News

The Science in Our Valley seminar series will restart this fall! The seminar series is open to the public and will kick off on Wednesday, September 28 at 4 PM featuring the research of Washington State University GAAN Doctoral Fellow, Jarren Briscoe, on the topic of Human Bias in Artificial Intelligence.

Mr. Briscoe’s current research explores the relationship between biases and intelligence while asking the questions: Is bias inherent to intelligence? How does bias evolve over time? What types of bias are observed in humans and machines (algorithms) and how can consideration of “fairness via awareness” help to reduce bias?

This fall’s Science in Our Valley line-up is a great opportunity for the community to learn about the incredible research happening in our region across a variety of disciplines:

• Sept 28 – Human and Algorithmic Bias in Artificial Intelligence
  Researcher: Jarren Briscoe, WSU GAAN Doctoral Fellow
• Oct. 5 – Polyelectrolyte Solutions and Coacervates: Applications from Intelligent Inks to Energy Storage
  Researcher: Dr. Dion Riverra, CWU Analytical & Physical Chemistry Professor and Chair
• Oct. 12 – Pear Psylla in Our Valley – 70 years of Effort Towards Sustainable Integrated Pest Management
  Researcher: Dr. Robert Orpet, WSU Post-doctoral Research Associate Entomology
• Oct. 19 – Data Literacy: A K-16 initiative
  Researcher: Dr. Nairanjana Dasgupta, WSU Statistics Professor and Chair

• Oct. 26 – Strong Phylogenetic Congruence Between Tulasnella Fungi and Their Associated Drakaeinae Orchids
  Researcher: Dr. Arild Arifin, WSU Post-doctoral Research Associate Plant Pathology
• Nov. 2 – AI and Agriculture – Here in Wenatchee!
  Researcher: Mr. Steve Mantle, Inov8.ag Founder, CEO, and Data Scientist
• Nov. 9 – Empowering Women in Ag: Lessons From Abroad
  Researcher: Dr. Mustafa Ojonuba Jibrin, WSU Post-Doctoral Research Associate Plant Pathology
• Nov. 16 – Wildfires in North Central Washington: Proactive Management Approaches
  Researcher: Dr. Susan Prichard, UW Fire Ecologist

Science in Our Valley seminars run every Wednesday starting September 28 and ending November 16. All events are free and open to the public at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center (1100 N Western Ave, Wenatchee) from 4 to 5 p.m. Prior registration is not required to attend these events.

The seminar presentations are intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, teachers, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, and science enthusiasts.

K-12 educators are also encouraged to attend the seminar series to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for attending the series.

Details for each event can be found online at: www.applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

About Science in Our Valley:

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Science in Our Valley is a collaborative effort with support from Apple STEM Network, Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, Wenatchee Valley College, the North Central Educational Service District and the Our Valley Our Future Bridge Research and Innovation District.