The 2020 SciPop Talks series kicks off at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 with “Dr. Rachel Lloyd and the Avery Hall Chemistry Time Capsule.”

Lloyd was the first American woman, and second woman in the world, to earn a doctoral degree in chemistry, receiving it from the University of Zurich in 1886. She was a chemistry professor at the University of Nebraska from 1887 to 1894. In 1916, professor Mary Fossler put together a time capsule honoring the chemistry department’s legacy, including that of Lloyd.

In his talk, Mark Griep, professor of chemistry at Nebraska, will share insights into Lloyd’s career and discuss what Fossler placed in the time capsule.

The SciPop Talks series, now in its seventh year, builds on the science café model by combining science and popular culture. It is organized and sponsored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries and the Department of Chemistry. Speakers give interactive 30-minute talks and then take questions.

The free public talks are at 7 p.m. in the Petersen Room of Love Library South, 1248 R St. Husker faculty will lead each presentation.

Other SciPop talks this semester include:

• Feb. 19: “Elements in the Harry Potter World,” Rebecca Lai, Susan J. Rosowski Associate Professor of chemistry. Lai’s presentation will cover various elements in our world that are also in Harry Potter’s world, including gold, silver, mercury, aluminum and silicon. It will focus on the use of these elements in the wizarding world compared to the real world.

• March 4: “Comic Book Physics 101: Time Travel,” Dan Claes, professor and chair of physics and astronomy. Claes is expected to reference such fictional works as “Avengers: Endgame,” “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Convergence” and the second season of CW’s “The Flash.” He will talk about theories of time travel; special relativity and general relativity; and the quantum realm.

• March 11: “Zombies and the Science of Braaaaaains,” Jacquelyn Omelian, assistant professor of practice in psychology. Omelian will apply neuroscience and psychology concepts to explain the what, why and how of the perennially popular undead creatures.

Learn more.