Hi! And thanks for picking up this issue of Project Bridge SciComm’s Charm City Science, your quarterly guide to local science news and events.
At Project Bridge, our mission is to connect scientists with the broader community, and help make science accessible to everyone. If you have questions, like what we do, or want to get involved, let us know! You can reach out to us via email, or check out our social media accounts. Our contact info is on the back cover of this zine, along with QR code that you can scan for links to some of our projects - including the online version of this zine, with links to more information for all of the events. You can read it at linktr.ee/ pbscicomm
These are hard times for science - from chaos at the NIH, to threats to foreign students and non-citizen scholars, to massive funding cuts handicapping essential research - the Trump administration has thrown the scientific enterprise in disarray. Here in Baltimore, the damage is already being felt. We’re also facing a lot of uncertainty, as competing policy announcements follow each other at rapid speed - and we have reason to believe things are likely to get worse before they get better. But we don’t have to take this lying down: On page 3, Andrew Eneim to reports on the Stand up for Science rally responding to these threats, and shares some thoughts on how we move forward.
In the meantime, here at Project Bridge we’re going to keep doing what we’re doingbringing you beautiful science images, interesting research news, and as always, a list of events to look out for this season. Stay safe, and stand up for each other,
Jackson Mace, PhD Candidate, JHU-SOM Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Malka Svei, PhD Candidate, JHU-SOM Neuroscience Co-Chairs, Project Bridge Science Communication Committee
The State of Science: Report from DC
Since the current administration took office, science in America has been in a state of emergency. Massive cuts at the NIH, the largest funder of biomedical research in the world, have left research institutions scrambling to figure out how to cover costs. Changes to government websites included the disappearance of essential datasets. Hundreds of grants have been abruptly terminated, and massive firings have left the NIH in chaos. At the same time, non-citizen researchers are having their visa’s revoked on the basis of their political beliefs - or for no apparent reason at all. This March, a major rally brought thousands to Washington DC to “Stand up for Science”. Andrew Eneim, who attended the rally, reports:
TRU-UE & allies picket on May Day, demanding JHU take action to resist attacks on scientific research & protect international student/workers.
Under renewed attacks on science, academic freedom, and efforts to rectify historic inequities in our institutions, thousands rallied in Washington, DC and across the country on March 7th. Hundreds of JHU researchers joined colleagues and supporters at the main Stand Up for Science rally in DC, where they came together in protest of cuts to the NIH and NSF & restrictions on funding that censor scientists. For several hours, speakers ranging from scientists who had been fired for no reason to patients who have directly benefited from publicly funded scientific breakthroughs reminded attendees how critical publicly funded science is to human health, protecting the planet, and creating a better world. One subliminal theme stuck out to me, though. Scientists need to do better, too. I had the honor of speaking at the march in DC and shared more explicitly how scientists need to do better. I mentioned that the myth of the “apolitical” scientist has done serious damage to the trust in science that we’re now facing politically motivated attacks. In truth, science is political because we have grossly inadequate systems in place that choose who gets access to doing research. Systems that favor the wealthy and well connected over the diversity that we need to do our best work. As I told the crowd, “business as usual is not good enough!”
These changes to how science is done will only get harder to implement with these attacks on academic freedom, on grant funding, and on DEI. We have to resist all of them, not try to hide and hope we will be spared. It’s incumbent on all scientists and non-scientists to get involved now to say that we need more investment in doing science and doing it equitably, not less. The cuts being made will reinforce the problem of science only being for the elite, which will stifle innovation and stall progress on addressing disease research. It’s not just about the grants. We need to be standing up for the communities that are under attack so they will stand up for us too. So don’t wait, get involved in an organization whether it is a union, an advocacy group, or in your neighborhood. Andrew Eneim is a PhD. candidate in the Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a proud organizer with Teachers and Researchers United - UE Local 197 (TRU-UE), the Hopkins graduate workers union
photograph by Malka Svei
Science in the City: A Quarterly Calendar of Events
All events are located in Baltimore City. Events are free of charge unless otherwise noted. * we now have a google calendar! subscribe here*
↺ = recurring event, check location website for the most up to date schedule
✎= Registration required. ⛰ = hike/ outdoor activity - dress accordingly
Kids & Families:
The Science of Tempering Chocolate ✎
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Baltimore Underground Science Space 101 N Haven St Please be sure to alert us to any chocolate allergies! students ages 10-14. $17.85
Microscopic Mondays
Monday, May 12, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Pratt Library, Southeast Anchor Branch. 3601 Eastern Avenue
Color Our World with the Science Guys!
Wednesday, May 14, 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Pratt Library, Roland Park Branch. 5108 Roland Avenue
Drop-in Activity: Forest Layer
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 greenspring ave
All ages 5+ welcome. While supplies last.
Journey into Quantum Science and Technology (teen program)
Thursday, May 22, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Pratt Library, Walbrook Branch. 3203 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216
Light Street Lab
Tuesday, May 20, 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Pratt Library, Light Street Branch. 1251 Light Street
The Slime Show with Eric Energy
Wednesday, May 28, 11:00 AM-12:00 AM
Pratt Library, Walbrook Branch. 3203 W. North Avenue
Science Heroes Presents: Adventure of the Missing Color
Saturday, Jun 07, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Pratt Library, Central Library. 400 Cathedral Street
We're Hatching Something Beautiful: Butterflies
Monday, Jun 16, 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Pratt Library, Southeast Anchor Branch. 3601 Eastern Avenue
STE(A)M day camp ✎
Monday, Jun 23- Friday June 27
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
801 N. Mount Street
For children in grades 3 through 8. REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 15, 2025Transportation not provided. Contact churchofChristsandtown@gmail.com
Pollinator Plant Project
Wednesday, Jun 25, 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Pratt Library, Cherry Hill Branch. 606 Cherry Hill Road
Registration is encouraged - call 410-396-1168 to register.
Calendar of Events : Continued
Kitchen Science: National Ice Cream Month
Monday, Jul 21, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Pratt Library, Light Street Branch. 1251 Light Street
It’s not just a memorable appearance that makes Geladas (pictured above) unique - read our back page to find out why!
Nature/Volunteering: Bird Banding ⛰ ↺
Fridays and Saturdays, May 9June 7th
Thursday May 15
Thursday May 22
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Masonville Cove, 1000 Frankfurst Ave
Community Composting Systems for Urban Gardens Workshop
Friday, May 16, 6:00 -7:30 PM Reservoir Hill Community Garden. 942 Whitelock Street
reach out to morgan.wittelsberger@baltimorecity.gov with any questions. Community Shoreline Clean-Up ⛰
Saturday, May 17, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Masonville Cove, 1000 Frankfurst Ave Tree ID Hike ⛰
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center; 1901 Ridgetop Road*
Wednesday Walk: Oak Study ⛰ ↺
Wednesday, May 21, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 greenspring ave Bird Walk ⛰
Saturday, May 24, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center; 1901 Ridgetop Road*
Water Quality/Climate Change Science: A Citizen Science Opportunity ⛰ ✎
Saturday, May 24, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Masonville Cove, 1000 Frankfurst Ave Herp Walk
Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center; 1901 Ridgetop Road* Hike on the Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park & discover the reptile and amphibian world
Guided Walk with Nature WoRx ↺
Saturday, Jun 07, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM (Every first Saturday)
Masonville Cove, 1000 Frankfurst Ave
Photograph by Michael Nichols Nat Geo Image Collection
Stream Explorers
Saturday, Jun 14, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center; 1901 Ridgetop Road*
Workshops/Activities:
Maryland Space Grant Observatory Open House
Friday evenings, May 9th - winter
Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, Physics & Astronomy- directions at bit.ly/ BmoreSpaceMap
(Weather permitting - check bit.ly/ObservatoryOpen after 4 PM each Friday)
Horticulture Culture: Fascinating World of Fruits
Friday, May 16, 1:30 AM-3:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 greenspring ave feel free to BYO lunch!
Health Research Day
Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Eager Park. 1900 East Eager Street
Free blood pressure, hearing, & eye screenings; science activities for kids; & more!
Serving Up Wisdom: Journey Through Time - Exploring Maryland’s Ancient Past
Wednesday, May 21, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Central Library. 400 Cathedral Street
Geared to folks 55+; but all are welcome. Contact Madelyn McCaully at mmccaully@prattlibrary.org or 410-396-5494, with any questions
Shades of Nature: Tie-Dye Workshop
Saturday, May 31, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Masonville Cove, 1000 Frankfurst Ave
Talks/Lectures:
Nafis Hasan presents "Metastasis: The Rise of the Cancer-Industrial Complex and the Horizons of Care"
Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Red Emmas, 3128 Greenmount Avenue
Book Talk: The Maryland Master Naturalist's Handbook, by McKay Jenkins
Thursday, Jun 05, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
The Ivy Bookshop. 5928 Falls Road
Queer Book Club: "How Far the Light Reaches" by Sabrina Imbler
Thursday, Jun 12, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Greedy Reads Fells Point. 1744 Aliceanna Street
BUGGS Science Slam
Saturday, Jun 14, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Red Emmas, 3128 Greenmount Avenue
Climate Change Book Club - Scatter, Adapt, and Remember
Monday, Jul 14, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Greedy Reads Remington. 320 West 29th Street
*call the Carrie Murray Nature Center at (410) 396-0808 for more info & help registering
Front Cover spotlight:
Breast cancer is a major public health problem in the United States, accounting for 30% of cancer diagnoses in women each year. Celia Hallinan, a Johns Hopkins graduate student working in the lab of Dr. Mikala Egeblad, is investigating how neurons innervate tumors and the effect of their activity on the progression and spread of breast cancer using a mouse model. She shared this image, “A Nervous Tumor,” (as seen under a confocal microscope) with us. Those bright blue strands are the branching ends of neurons infiltrating the core of a primary tumor . Proliferating cells are labeled in pink.
Science you can See:
Savannah Cobb, a PhD. candidate in the lab of Dr. Siobhan Cooke (Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution at the Hopkins School of Medicine) shared this unique image (above), included in a paper she and her colleagues published late last year in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, diet in anthropoid primates with implications for Antillothrix” of three primate teeth, depicting their shapes in 3D. To create the images, the researchers created epoxy casts of primate jaws borrowed from museum collections. They then took 3D scans of each cast & used graphics software to represent the final result. From right to left are the teeth of:
us, “the howler monkey's incisor is typical of folivores (leaf eaters”, while the gelada tooth is typical of grazing animals, & the bearded saki’s reflects its hard-object diet of fruit, nuts & insects.
