Title: The Tale of the Snake: A story of human curiosity

Abstract: In this 1 hour talk, Dr. Z will characterize the visual system of the flying snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, and the suggested roles vision plays in controlling the snakes' movement throughout an arboreal environment. Perhaps unlike other talks, Dr. Z will focus on the curious interactions that happen when humans hear the phrase "flying snake" and how that mystery opened up a path to successful science communication. The talk will culminate in a description of Dr. Z's current efforts to create radically inclusive STEM outreach tools, and demonstrate how scientists can stoke the same curiosity in their work as flying snakes generate on their own. The talk will be casual, with questions welcomed throughout, and yes, you'll see plenty of flying snakes in action!

Bio: Shaz (Dr. Z) Zamore is a first-generation American (Jamaica, Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.) with equal interests in creating accessible science outreach and education (with a neuroscience focus), and exploring and describing the unique sensations and neural processing of animals (mosquito and flying snake). Outside of science, Shaz's diverse interests range from cooking and breadmaking to woodworking, from musical performance to graphic design, and various athletic endeavors. Dr. Z  holds a  BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University (2007) and a PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior from the University of Washington Seattle (2015).

Title: The Tale of the Snake: A story of human curiosity

Abstract: In this 1 hour talk, Dr. Z will characterize the visual system of the flying snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, and the suggested roles vision plays in controlling the snakes' movement throughout an arboreal environment. Perhaps unlike other talks, Dr. Z will focus on the curious interactions that happen when humans hear the phrase "flying snake" and how that mystery opened up a path to successful science communication. The talk will culminate in a description of Dr. Z's current efforts to create radically inclusive STEM outreach tools, and demonstrate how scientists can stoke the same curiosity in their work as flying snakes generate on their own. The talk will be casual, with questions welcomed throughout, and yes, you'll see plenty of flying snakes in action!

Bio: Shaz (Dr. Z) Zamore is a first-generation American (Jamaica, Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.) with equal interests in creating accessible science outreach and education (with a neuroscience focus), and exploring and describing the unique sensations and neural processing of animals (mosquito and flying snake). Outside of science, Shaz's diverse interests range from cooking and breadmaking to woodworking, from musical performance to graphic design, and various athletic endeavors. Dr. Z  holds a  BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University (2007) and a PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior from the University of Washington Seattle (2015).