Overview
Et al. is Rochester’s after-hours science party where cutting-edge research meets a queer dance floor at Flora Bar. Scholars are invited out of academia and into a queer space where their work (and their personalities) get to be loud, uncensored and scientifically sound. Then the DJs take over and the floor stays open late to dance.
Femmes, queer and LGBTQIA+ allies researchers share their work and their own stories in real conversation with the crowd. One night might swing from biology to physics to theatre to social science, featuring live performance and other surprises, to continue into the groove of invited DJs. It’s monthly, free, and 21+, 7pm til late.
The name comes from “et al.” (Latin for “and others”) which is a shorthand for every co-author beyond the first name on an academic paper. In each event the scholars, the crowd, the musicians, the room, everyone, all of us is part of the “et al.”, here to inspire and be inspired.
Why Rochester, NY? It’s a queer, intellectual, artsy city. It’s one of the few places where the joy and hardship of queer life can sit comfortably next to PhD-level knowledge and live performance, with all sides blooming in sync. And why Flora? Because it’s quickly becoming a queer staple in the city, and because it’s home: the owners and regulars are family, and music is part of the curation. We’re dancing bodies as much as thinking ones, and the DJs are woven into the night’s arc— Alice’s own roots in the sciences and music scene shape that from the start.
the team
Alice Giulia Alessandroni, MSc
PhD, Biophysics, University of Rochester.
Alice researches microbial biomaterials using marine bacteria and 3D-bioprinting for the design of programmable ecological materials (e.g. ocean-biodegradable plastic). She has a background in applied quantum technologies and AI consulting. Outside the lab, she’s a music curatrix, community organizer, sailor and creative force.
Azmeer Sharipol, PhD
National Cancer Institute Graduate Fellow.
Azmeer studies acute myeloid leukemia using tissue engineering approaches to develop safer, smarter cancer therapies. He recently graduated with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at University of Rochester. Beyond the lab, he organizes community outreach events across Rochester and performs as a dancer, with appearances in multiple Fringe Festival seasons.
Gabrielle Kosoy, PhD
AI Consultant.
Gabrielle consults on health data science and AI. During her PhD in Biophysics at University of Rochester she developed diagnostic hardware and software for diversified viral identification from blood. Beyond the lab, she is a singer, accordionist, pianist, guitarist playing with the Heart Throb String Band and fervent in creative artistic pursuits.
Alyson March, PhD
Post-doc, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester.
Aly researches community accessible human motion to understand how movement affects health in individuals with joint disease. She previously explored biomaterials and bone healing in her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at University of Rochester. Outside of the lab, she plays soccer and volleyball, talks about her dogs and spends as much time outdoors as possible.
NEXT events
QUICK FACTS
| Location | Flora Bar, Rochester, NY |
| Frequency | Monthly, 4th Thursdays |
| Admission | Free |
| Age | 21+ |
| Hours | 7-9pm, 9pm-late |
| Format | Live talks, performance + DJ set |
past speakers
| Speakers | Role when joining Et al. | Talk topics |
|---|---|---|
| Charles S. Kamen | Associate Professor at the University of Rochester, NY, and Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Wilmot Cancer Institute | “Love, queerness and cancer” – from minority stress to minority strength during cancer treatment for LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous patients, while unraveling his personal journey through tarot cards reading. How can queer relational and care practices inform broader patients wellbeing? |
| Anne Meyer | Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Rochester, NY, with a post-doc at MIT and a PhD at Stanford | “Ocean-biodegradable plastic with microbes” – to fight the overwhelming plastics pollution in the ocean, Meyer lab embeds marine microbes into bioplastics that self-degrade from 3D-printed to moulded objects. She also has a 2-story rocket ship in her backyard. How can we design better bioplastics for cleaner oceans? |
| Samantha Romanick | Chemistry Fellow at the Environmental Working Group, DC, and co-founder of the Microplastics Workgroup of Western New York, with a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology at University of Nevada, Reno | “Microplastics in human health” – as microplastics penetrates our bodies’ most intimate barriers, catfishing our hormones, Sami recycling duties reaches all the way to Burning Man. Do you know what’s the most polluting between a dildo and a butt plug? Think about their materials. |
| Mari Jaye Blanchard | Associate Professor of Film and Animation at Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, NYFA fellow and co-founder of NYC Animation Collective Family Camp, with her production spanning Sesame Workshop, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon | “The biomechanics of movement: animation” – so, everyone, let’s stand up and jump.. now let’s draw the steps. Mari combines high and low tech processes to create animated work, while she’s not busy climbing. What do you do before jumping? |
| Alyson March | Postdoctoral Associate in Biomedical Engineering at University of Rochester, NY | “The biomechanics of movement: sport medicine” – a life of sport and injury made Aly investigating human motion in joint disease within community-based research, showing off divas-skeleton biomechanical models. What if a gay walk weights less on your knees than a standard one? |
| (Mark Fairchild) — NEXT UP! | Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Color Science at Rochester Institute of Technology, NY (RIT), founder of RIT’s Integrated Science Academy and author of 400+ publications and books | |
| (Zaire Sprowal) — NEXT UP! | Research Assistant at the Laboratory for Lasers Energetics in Rochester, NY, with a PhD in High Energy Physics at University of Rochester, NY |
past DJs
| DJs | Bios | Genre-journey at Et al. |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Grace | DJ, facilitar and co-founder of Body Language (Rochester, NY), they shape room-first sets with texture, beauty and joy. Ambient-rooted and guided by deep listening, they honor dance music’s history and future. | House |
| DJ GabyBaby | Born in Caracas, Venezuela, singer, songwriter, DJ and producer, they are the latin and latin-queer soul rhythms of Rochester and Upstate NY – hosting events for the past decade at popular local venues and performing live. All their creative endeavor is driven by a dedication to fight for human rights and immigrationjustice. | Latinx |
| DJ C.U.M. (DJ for Cutting Up Men) | By day academic librarian, by night they curate tunes for dance floors filled with offbeat rhythms, playful tension, and unexpected turns. Their sets balance charm, atmosphere, and movement.. drawing from a deep love of late-night energy & strange little sounds. | Dark Slow Disco |
| (DJ ELA) — NEXT UP! |