Science Colloquium

The Modesto Junior College Science Colloquium has been offering weekly science presentations for over 20 years to MJC and our community. We offer a variety of engaging and informative presentations and our audience incorporates students, employees, and members of our local community. All are encouraged to attend and admission is free. Please come out and join us, we hope to see you there!

Presentations

• Wednesdays from 3:15pm - 4:15pm

• West Campus, Science Community Center, Rm. 115

• Event and Parking are Free

Watch Recordings on YouTube

 

 

September 9, 2026 - From Research to Impact: How Science has Shaped the Almond Industry

Sebastian Saa, Associate Director, Agricultural Research at Almond Board of California

This talk will highlight how scientific research has influenced the almond industry over time and continues to support innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making in agriculture. Students will gain a broader understanding of how science can move beyond the lab and contribute to real-world impact.

 

 

September 23, 2026, - Episodes from the Sex Life of Spiders: The Series

Martina Giselle Ramirez, Dean of the College of Science & Professor of Biology CSU Stanislaus

When spider moms produce offspring, can they ‘favor’ males vs. females?  In today’s episode, tune in to hear about a California spider species which can do just that.

 

 

October 7, 2026 - Using the Higgs Boson to Search for new Physics at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Aldo Merlos, ATLAS Collaboration Research Intern & CSU Stanislaus Student

This talk will introduce summer research with CERN’s ATLAS experiment on the rare Higgs boson decay search H → Za, where the Higgs may decay into a Z boson and a possible new light particle that produces two photons. Learn how detector data, particle reconstruction, and mass patterns to search for signs of physics beyond the Standard Model.

 

 

October 21, 2026 - Defining the Transcriptional Profile of TCF7L2-mutant Zebrafish Brains as a Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 

Morgan Haydock, Master's Student at San Francisco State University, Genetech Foundation Scholar 

TCF7L2 is a high-risk gene for Autism Spectrum Disorder. (ASD). This research aims to fully characterize this gene and its role in ASD to better understand the genetic components of ASD. 

 

 

November 4, 2026 - Physical Therapy Career Horizons

Michael Shirley, Instructor of Physiology, Modesto Junior College & Physical Therapist

This session will introduce students to the field of physical therapy, including the educational pathways required to become a physical therapist, the variety of career opportunities available, and the future role of physical therapists in an evolving healthcare system.

 

 

November 18, 2026 - Structural Variant Detection & the Pathway to Graduate Research 

Andrew Lazar, Professor of Mathematics, Modesto Junior College 

The role in statistical modeling in the detection of novel structural variants in the human genome in a one-parent, one-child framework. Additionally, a discussion of research opportunities for undergraduates and the pathway to graduate school in STEM fields. 

 

 

Recordings

Talks will be recorded for the Science Colloquium’s YouTube Site for later viewing. 

 

*Science Colloquium Committee:  

Chair: Georget Oraha
Members: Richard Anderson, Jill Cross, Sarah Davis, Denise Godbout-Avant, Deborah Martin, Elizabeth McInnes, Elana Peach-Fine, Erin Thompson