Family Day: Seeing the Invisible World to Build a New One

Explore the theme of STEAM and how we communicate our thoughts by observing the microscopic world and creating cell-inspired drawings, with guidance from University of Chicago scientist, author, and science communicator Jotham (Joe) Austin II, PhD. Drawing inspiration from the Smart's current exhibitions and Dr. Austin's dual expertise in science and art, families will use pocket-sized paper microscopes to examine prepared slides and draw their observations in personalized sketchbooks. Dr. Austin will also lead hands-on demonstrations showing how to isolate DNA from strawberries and use a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to study details normally invisible to the human eye.  SEM Talk + Demonstration / 11 AM-12 PMDNA with Strawberries Demonstration / 12-1 PM Free; this is a drop-in program. Registration is encouraged.  Jotham Austin, II, Ph.D. is a biological electron microscopy research associate professor at the University of Chicago and an author whose work blends science, identity, and the supernatural. He also serves on the board of the Chicago Writers Association directing the CWA Book of the Year, and was named to the Guild Literary Complex's "35 Writers to Watch," his works include the novel Will You Still Love Me, If I Become Someone Else?, the novella Tomorrow May Be Too Late, short stories Lives Matter and Summer Without Leaves, and zines that explore the science in our favorite fiction. Jotham also co-hosts the Rabbit Hole of Research podcast, separating the science from Handwavium by exploring science through the lens of sci-fi, pop culture, horror, and fantasy. Connect with him at jothamaustin.com (https://jothamaustin.com/) and find Rabbit Hole of Research at https://jothamaustin.substack.com/t/podcast (https://jothamaustin.substack.com/t/podcast) or wherever you get your podcasts.