Ask a Scientist

Laugh and learn from local STEM experts during this series of informative and entertaining events.

Ask a Scientist invites participants to explore a fascinating science topic and engage in a live Q&A session with the experts. Hudson River Park is teaming up with Secret Science Club and Nerd Nite to offer this special series in the Pier 57 Discovery Tank and the Pier 40 Wetlab.

Invite your friends to an evening of science fun and ask the scientists your burning questions.

About Ask a Scientist:

• $10 registration to participate
• Recommended for guests 18 and over
• Each ticket includes two complimentary beverages, including a selection of beer for guests 21+ and soft drinks

Meet the Scientists

Eric Sanderson is a landscape ecologist, vice president of urban conservation at the New York Botanical Garden, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City. He is director of the Welikia Project, which focuses on the historical and contemporary ecology of the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the waters in-between. His research and writing have been featured in the New York Times, Scientific American, National Geographic and numerous other outlets.

Caroline Leland is a dendrochronologist, postdoctoral researcher at William Paterson University, and affiliate of the Tree-ring Laboratory at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University. She studies the physiology, morphology, and growth histories of long-lived trees and uses tree rings to understand past environmental conditions. She also works to salvage and study timbers used in the construction of noteworthy historical buildings—the goal is to use the tree rings in these rare artifacts to learn about past climate events and how our climate is changing.