Friday Science Seminars
This weekly seminar series will cover a wide variety of topics from academic, industrial, commercial, and non-profit sectors in the fields of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science.
- The lectures are usually scheduled on Fridays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm in the SOU Science Auditorium, Science Building room 151
(please note that lectures are held during academic terms only - we do not schedule presentations during break periods). - These events are free and open to the public.
- Keep in touch! If you would like to receive a weekly announcement of our upcoming lecture, please email your request.
Spring 2023 Seminars
- May 19 - SOU Chemistry Club presents: Spring into Chemistry
This is SOU Chemistry Club's big spring event. "We provide the explosions, you provide the reactions!"
- May 5 - Water and High Voltage: Concentrated electrolyte solutions and their use in batteries

- April 28 - Smartphones captured the moment but missed the point
On the 30th anniversary of his invention of the smartphone with picture and video messaging, Daniel A. Henderson, American inventor, entrepreneur, artist and lifelong learner will share some of the history leading up to those inventions, personal perspectives on the importance of innovative thought and discuss the impact of mobile devices on our communication with one another.
Winter 2023 Seminars
- March 10 - What Can We Learn From a Fish? Zebrafish as a model of neuronal function and disease
Dr. Michael Johnson, Associate Professor of Chemistry from the University of Kansas, will discuss his work developing electroanalytical methods for the study of Parkinson's disease. Specifically, the use of fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure the effects of Zn2+ on dopamine release and uptake in zebrafish brains. Dr. Johnson will also speak about the graduate school experience at research universities.
- February 10 - Fires and Floods: Exploring Environmental Questions with Analytical Chemistry Methods
Dr. Chris Babayco will discuss how analytical chemistry tools can be used, in conjunction with biological methods, to understand human impacts on the environment. During the talk, we will examine how cocaine was used to track the movement of wastewater within a Missouri State Conservation Area as well as explore the ongoing impacts of the Almeda fire and Interstate 5 on Bear Creek.
Fall 2022 Seminars
- November 4 - Fall into Chemistry Live Demo

Spring 2022 Seminars
- April 15 - A Small Molecule Approach to Treat HIV Positive Patients
Dr. Todd Elworthy of Roche Pharmaceuticals will present his research program targetting HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) for inhibition. Relying on multiple scientific areas, we will explore inhibiting RT of patients previosly treated under highly active antiretroviral therapy. X-ray crystallography guided two aspects: the identification of a unique binding mode of biphenyl ethers to the known allosteric site of RT and the design of small molecules with improved enzyme interaction.
A biphenyl ether template afforded a robust range of patentable structures. This talk will focus on the synthesis of these molecules. We will also address the inhibition of multiple RT mutants and their accompanying antiviral activity.
- April 1 - Digging for Gold - Discovering the Golden Ratio
Mathematics professor from Santa Rosa Junior College, John Martin MA will explore how, over the years, many people have ascribed mystical properties to the number known as the golden ratio. Recently, several authors have taken the opposite view. In this talk, we will explore some of the legend and lore surrounding this number as well as the mathematics behind it. Careful sifting will reveal some nuggets.
Fall 2021 Virtual Seminars
- October 15 - Cannabis and Cannabinoid Science - Past, Present, and Future
Join Cannabis researcher, author and Southern Oregon University alum, Jason Wilson MS on a quest to understand the long, strange journey of Cannabis and cannabinoid science from the 1800s to modern day with a brief look at the emerging new frontier of cannabinoid science that is extending far beyond its roots in the Cannabis plant thousands of years ago. This seminar is perfect for all curious minds that are interested in understanding more about the science of the Cannabis plant and the potential research opportunities available to new generations of Cannabis and cannabinoid scientists.
All individuals are welcome to join this free event on Friday, October 15th at 3:30pm via Zoom.- Zoom Link: https://sou.zoom.us/j/89260520468
- October 1 - Summer of Science
Learn how SOU's STEM students spent their summer to help inform your Summer 2022 planning!
Speakers are SOU STEM Students: Jack Diab, Megahn Distifeno, Maya Helms, Eliana Kenner, Colton Noyes, Alejandro Robles, and Robert Running.
All individuals are welcome to join this free event on Friday, October 1st at 3:30pm, Zoom link: https://sou.zoom.us/j/88196532140
