Fall Science Cafés held at Portland Public Library

Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm throughout the fall
October 10th, November 14th and December 12th
Portland, Maine - Portland Public Library, the University of Southern Maine and Cornerstones of Science announce the first in a series of Science Cafés to be held at Portland Public Library on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:30 pm throughout the fall. The Science Café format is an informal approach to discussing and understanding scientific research and its relevance to people in their everyday lives. Science café events are held in Portland Public Library’s open, glass-walled atrium that faces Monument Square in Portland at the end of the school/work day and will offer light refreshments in an informal, casual atmosphere. Students, young professionals and anyone interested in getting the inside look at what scientists are doing – and why – are invited to attend. The events are free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 10:

USM Cyber Security Researcher to Lead Science Café Discussion on “Edward Snowden and Who’s Watching You”

Edward Snowden’s revelations regarding mass surveillance programs employed by the United States has sparked debates about finding a balance between the need for national security and the privacy of citizens. USM cybersecurity researcher Edward Sihler will lead a science café discussion exploring this debate on Thursday, October 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Portland Public Library. Library patrons and the general public are also invited to virtually attend the science café discussion via a Google Hangout that will broadcast live video and allow for questions and comments.

Mr. Sihler is Assistant Director of USM’s Maine Cyber Security Cluster, a national hub in Maine for cyber security solutions and workforce development. With over 20 years of experience in technology, Mr. Sihler has worked in a variety of organizations ranging from a multinational telecommunications company to a private healthcare operation. He currently teaches Management Information Science (MIS) at USM and is helping to develop an academic curriculum in the department of Computer Science focusing on cyber security.

Additional science café events scheduled for 2013 include:

·         November 14 – Edward Sihler, Cyber Security: A History of Modern Codes and Cyphers

·         December 12 – Edward Gleason, Southworth Planetarium Manager: Astronomy 101

For more information, please contact Jennifer Dean, USM College of Science, Technology, and Health, at 207-780-4149 or jdean@usm.maine.edu.