Sep
4

Science on Tap

Science on Tap 23

Sidewinders, Sand & Robots

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  • Oceans Ballroom at Georgia Aquarium

  • September 4, 2025

  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Embark on an evening of science, conversation, and libations at Georgia Aquarium’s 21+ lecture series, Science on Tap. On Thursday, September 4, 2025, join us in the stunning Oceans Ballroom for an exclusive event featuring a reception with light hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine at 6:00 PM, followed by a captivating presentation at 6:30 PM. After the presentation, engage in a lively Q&A session with our speaker to dive even deeper into the topic.

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How a Herpetologist Learned to Love Physics

This month’s Science on Tap features an exciting presentation by author and herpetologist Dr. Joseph Mendelson. Drawing on decades of research at the intersection of biology and physics, Dr. Mendelson will explore the biomechanics of sidewinder rattlesnakes and how their unique locomotion has inspired groundbreaking robotics.

Developed in collaboration with Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Tech, this public-friendly talk showcases captivating videos, innovative robots, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most visually striking projects in animal-inspired engineering.

Space is limited for this unforgettable experience, so don’t wait—reserve your tickets now to secure your spot at Science on Tap!

Event Highlights

    Gourmet Food
     
    Beer and Wine
     
    Validated Parking
     
    Fascinating Presentation
     

Featured Speaker

Dr. Joseph Mendelson

Joe Mendelson is the Director of Research at Zoo Atlanta and an Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech, where he teaches regularly. He is also a Past President of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.

Joe has studied herpetology for more than 40 years, focusing primarily on Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States. Much of his research is grounded in fieldwork on biogeography, natural history, and taxonomy—including the description of more than 40 species new to science. In addition to field studies, he conducts laboratory research on behavior, cognition, biomechanics, and anatomy.

He is also deeply engaged in conservation, helping to develop programs and policies that address global amphibian declines.

Joe has published more than 140 books and technical papers in peer-reviewed journals, including Science, Nature, Biology Letters, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Journal of Herpetology.

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Event Information

Event Essentials

  • Advance registration is required; tickets will not be sold at the door.
  • Doors open at 6:00 PM; program begins promptly at 6:30 PM.
  • Late seating may not be available – please arrive before 6:30 PM.
  • Program ends around 7:30 PM; doors close at 8:00 PM.
  • All guests must be 21+ to attend the event; a valid ID is required for entry.

Parking Information

  • Complimentary parking is available in our attached covered parking garage – please bring your parking ticket inside for validation.
  • Use the following street address for a direct route to Georgia Aquarium’s parking garage: 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313.
  • Guests parking at the Coca-Cola parking deck will be charged a full parking fee.

Policies

  • Refunds will not be issued for cancellations, no-shows, or late arrivals.
  • Ticket does not include Aquarium admission.

For questions, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at 404-581-4000.

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An Ocean of Good

The full cost of your ticket goes directly to support Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation initiatives.

Georgia Aquarium conducts crucial research by working with animals both in human care and in their natural habitats to improve husbandry methods, develop innovative and exciting new exhibits, contribute to the understanding of the underwater world and apply new discoveries to the conservation of aquatic life. Every day, researchers in the Aquarium’s exhibits and labs are learning more about marine life in order to develop new methods of animal care and veterinary medicine. By combining field research with the study of on-site animals in a controlled environment, the Aquarium is contributing to the advancement of human knowledge in the area of animal science.

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