Ask a Scientist

Engage with real scientists in real time! Each month, we invite you to explore current Park research with a local STEM expert followed by a live Q&A session. Dive into a fascinating science topic each month, including fish ecology, marine plastics and diversity & inclusion in STEM. By tuning in, you’ll be able to participate in topical conversations buzzing in the science world today and to ask the scientists your burning questions!

In September and October, tune in for additional Ask a Scientist sessions focused on two additional urgent global issues: plastic waste and sustainability. Check back to learn more about the guest scientists that will be joining us for those programs.

Tune in on Facebook live @HudsonRiverPark

2020 Schedule:

Wednesday, July 22 at 2:00 PM – Fish Ecology with Dr. Peter Park

Tuesday, August 11 at 2:00 PM – Diversity & Inclusion in STEM Panel

Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 PM – Marine Plastics

Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM – Microplastics with Ashok Deshpande

Ashok Deshpande is a Research Chemist at the NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. His research is focused on the application of chemistry principles in addressing baseline fisheries topics, including the chemical characterization of microplastics polymers by using a novel technique of pyrolysis GC-MS. He has successfully analyzed a variety of plastic samples from the littoral and aquatic environments, and in seabirds. For more than 25 years, he has been working on assessments of persistent chemical contaminants in recreational and commercial fisheries resource species. He has examined the potential uses of intrinsic and naturally embedded tracer chemicals in the assessment of habitat ecology, migratory behaviors, and predator-prey interactions.

Stay up to date with HRPK’s River Project to enjoy virtual programs and connect with the Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary. Science programming for everyone!