Name: The Science Surrounding us from Ground to Sky
Start: 2026-05-18T17:30:00
End: 2026-05-18T19:00:00
Location: Trace Brewing

From microscopic organisms to the vast night sky, we will explore how small changes can have big impacts on our world. Discover how microbes power critical environmental processes, and learn why protecting dark skies matters. Together, these talks reveal how science helps us better understand and care for the planet we all share.

Tanks for the Memories: An Intro to Our Most Effluent-ial Workers

Preom Sarkar (Postdoctoral Fellow, National Energy Technology Laboratory)

Microbes are the unseen workers of our biosphere, possessing metabolic diversity that human engineering only hopes to achieve. These microscopic powerhouses drive the essential nutrient cycles of our planet. This talk introduces the fundamental biology of bacteria before exploring their critical roles in modern infrastructure. We'll examine how we harness microbial consortia in wastewater treatment and how we deploy them in bioremediation to neutralize hazardous pollutants. Join us to see how the smallest life forms solve our biggest environmental challenges!

A Toast to the Night Sky

Diane Turnshek (Special Lecturer, Carnegie Mellon University)

Do you love stars? Join us at Trace Brewing for a look at why darkness matters, how light pollution hides the stars, and how our dimmable, shielded streetlights help Pittsburgh keep its glow on the ground—not in the sky.

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Other Pittsburgh (PA) events

Other Trace Brewing events

19 May

Pittsburgh (PA)

Saving Lives Together: Compassion, Conversation, a…

20 May

Pittsburgh (PA)

How Government and Policy Shape Our World