Colors & Lasers (Pride edition)

4th episode of the queerky science nights with a special “Colors and Lasers” pride edition, in company of Dr. Mark Fairchild, professor of Color Science at Rochester Institute of Technology (NY), and Dr. Zaire Sprowal, PhD in High Energy Physics, on Thursday, July 30th at our home Flora !

Curious to unveil some mysteries behind the way we see light and photography, or what’s behind the color-coded symbolism of the pride flag, and more, how come we can use lasers to “make suns” and cool down matters to the point of single-atom “optical tweezers”? And who are the great humans behind these applied researchers? I heard Mark has a particular taste for golfing and Finger Lakes wine, while Zaire won’t miss an opportunity to quote some 1300 poetry from Petrarca.. Come find out.. and stay for a dance with electrifying musician and music selecta DJ ELA! And remember to bring your curiosity and uncensored joy 🙂

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THE AFTERMATH

What to say, we had a blast again! We were brought on a journey of colors by Dr. Mark Fairchild, professor emeritus of color science at Rochester Institute of Technology, among other prestigious titles. From the “whys” of color perception beyond just the physics of light, to the academic path himself created for color science, Dr. Fairchild shared fun facts about his time at Kodak..including how size matters..when it comes to imaging in televisions! He was followed by a brilliant talk from Dr. Zaire Sprowal, who recently earned a PhD in physics at the University of Rochester and now researches at the University’s Laser Lab. Zaire dove “straight” into the physics of lasers and the quantum mechanics of light-matter interaction with a hardcore lecture for the brave! And y’all ate it!! Trading the lecture format to create a safe space for his queer community, he evolved from delivering scientific information to embodying the poetry of lasers!

Finally, big brains came alive to the freshest DJ Ela’s @elaina14alston spicy house mix!

Thanks so much again to Mark, Zaire, and Elaina, and to all of you for being THE crowd: joyful, bold, and sassy! To June for the delicious cocktails all night long, Flora and Tom for creating a space where this magic happens, and to Wilmot Cancer Institute , UR Thinkers and Drinkers, Rochester Victory Alliance and Elysian Homes for the support that allows us to make these events!!