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: Weathering Winter—How our animal neighbors conquer the cold

February 25, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor

Come out of hibernation for the first Science Café of 2026! We’re kicking off the year with a peek into the dens, burrows, and nests of our animal neighbors to learn how they conquer the cold. From the seemingly unstoppable chubby campus squirrels to iconic hibernators like bats, wildlife has a diverse array of strategies for weathering winter.

Dr. Cody Thompson, Mammals Collection Manager and Associate Research Scientist at the U-M Museum of Zoology, will introduce us to the diversity of mammals that hibernate or go through a type of semi-hibernation called “torpor.” His colleague Dr. Ben Dantzer, Professor of Psychology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, will speak about the behavior and physiology of hibernation and other non-hibernating adaptations to the cold in animals that live in the near Arctic as well as his research on campus squirrels.

So bundle up and brave the weather. We promise that these resilient creatures will warm your heart, if not your toes.

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.

This event is sponsored by the University of Michigan Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society.

Science Café: Urban Planning, Ancient Ruins

March 18, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor

Tucked away on the western coast of Turkey overlooking the Aegean Sea, lies the ruins of an ancient city steeped in history. The city of Notion, which was inhabited from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, is mentioned by such notable ancient authors as Aristotle, Livy, and Pausanias, among others. 

For over 20 years, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan has been involved in the study of Notion. But what happens when an ancient site needs modern amenities—like research facilities, housing for visiting scholars, and public-facing interpretation? Cue an unlikely collaboration between an archaeologist and an architect.

This month Dr. Chris Ratté, Director of the Notion Archaeological Project, will be discussing his research as well as the relationships the archaeological team has formed with the surrounding communities. Kathy Velikov, Professor of Architecture at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, will share how Taubman is contributing to building ethical, culturally competent, sustainable, and climate resilient infrastructure at Notion that supports the archaeological mission.

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.

Previous Science Cafés:

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.

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:

• April 29