STEM Speaker Series Speaker 1: Making Waves: A Marine Biologist's Journey
- Speaker: Dr. Lekelia “Kiki” Jenkins
- Date: February 24, 2026
- Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Location: SL-116
Dr. Lekelia Jenkins, Associate Professor at Arizona State University, will share how her early scientific curiosity evolved into a powerful career in marine conservation research. She’ll break down how she blends environmental science, social science, and creative communication to tackle major ocean challenges, and will offer tips on shaping your career path and building a supportive professional community.
Dr. Jenkins is a marine sustainability scientist and ASU professor whose work focuses on how people create and adopt solutions for ocean conservation, from sustainable fishing gear to renewable energy. She’s also known for using dance as a creative way to communicate science and inspire social change. Her leadership and impact have earned her major honors—including being featured with a life-sized statue in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
STEM Speaker Series Speaker 2A: Creating a Career in Science and Science Education
- Speaker: Dr. Chris Impey and Dr. Carver Bierson
- Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
- Location: NS-400
How does someone actually become a scientist? That is the question we will explore in this career focused discussion. For example, Did you know that in many scientific fields, such as physics, astronomy, and geology, some universities and colleges actually pay you to pursue a PhD ? Or that many professional scientists skip the master’s degree and go straight to a PhD?
In this discussion with guest speaker Dr. Chris Impey (Universi ty of Arizona) and Dr. Carver Bierson (SCC Astronomy) we will talk about our paths, and the paths of our colleagues, into science. We will also explore how science education can be a part of your career as a scientist and the value that brings. This will be an open conversation so bring your own questions!
STEM Speaker Series Speaker 2B: Worlds Without End
- Speaker: Dr. Chris Impey
- Date: April 8, 2026
- Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Location: SL-116
Since the initial discovery in 1995, astronomers have detected over 6000 exoplanets. Several hundred are Earth-like and potentially habitable, projecting to ten billion across the Milky Way. The talk will summarize the search for life in the universe, starting with the Solar System, and moving to the larger regions of space, where there is at least one planet for every star in the galaxy. The first detection of life beyond Earth is finally within reach.
Chris Impey is a University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. He has over 450 publications on education, observational cosmology, galaxies, and quasars. Chris Impey is a winner of the American Astronomical Society’s career Education Prize from. He’s also been NSF Distinguished Teaching Scholar, Carnegie Council’s Arizona Professor of the Year, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor. He has written 120 popular articles on cosmology, astrobiology and education, two textbooks, a novel called Shadow World, and ten popular science trade books.
Credit Artwork: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Robert Hurt (Caltech/IPAC)
STEM Speaker Series Speaker 3: The Science of Project Hail Mary
- Speaker: Dr. Carver Bierson
- Date: April 29, 2026
- Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Location: SL-116
Join our special final STEM speaker series talk of the semester all about the science of Project Hail Mary, the book and movie by Andy Weir (author of the Martian). We will explore where the story gets the science right, where it takes liberties, and where it goes full technobabble. This talk features heavy plot spoilers so we suggest reading or watching the story beforehand.
This talk is presented in collaboration with the SCC Book Club and SCC Film Club. SCC students and employees can also join for special book club discussions and a film screening earlier in April. For more information visit SCC Library Book Club.