CALLING ALL CSI FANS AND GEEKS WHO LOVE INVESTIGATIONS

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium to host second in series of ‘drink up – get smart’ discussions

(West Palm Beach, Fla.)  As a chaser to its inaugural ‘Science on Tap’ event, which drew more than 100 self-proclaimed science geeks together for an evening of “drinking up to get smart,” the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium announced a CSI-focus for its second event. Scheduled from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at O’Shea’s Irish Pub in downtown West Palm Beach, ‘Science on Tap’ will gather detective, lab assistant and crime scene investigative wannabes for a discussion on the “CSI Effect: Forensic Science, Not Made for TV.” Cecelia Crouse, Ph.D, who serves as Crime Laboratory Director for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, has promised to share the science secrets and juicy stories about the popular topic under a microscope, as the Science Center continues its community outreach with this second in a series of ‘Science on Tap’ events.

“We think people are going to love Dr. Crouse!” said Kate Arrizza, South Florida Science Center COO.  “Her stories are riveting and she makes crime scene science seem so cool. We hope this topic brings back ‘Science on Tap’ fans from the inaugural event, and introduces even more people to this great event concept. As part of our Science Center’s mission to ‘open every mind to science,’ these opportunities for informal science education allow us to reach a broader audience in a laid back session. They simply make science fun, sexy and cool!”

Modeled after “Science Cafés,” a trend sweeping pubs throughout the country, the Science Center’s ‘Science on Tap’ is the first registered Science Café between Vero Beach and Fort Lauderdale. According to Arrizza, it will be the only place in Palm Beach County where for the price of a cup of coffee, a quality craft beer, or a smooth glass of wine, anyone can come to discuss the latest trends in science and technology with a world-class scientist. With a motto to ‘drink up – get smart,’ you know you are in for a casual-education session, as the goal of the program is for guests to have fun while learning a little bit more about everyday curiosities. 

In addition to being a great story teller, with plenty of sensational details with an affinity for figuring out ‘who-done-it,’ Dr. Crouse knows her stuff. She has been with the PBSO laboratory for 22 years, including 16 years as Manager of the Forensic Biology Unit.  She has authored or co-authored more than 40 scientific manuscripts and invited book chapters, and presented research and forensic validation studies at more than 60 meetings both nationally and internationally.  With a series of memberships and credentials spanning from the FBI’s Scientific Working Group on DNA to the Journal of Forensic Science’s editorial board, Dr. Crouse received a BS from Michigan State University and Ph.D from the University of Miami, Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

‘Science on Tap’ is a free event, and patrons can enjoy O’Shea’s happy hour specials, which include $1 off well drinks, $3 draft beers, $4 bottle beers and $3 Irish Car Bomb drinks (starting at 7 p.m.).  ‘Science on Tap’ is being co-sponsored by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit.  Located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, the Science Center is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm.  For more information on the ‘Science on Tap’ series, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org.  Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.