At the third Books and Beakers Science Cafe, titled “Professor Beer,” guests learned about how the fermentation process plays a vital role in the survival and evolution of humans.
Lawn Gnome Publishing hosts discussions among audience members and scientists every Tuesday in its backyard. The public can attend for free.
With crates and old couches as seats for attendees, the series at Lawn Gnome provides a personal, face-to-face discussion about a variety of science topics such as plants, evolution and health care.
Guest speaker Dr. Dave Conz is a professor at ASU who teaches a course on the culture and chemical history of beer.
Conz received his doctorate in sociology from ASU, with a concentration on data analysis and the global and political sociology of science.
Jennifer Vendegna, a first-time attendee, drove from north Phoenix to see her friend Conz speak. She was impressed and plans on inviting her friends for the next discussion.
“I don’t think, as a country, we can progress at all if we don’t touch on subjects about science,” Vendegna said. “I’m definitely going to start coming more if all forums are going to be like tonight.”
About 30 guests attended Tuesday’s forum, an increase in attendance from the first two forums, according to moderator TK Campo.
“We are basically telling people about our Science Cafe through word of mouth and Facebook,” Campo said. “So far, its people we mainly know, and then they tell their people, and so on.”
During the discussion about the fermentation process, Conz passed around his homemade beer and showed examples of the three ingredients necessary in order to brew beer: water, barley and hops.
The fermentation process is the breakdown of an organic substance that turns into a simpler form, which includes sugar breaking down to alcohol.
Conz detailed the history of beer and how yeast’s involvement in fermentation was discovered by microbiologist Louis Pasteur.
Visitor Joy Young said she appreciated how the weekly event engaged people who live downtown.
“I think it’s cool how the Science Cafe reaches out to the community; it’s not only students learning about science,” Young said.
Campo said he is expecting more guests to attend in the future, and hopes attendees invite their friends to the events.
Contact the reporter at amanda.e.cruz@asu.edu
