BRIGHT IDEAS FROM THE BOX CANYON

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

IN THE NEWS

SUMMER EVENTS

With unseasonably cool temps and rainy days, summer arrived late but is now in full swing. We welcomed scientists back to town the first week of June and our second week of workshops is currently in session with 4 workshops and 100 scientists. Town is abuzz with excitement as the 50th Annual Bluegrass Festival starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Speaking of events…Telluride Science has a great lineup planned for the summer. We have partnered with the Telluride Foundation to bring you a variety of interesting options that depart from our traditional science-based programming.

We will be delving into the world of art with a discussion that explores Audacious Art Forgeries and Authenticity. The event will feature two experts in the art world: Rachel Kaminsky, a New York-based art dealer, and Silvia A. Centeno, a research scientist at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York. Their presentations will cover areas of art history, conservation research, connoisseurship, provenance, and the increasingly important role of scientific analysis in the investigation of works of art. Ms. Kaminsky will show how some of these tools have exposed the most audacious art forgeries of the 20th and 21st century, while Dr. Centeno will draw from her experience at The Met to discuss how cutting-edge tools of analysis are able to delve beneath paintings’ surfaces to reveal surprising information unseen by the naked eye. The event will be held Wednesday, July 26, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Sheridan Opera House.

There are few places more awe-inspiring than Telluride. Fittingly, in August, we are bringing renowned author, Dr. Dacher Keltner to Telluride to speak about his new book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. This topic is certainly popular at the moment; the New York Times recently published an article about awe in which Dr. Keltner was interviewed about the findings from his book. A book signing will follow at Between the Covers. This stimulating talk will be held on Monday, August 14, 5:30-6:30 pm at Telluride Arts on Main St.

Rounding out our seasonal programming is Getting to Net Zero, a discussion on climate change on September 26. The location of the event is TBD.

RSVP TO THE EVENTS

THE DEPOT

Take a video tour of progress at the Depot. The bottom floor is all framed. Construction is progressing on schedule for a grand opening of the Telluride Science & Innovation Center in summer 2024.

We are now accepting Depot rental reservations with event dates starting June 1, 2024.

We continue to work on our capital campaign and still need to raise an additional $4.35M to transform this 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

SCOTT SHOWALTER

Professor of Chemistry

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Penn State

Scott Showalter is a busy guy. As Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Penn State, Scott spends countless hours teaching and conducting research in the Showalter Lab. Yet, he always finds the time to organize and participate in Telluride Science workshops; he has not missed coming to Telluride since attending his first workshop in 2011 (with the exception of 2020 when all programming was virtual due to COVID). He recently joined the board and co-organizes a workshop each year. Scott is passionate about science and wants to ignite the curiosity of young minds. As a result, he always volunteers during his Telluride visits to work with kids and engage with the Telluride community. He regularly leads Pinhead Punk Science programs and science camps through Pinhead and the Ah Haa School for the Arts.

In the lab, Scott is focused on how transcription, a fundamental mechanism in molecular biology that enables cells to read and interpret the genetic code, is regulated. Understanding gene regulation and how transcription is controlled could give us valuable insight into how to fight stubborn diseases that create a drain on our economy and healthcare systems.

More about Scott

Scott teaching a "Chemistry is the Solution" Camp

Q & A with Scott Showalter

What is special about Telluride Science workshops?

It is definitely the case that most conferences, even the smaller and mid-sized ones, which we all attended during our training have gotten quite large. Telluride Science workshops are really one of the very few options left where the participation is incredibly small and targeted. That has strong impact on what we can achieve in the workshops. You can actually use the word workshop and mean it. In Telluride, you're in a small room with a limited number of people, all of whom are interested in what you're doing. This is a catalyst for stronger interactions than you experience in the bigger conferences. The structured conference time is just the tip of the iceberg. So many of the most meaningful interactions happen outside of the classroom at lunch, dinner or on a hike.

How has Telluride Science impacted your career?

It has in quite a few ways. Attending Telluride Science workshops as an assistant professor starting my lab was a great opportunity. The workshops allow you to expand your professional network, make connections and get valuable exposure. In fact, I’ve published papers that specifically came about because of conversations at Telluride workshops. My sabbatical at Cornell University with Professor Lois Pollack in the Department of Applied Engineering and Physics was a result of contacts that I made through Telluride Science.

Complete Q & A

HOST A SCIENTIST

Finding affordable lodging for our scientists is a growing challenge. 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 summer or fall, email Annie Carlson.

A SPECIAL THANKS

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
Scott Pearson & Diana Farrell
Tom & Josie Preston
Jim & Joanne Steinback
Tom & Donna Stone

WHAT TO WATCH

We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming to showcase the natural surroundings of Telluride. At 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is the longest free falling waterfall in Colorado. Thanks to the abundance of snow this winter, this classic beauty is gushing. Video by Victoria Petrova. Check out more of Victoria's gorgeous work on Instagram @Victoria_Telluride

WATCH NOW