Pints of Science: The January Edition

Name: Pints of Science: The January Edition
Start: 2026-01-14T18:00:00-05:00
Location: New World Tampa

Schedule

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026 at 06:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

New World Tampa | Tampa, FL

Pints of Science | A Science Lecture Series
📍 New World Music Hall
⏰ Doors 6:00 PM | Talks 7:00 PM
🎟 RSVP required for seating

Join us for an evening of discovery as three distinguished local scientists take the stage to share their latest research and passions. Each will present a 20-minute talk, followed by a Q&A session where you can dive deeper into the conversation. Enjoy the full New World menu and a cash bar while expanding your mind.
Speaker #1
Zee Grossmann, PhD student
University of South Florida
Chemical Fallout: It’s raining plastic in Tampa Bay.
Microplastics are emerging pollutants that are found in all areas of the world, including Tampa Bay. Come learn about microplastics and how they are being studied in your community.

Speaker #2
Christine Theodore, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Tampa
"Nature’s Hidden Pharmacy.” Humans have looked to nature as a source of healing medicines since before written history. While most people are aware of the use of traditional medicines, many are surprised to learn that substances derived from nature continue to play a major role in the modern drug discovery process.

Speaker #3
Kerry Flaherty Walia, Restoration Ecologist, Tampa Bay Estuary Program

Where “Teenage” Fish Hang Out: An Understudied Habitat Linking Estuaries to Offshore Reefs
Hard-bottom habitats in Tampa Bay host distinctive fish communities and serve as crucial “teenage” transition zones for many reef species. Yet these areas have been historically difficult to study due to limited funding and challenging sampling conditions. In this talk, I’ll explore what makes these habitats so important and share how new partnerships are combining survey efforts to improve reef protection, restoration, and fisheries management.