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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 (Fall 2025 presentations will be in SCC Rm. 114)

  • Event and Parking are Free

Watch Live Stream on YouTube

 

* Please note that for the Fall 2025 semester, the presentations will be held in SCC 114

 

September 10, 2025 - Stressed Out Cells: What Zebrafish Are Teaching Us About Cell Survival

Danielle Hicks, Professor of Biology, MJC

When proteins don’t fold correctly, it stresses out our cells. This talk explores how two key proteins, GADD34 and CReP help cells cope and survive. Using zebrafish as a model, we’ll dive into what this research means for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases in humans.

 

September 24, 2025, - May the Fields Be With You: Microwave Power and the Plasma Frontier

Edgar Perez-Lopez, PhD., Plasma Product Manager,  Adjunct Engineering Professor, MJC

Explore how invisible fields and ionized gases are shaping tomorrow's technology and how you can get involved as a student, researcher, or innovator.

 

October 1, 2025 - University of the Pacific: Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs

Nareeta Sharma, PharmD, MS, Assistant Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs

This presentation will provide attendees with information about undergraduate pharmacy programs available at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. We will discuss the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program and the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program for those interested in career pathways in the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy practice.

 

October 8, 2025 - Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Programs in the Alcohol Beverage Sector and General Manufacturing in CA

Chris Savage, Vice President, Global EHS and Sustainability, Gallo Winery and Tim Ryan, Sr. Director, Product Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, Gallo Winery

A review and summary of regulatory compliance in the alcoholic beverage sector, its translation to other manufacturing operations, and the potential to create a pipeline of students to fill future roles..

 

October 22, 2025 - Trends in Cetacean Evolution – A Whale of a Tale

Guy Van Cleave, Retired Professor of Biology, MJC and CC 

The whales are arguably the most modified mammals. Details of their evolutionary history are remarkable in fossil evidence and transitional forms. Major players in this amazing 50-million-year journey will be introduced, along with aspects of cetacean natural history.

 

November 19, 2025 - Biomass and Biomanufacturing MESA Projects

MJC MESA Student Teams

Learn about how scientists and engineers are creating materials, energy, and products that reduce waste by repurposing biological residues from agriculture and municipal sources. Four MESA student teams will present semester-long research projects and discuss how this area of research can impact our region.

 

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