The Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) lecture series has operated since 1990 to foster science education in our community for youths through adults. Once a month during the academic year, MAPS offers stimulating free science programming, bringing educators and local citizens into contact with scientists and mind-expanding ideas.
All Presentations are FREE and open to the public will be held LIVE in the MJC West
Campus Sierra Hall 132 at 7:30 pm (*unless noted). Sign up below to get an email reminders
for the next event and subscribe to the GVM YouTube channel.
Dr. Emily Williams, UC Merced
In recent years, the Central Valley has faced a series of environmental challenges, from multi-year droughts and the floods of 2023 that devastated communities, to impacts from wildfires in neighboring regions. In this talk, Dr. Emily Williams will explore how climate change contributed to these impacts and present projections for what to expect over the next couple of decades.
January 23, 2026 - 7:30pm
Sierra Hall, Rm 132
Frank Cascarano & David Marasco
This is an educational and interactive event founded in 2007 by Frank Cascarano and David Marasco, two Foothill College physics instructors. Magic meets physics meets entertainment, making physics fun and approachable for children of all ages!
February 27, 2026 - 7:30 pm
Mary Stuart Rodgers Student Center
Dr. Kirk Jensen, UC Merced
Dr. Jensen's laboratory studies in the immunology and pathogenesis of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of human toxoplasmosis. Parasitic diseases like this are a major health problem in developing worlds and progress in treatments have been slow. It is possible to develop effective vaccinations against parasites, instead of focusing on treatment after infection?
March 20, 2026 - 7:30pm
Sierra Hall, Rm 132
Everyone will be amazed when the Mad Scientist defies gravity in this energetic and spectacular special event! The whole audience will be enthralled by the exotic sounds of the didgeridoo tubes, foam explosions and much, much more, This show is ideal for families and children of ALL ages!
April 17, 2026 - 7:30pm
Mary Stuart Rodgers Student Center
Current recordings since 2020 are housed on the GVM YouTube page. Previous recording before 2020 can be found HERE.
MAPS receives funding and support from:
Make a donation via the MJC Foundation
Please visit the following link to make a fully tax-deductible donation. Make sure to select Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) under "My donation is for..."
