Science Cafés

UMMNH would like to thank Conor O’Neill’s for 15 years of support for our Science Cafés. Their continued commitment brings U-M faculty into the Ann Arbor community to discuss current research topics.

Science Café: Zapping 'Forever Chemicals': A Michigan-Made Solution

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the “forever chemicals,” have been detected in water sources across Michigan, posing a persistent threat to our communities and environment. But how do you destroy something designed to never break down?In this Science Café, Dr. Angela Violi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Dr. Paolo Elvati, Associate Research Scientist in Mechanical Engineering will tell the story of PFAS from our water taps to the atomic scale.

Using advanced supercomputer simulations, these two University of Michigan researchers are studying how non-thermal plasma technology can shatter these resilient compounds. Learn about this homegrown research that aims to turn “forever chemicals” into a problem of the past.Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.

Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; program 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Seating is limited—come early.

Previous Science Cafés:

Science Café: A Tale of Two Libraries 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

Here in Ann Arbor we are fortunate to have some of the best libraries in the country. You might be aware that the U-M library system is home to millions of print and e-book media, but what about the library's less celebrated collections, like the Computer and Video Game Archive? Likewise, you've probably checked out a book at AADL or heard of the Summer Game, but what about AADL's publishing arm, Fifth Avenue Press? Or the not-so-secret Secret Lab?

Join Emily Murphy, Librarian at the Ann Arbor District Library and Justin Schell, Director of Digital Scholarship and Creative Spaces at the U-M Shapiro Library to learn what a modern-day librarian actually does, how to use our city’s five-star libraries, and why these "third spaces" are one of the few places in our country that truly are for everyone.Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current topics with experts in an informal setting.

Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; program 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Seating is limited—come early.

Science Café: Pollinator Power

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor

They power our ecosystems and put food on our tables, but pollinators are under threat from climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and more. Join us at the first Science Café of the semester to learn how researchers on campus and in local communities are collaborating to protect pollinators, especially one of the most recognizable pollinators in North America: the monarch butterfly.

Join Alyson Oostdyk, Natural Areas Manager for the University of Michigan, and Maggie Halpern from the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability & Innovations to learn about pollinator aware lawncare and new native planting strategies to support biodiversity on UM's campus. 

Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Seating is limited—come early.

Future Science Cafés:

• November 19 
• February 25
• March 18
• April 29