BRIGHT IDEAS FROM THE BOX CANYON

A monthly newsletter that includes a collection of important news and updates from Telluride Science.

IN THE NEWS

The snow has started to fly in Telluride, blanketing the ski area and the high peaks in a fresh canopy of white just in time for ski season. Opening day at the Telluride Ski Resort is scheduled for Thanksgiving, November 24.

There is a lot to be thankful for. We officially start renovations at the Depot next week on Monday, November 14. This is a monumental day for Telluride Science as we will be one step closer to finally having a permanent home. We are sincerely grateful to all of our donors who have already contributed to the Depot project and welcome future support.

The expected build time is 16-18 months. Former Telluride resident, Dylan Henderson with SALT Architects, has designed the new center and Werner Catsman from Finbro Construction will lead the renovation. Mark Shambaugh, Depot Board Member and retired engineer and construction executive, will oversee the project and continue to serve as the Owner’s Representative. The Telluride Science & Innovation Center will make its grand debut Summer 2024.

THE DEPOT

Renovations at the Depot will start next week and we are still very focused on our fundraising efforts. We need to raise an additional $4.5M to transform a historic building into the state-of-the-art Telluride Science & Innovation Center.

If you have friends or colleagues who might be interested in supporting the Telluride Science & Innovation Center, please email Annie Carlson.

SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE

Thanks to University of Utah Professor of Chemistry Jack Simons, early-career scientists in the field of theoretical chemistry can expand their knowledge base in the inspiring setting of Telluride. Simons founded the Telluride School on Theoretical Chemistry (TSTC) in 2009. This school, which is the only summer school in the country focused on theoretical chemistry, has grown through the years and draws many competitive applicants.

Simons' career is prolific; he has published over 340 papers on various topics in theoretical chemistry and written several textbooks and web-based educational materials. He has not only received numerous awards but also has an award named after him.

Jack Simons at the 2022 PHYS award ceremony.

The Executive Committee of the Physical Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) recently voted to rename the Senior Theory Award to the Jack Simons Award in Theoretical Physical Chemistry. Congratulations Jack.

More About Jack

HOST A SCIENTIST

If you are interested in hosting a scientist for five or six nights at an affordable rate in your guest house, condo, or home this winter or next summer, please email Annie Carlson.

A SPECIAL THANKS

Finding affordable lodging for our scientists is a big challenge. We are so grateful to the following people for offering to host a scientist:

Andi Alexander
Vadim Backman & Luisa Marcelino
Meg & Jay Bodnar
Miles & Nicole Cook
Sally Puff Courtney & Jim Harley
John & Sueanne Kim
Dave & Kelly Jemison
Jim & Joanne Steinback

WHAT'S PLAYING

TINY GATE KEEPERS OF THE NANO UNIVERSE

In this podcast, we hear from three eminent researchers who take us into the nano universe where they study minuscule openings in the cells of our bodies…passageways called nuclear pore complexes.

These complexes are incredibly smart collections of proteins that direct traffic into and out of the nuclei of our cells…where our DNA is located.

LISTEN

WHAT'S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mountain Village and Telluride are collaborating to offer a community free pumpkin composting. Drop off your pumpkins free of candles, paint, glitter, stickers and other non-compostable decorative items off near the entrance to the Gondola Parking Garage through Nov. 18, or until the containers are full!

The gondola reopens for the winter season on November 18 and runs daily from 6:30 am- midnight (with extended hours to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays only starting December 16). The gondola closes for the winter season on April 2.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 12

KOTO Ski Swap

November 18

Gondola opens for winter

November 24

Telluride Ski Resort Opening Day

November 25

Annual Snow Dance Party

December 2-4

Telluride Fire Festival

December 7

Noel Night

Telluride Inside & Out has a robust event calendar with an abundance of information on events and things to do in Telluride and Mountain Village.

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