Talks on Tap.
Nerd out. Give back.
About.
Talks on Tap is a public lecture series designed to bring people together for accessible, thought-provoking conversations to benefit community. Hosted in partnership with Slow Body Beer Co., the series features speakers sharing ideas, stories, and expertise through a short talk followed by a facilitated discussion and informal mingling.
The goal is to create a space where community and learning intersect, making ideas more approachable. Through the talks, speakers connect attendees to causes and organizations that matter to them.
Inspired by broader "on tap" lecture models that bring knowledge into casual spaces like bars and breweries, Talks on Tap emphasizes community engagement, conversation, and real-world impact. In partnership with:
Upcoming Talks.
Upcoming Talks.
July 1st, 2026: Dr. Erika Hamden
A Guide to Inventing the Future- how space and basic research make your life better!
benefitting Friends of Pima County Library
How does Einstein’s theory of relativity make your life easier every day? Why did research in the 1980s about the behavior of venomous lizards create an 80 billion dollar health industry in the 2020s? In this talk, Dr. Hamden will discuss how important seemingly random discoveries to your daily life, with an emphasis on why space sciences and discovery are both wonderful and impactful. She will also provide an outline for how we can continue to ensure the future is better than the past through science!
-
Dr. Erika Hamden is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Arizona, and Director of the University of Arizona Space Institute. Erika specializes in building telescopes that go to space and developing sensor technology to make telescopes better, with an emphasis on photon counting silicon detectors for use in the space ultraviolet. In addition to her work as a Professor, she hosts a TV show about science on Arizona Public Media, has written a popular science book, "Weird Universe" published in 2025, and is a private pilot. She is also a gifted science communicator, posting short, fun videos about physics and space on social media to over 250 thousand followers.
August 5th, 2026: details coming soon
September 2nd, 2026: Joshua Loughman
Pathways to Address the Global Climate Crisis
benefitting Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology
n this workshop, Dr. Loughman will engage attendees in the use of the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator to explore different pathways, trade-offs, and options to solve the global climate crisis. Together, attendees will test their mental models using a complex, real-time simulation of the global economy, policy, technology, and Earth systems.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will see what it will take to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas concentrations and mitigate climate change.
Josh Loughman is a systems engineer and data scientist at Arizona State University’s Decision Theater, a Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Futures Laboratory, and an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador for Climate Interactive.
-
Josh Loughman is a systems engineer and data scientist at Arizona State University’s Decision Theater, a Senior Global Futures Scientist at the Global Futures Laboratory, and an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador for Climate Interactive.
October 7th, 2026: Dr. Adiba Nelson on Disability and Access to Recreation
November 4th, 2026: Dr. Eunice Lee on Immigration Detention
Talks Past
Dr. Eric Plemons
A Borrowed Uterus: How Transplant Medicine is Changing Maternity
Curious to know what we raised and for whom? Reach out for more information.
Monet is a lifelong educator with a passion for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences. Known for a calm, encouraging teaching style, Monet believes that growth happens when learners feel both challenged and supported.
Dr. Lindsey Feldman
Forging Selfhood:Exploitation and Transformation on a Prison Wildland Firefighting Crew
Curious to know what we raised and for whom? Reach out for more information.
Eleanor Parks
Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.