Science On Tap Saratoga is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explores current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. The goal of these events is to create a relaxed atmosphere where communication flows freely between scientists and the public. Our Science on Tap – Home Edition is co-presented by Skidmore’s Environmental Studies and Sciences Program and Sustainable Saratoga.

While Science On Tap Saratoga typically takes place at The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs, COVID has changed the way we do things, at least temporarily, and we are now holding these events online via Zoom.

Join Dr. Myla Aronson, from Rutgers University, as she discusses “Restoring Nature in the Concrete Jungle.”

Tuesday, October 27 at 7 pm online via Zoom.
Registration is required (click here to register); the Zoom meeting opens at 6:30 pm, and the conversation begins promptly at 7:00 pm.
TALK SYNOPSIS
The majority of humanity now lives in urban areas and the rapid urbanization of the world has a profound effect on global biodiversity. Dr. Aronson will discuss the status of biodiversity in the World’s cities, how cities can plan for biodiversity conservation, and restoration of plant species in urban landscapes.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Myla F.J. Aronson is an urban ecologist whose interests focus on the conservation, restoration, and maintenance of biodiversity in human dominated landscapes. She received her B.S. in Natural Resources from Cornell University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers University and the Director of the Hutcheson Memorial Forest. She co-directs, with Charles Nilon at the University of Missouri-Columbia, UrBioNet: A Global Network for Urban Biodiversity Research and Practice. Dr. Aronson’s research focuses on the patterns and ecological, environmental, and social drivers of biodiversity in urban landscapes, in particular to understand how to incorporate nature into our World’s cities. Dr. Aronson has used the results from her research to direct decisions for city planning and design, restoration and management of urban greenspaces. She serves or has served on the scientific advisory committees for NYC Nature Goals 2050, Silicon Valley Urban Greening Panel, Stewardship Mapping and Assessment Project (STEW-MAP) in New York City, and Fire Island National Seashore. Finally, she has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Rutgers University, Luther College, and Hofstra University.