BRIGHT IDEAS FROM THE BOX CANYON

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

IN THE NEWS

Controlled avalanche mitigation on Ajax

We have enjoyed a recent storm cycle that created some fun powder days on the mountain and high avalanche conditions on the high peaks around Telluride. As a result, controlled avalanche mitigation on Ajax Peak occurred Monday afternoon. Check out this video that captures the power of Mother Nature.

Work is rapidly progressing at the Depot. New windows have been placed in the Solarium; dry wall has been installed on the entire lower level; walls are primed and ready to be painted this week. Dry wall will be installed upstairs this week and the decks on the front of the building are being rebuilt. New doors for the entire building have been delivered and will be installed shortly. Follow our progress on Instagram.

Our excitement grows by the day as the building is really starting to take shape. Mark your calendars for the grand opening of the Depot this July 20.

THE DEPOT CAMPAIGN

With $3.27 million left to raise, we are pushing hard to meet out fundraising goal by the time the Depot is complete in July. Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts made between now and March 31, 2024 will be matched. Donate today and double your impact.

Naming opportunities are available for the entire facility, individual rooms in the building, as well as the deck and patio.

If you would like to take a tour of the Depot or have friends or colleagues who might be interested in supporting the Telluride Science & Innovation Center, please email Annie Carlson .

The Depot will be available to rent for holiday parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners, nonprofit meetings and more starting July 2024. Reserve the Depot.

DONATE

SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE

John Straub helping a student with a model rocket launch in 2019.

JOHN STRAUB

Professor of Chemistry

Boston University

John Straub loved building model rockets as a kid and especially enjoyed experimenting to find the right mix of chemicals to propel rockets into the sky. Fortunately, his parents were very supportive of his curiosity despite a run-away rocket mishap which burned a large hole in their brand-new driveway. That passion lead him to a career in science.

Straub attended his first Telluride Science workshop in 1994 and joined the board shortly after in 1996. He is well seasoned member of Telluride Science, having served 15 years on the board in a variety of capacities—secretary, treasurer and president twice. Life really does come full circle as in 2019, Straub taught a group of children how to build model rockets during a camp organized by Telluride Science and Pinhead. Straub was also instrumental in the development of the first Telluride Science summer school and is thrilled that some of his students went on to become distinguished professors in their fields.

Straub can’t imagine his career without Telluride Science as has developed lifelong friendships and published many papers with colleagues from workshops. Much of his work as computational chemist is focused on the area of biophysics, understanding how the structure of biomolecules like protein relates to their function or malfunction. “We're interested in understanding how phase separation in cells creates different environments to carry out different work processes.” His work could lead to a greater understanding of why some proteins that aggregate serve as pathogenic agents which cause neural degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

More About John

John with Governor, our favorite Telluride Science employee.

Q & A WITH JOHN STRAUB

What is unique about Telluride Science workshops?

One of the most special qualities of a Telluride Science workshop is that it is so inclusive. As a young scientist, I could propose a new workshop without having a long history with the organization or seniority. The fact that a good idea can be recognized and embraced on its own merit is unique. Many prominent scientific organizations are exclusive, but our founders Stephen Berry and Peter Salamon were always super inclusive by nature and willing to welcome anyone with the Telluride Science spirit and good ideas..

How has Telluride Science impacted your career?

Professionally, Telluride Science allowed me to play a leadership role in my field and organize workshops around interesting areas of science at an early point in my career. Many papers that I published came out of conversations that started at a workshop and I have established many collaborations as a result of Telluride Science. One of those collaborations was with Stephen Berry. As a result of our discussions in Telluride, we worked with David Leitner and Tamiki Komatsuzaki to write a joint National Science Foundation and JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) grant to fund collaborative research and to also support exchanges between scientists in the US and Japan. Consider that half of the participants at our Telluride Science workshop in January 2024 were from Korea and Japan! That speaks to the international profile and impact of Telluride Science.

Complete Q&A

WHAT'S PLAYING

At a Town Talk last July, Dr. Athma Pai of the UMass Chan Medical School spoke about her research into RNA therapeutics and the immense promise it holds for conquering a wide range of diseases, from cancer to sickle cell anemia and more.

Owen Llodra, currently a senior at The Calhoun School in New York City, participated in our Science Writing Internship last summer and produced a promotional piece about Dr. Pai’s Town Talk. A revised version of his article was recently published in theTeachers Clearinghouse for Science and Society Education, a journal designed to provide curricular content for classroom teachers. We're happy to see Telluride Science content spread far and wide! Many thanks to Owen and Athma!

LISTEN

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 winter or next summer, 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
Scott Pearson & Diana Farrell
Lori & Tony Petosa
Matt Porteus
Tom & Josie Preston
Jim & Joanne Steinback
Tom & Donna Stone

WHAT'S HAPPENING

HEALTH TRENDS

AI & Medicine & Longevity

March 21 at 5:30 pm

Sheridan Opera House

Dr. Alan Safdi, Chief Medical Officer of Quadrant Health (owned by Stanford University and the Mayo Clinic), will give a special presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in medicine and how lifestyle choices affect longevity.

Nearly 80% of those over the age of 65 live with at least one chronic health condition created by poor choices related to diet, exercise sleep, and/or lcohol consumption. Dr. Safdi will explain the most effective ways to increase longevity and review the latest research on this popular topic.

RSVP info will be provided soon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 15-18

Telluride Comedy Festival

February 17

ArtThrob

February 22-24

TAB Fashion Show

March 7

Telluride Art Walk

We are working on our event schedule for 2024. Stay tuned for more details.

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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