Science Café welcomes new program coordinators

Neurohr passes the torch after six years of leadership

April 19, 2018

Science Café OSU highlights interesting, relevant and current science research. The monthly series offers lively and engaging conversations about science and features informal presentations, refreshments, door prizes and Q&A. The award-winning format has offered dozens of OSU scientists a chance to describe their research and its importance.

In 2012, Dr. Karen Neurohr initiated Science Cafe OSU in partnership with the vice president for Research and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. During her time as the OSU Library community outreach and assessment librarian, Neurohr coordinated 37 campus programs that attracted close to 3,000 attendees, and 11 community programs at the Stillwater Public Library that saw more than 800 attendees.

“Of all the community outreach programs I have done, Science Café is definitely a highlight,” Neurohr said. 

In 2015, the OSU Library received the Excellence in Library Programming Award from the American Library Association. Fifty-two libraries competed for the honor. Science Café at OSU was selected for its collaborative community series, “Potential Impacts of Oil and Gas Exploration.” A total of six programs including OSU presenters Dr. Gina Peek, Dr. Larry Sanders, Dr. Todd Halihan, Dr. Dave Shideler, Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Dr. Chad Penn, and Dr. Tamara Mix were held on the topic.

In spring 2018, Professor Neurohr took on new responsibilities at the OSU Library as Oral History Research and Community Outreach Librarian. After six years of leadership, she is passing the role of Science Café coordinator to Whitney Vitale, Assistant Professor and Librarian, and Hui-Fen Chang, Associate Professor and Librarian.

“It has been an honor to observe the passion of audience members and scientists for the topics, to have a role in helping spark or reaffirm students’ interests in scientific fields of study, and to develop new relationships on campus and in the community,” Neurohr said.

Vitale and Chang are already in the planning stages for the 2018-19 series, and are eager to continue the program’s legacy of success. To learn more about Science Café, upcoming events and the 73 past speakers visit http://sciencecafeosu.okstate.edu/. Science Café programs are free and open to the public.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/archived-news/spring-2018/science-café-welcomes-new-program-coordinators

Last Updated: 19 April 2018