Ocean and had brought up a large image to share. Dr. Owen Garriott walked in, took one look at the image and

announced that he was the one who had taken the picture.

The school plans months in advance to schedule speakers and works with its science advisory board to help connect with people in a variety of fields.

Additionally, Craig said, the school looks at any special event that might be coming up – such as a meteor shower – that would be of interest.

Craig hopes that students take away not only information on a specific field of science, but recognize that, like these people at the top of their field, they can do anything.

“They have role models – male, female, of all races – who have accomplished great things,” he said.

Speakers also share advice with the students. Many are asked for rec-ommendations to achieve success. Buhler said they often share how being persistent was important.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Buhler said is a common response.

“When it comes from someone in that role, it’s powerful.” VL

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Biomedical Engineer Dr. Jeff Karp was a recent guest who discussed how things found in nature, such as snail goo and spider webs and porcupine quills, are now being used on humans.

Captain Alan Bean has been a regular guest at the academy.

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