Science Connects Webinars

Science Connects: The Evolution of Ethics in AI
Artificial intelligence is embedded in the systems we use for our work, to access goods and services, to educate and entertain ourselves, to control our buildings and factories. But what are the implications to our world as AI algorithms are increasingly involved in decision making as opposed to human expertise and authority?

Enhance your digital literacy by joining University of Alberta professors Eleni Stroulia and Nidhi Hegde for a discussion on how AI is affecting our day to day existence. Learn how artificial intelligence generates, collects and uses personal data to make decisions on your behalf in areas such as finance, justice and access to resources. Find out what aspects of digital privacy to watch out for and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Date: Friday, April 23, 2021
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (MT)
Cost: Free
Register Here 

Science Connects: COVID-19 modeling demystified
What is a mathematical model for COVID-19? How are these models built? How can modeling inform public health decision-making? Join Marie (Betsy) Varughese (‘17 PhD) and professor Michael Li ('93 PhD) in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences to learn about the advantages, challenges, and misconceptions of using mathematical modeling to understand COVID-19 transmission dynamics. Other topics such as the effective reproductive number, also known as the R value, will also be discussed in the context of COVID-19, including examples in Alberta and other countries worldwide.
View Webinar

Science Connects: Fostering coexistence over conflict with urban coyotes through evidence-based methods
Join Colleen Cassady St. Clair, ‘88 BSc(Spec) professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, to learn about the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project, hear tips for avoiding conflict with coyotes, and discover how citizens can contribute to St. Clair’s research. Urban coyotes are increasing in number and boldness in cities across North America, including Edmonton. Participants may be surprised how many things attract coyotes and the active ways they can foster coexistence with them. Post webinar Q&A
View Webinar

Science Connects: Taking Control of the Quantum World: Developing new technologies using ultracold atoms
Join Lindsay LeBlanc, associate professor in the Department of Physics, as she discusses the fundamentals of quantum information and why it is so powerful. Learn why atoms—in particular, cold atoms—are an excellent platform for exploring the quantum world and discover the recent advances in developing a “quantum memory” in LeBlanc’s lab at the University of Alberta. LeBlanc will also discuss the way new scientific ideas emerge in experimental science as a result of interactions between the people involved.
View Webinar

November: Data permutations: How to understand human speech, the spread of COVID-19, and the Alberta electorate with Adam Kashlak

October: Searching for life outside of Earth: NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission with Chris Herd

September: Eavesdropping on communication in wild bats and mice with Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell

August: Community Approaches to Housing Affordability with Joshua Evans

July: The science of Rock, Paper, Scissors with Ben Dyson

June: Perspectives from new Canadian Arctic Ice Cores with Alison Criscitiello

May: Cretaceous Dinosaurs in Northern Alberta with Corwin Sullivan

April: Glycomics- Sugars and Human Health with Lara Mahal