Ask a Scientist at the Pier 40 Wetlab (June 13)

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 2 complimentary beverages, including a selection of beer and soft drinks

Directions: The Wetlab is located on the south walkway of Pier 40 at W Houston St.

Details about the June 13th Event: 

Secret Science Club flows into Hudson River Park’s Wetlab on beautiful Pier 40 to explore the amazing creatures living in our waters (sharks! seahorses!), how they are cared for at the city’s aquariums, and how they are studied in the wild. Join us with biologists Hans Walters and Siddhartha Hayes for this special Ask a Scientist event!

Before & After the Talks

• Get up close and personal with wildlife from NYC’s liquid wilderness. Check out the exhibits & aquariums in the Wetlab, filled with marine animals that live right under our noses alongside Wall Street, the West Village, and Chelsea.
• Groove to sea-salty tunes
• Imbibe thirst-quenching beers and soft drinks
• Ask a scientist (or two!) about what it’s like to work with and care for animals at an aquarium, how they feel about swimming with sharks, and what we can all do to protect the wildlife in and around New York City

Speakers

• Hans Walters is a marine biologist and animal supervisor at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium—where he oversees the “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” exhibit, which features a dozen species of sharks and six species of skates and rays. He is also a field scientist with the WCS’s New York Seascape Program—and studies the movements of sand tiger, mako, and blue sharks that live in the waters around the New York Bight. Hans holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Marine Biology from Hofstra University. He’s also the former lead singer of the hard rock band—Z Toyz.
• Siddhartha Hayes is a field scientist, aquarist, etymology enthusiast, and unconfirmed fish whisperer. As Manager of Research & Aquaria at Hudson River Park, he conducts various projects from ongoing fish and river condition sampling, to pathogens, plastics, and more. He also oversees the Pier 40 Wetlab, a flow-through aquarium of native Hudson River organisms that serves as a primary education site. He works to facilitate research that answers important questions about the river and its denizens and spark a sense of wonder by connecting people with their aquatic neighbors. Siddhartha has a Bachelor’s in Biology and Greek & Roman Studies from Vassar College.