WALNUT CREEK — On Saturday, April 22, 2017 people from Contra Costa County will join with cities around the world for an Earth Day Science March that will highlight the innumerable ways in which society benefits from the scientific discoveries of the past, present and future.
This non-partisan event demonstrates that a diverse community with varying political beliefs can come together to reaffirm the importance of supporting scientific research in all fields. In light of recent trends to delegitimize and reduce funding for environmental and medical/health studies this event hopes to send a clear message to our representatives: the well-being of our species and indeed the entire planet, depends on the continuous support and encouragement of the scientific community.
The event will showcase a number of prominent local scientists, as well as featuring hands-on activities for kids that include animation and building models using solar panel Legos. A science show is planned for noon.
Everyone in the community who values science is invited to join together for the Earth Day Science March.
- Date: Saturday, April 22, 2017
- Time: 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
- Place: Civic Park in Walnut Creek, on the corner of Broadway and Civic Drive
Schedule of Events
- 10:00 – 11:00 Welcome and Speakers
- 11:00 – 11:30 March
- 12:00 – 1:00 Science Show and fair with activities for families
Guest Speakers
Cat Bobino is The STEM Ambassador, and she is dedicated to providing positive images of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in the media, providing role models and opening minds to different careers available. Through her “In The Know Science Show,” CaT Bobino introduces views to science that can be performed at home, interesting STEM places around the Bay Area, and diverse people working in STEM. Ms. Bobino also was on Genius by Stephen Hawking, episode 6 Where Are We? (aired 6/2016)
Dr. Andrew Gunther has worked at the intersection of environmental science and policy since 1979. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Concerned Scientists, he advocates the link between science, evidence and democracy. He is the Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration and currently serves as the Executive Coordinator of the Bay Area Ecosystems Climate Change Consortium.
Dr. Ingrid Oakley–Girvan is a Cancer Epidemiologist at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California and an Assistant Professor at the Stanford School of Medicine. As an National Institute of Health-supported researcher, Dr. Oakley-Girvan will speak about how the threats of budget cuts to the NIH could have severe impacts on her research aimed at preventing cancer.
Claudia Polsky is the Director of the Environmental Law Clinic and Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley Law. As a public-interest environmental litigator and Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Polsky has litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court, testified before Congress and participated in drafting and defending state environmental regulations. As Deputy Director of California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, she focused on reducing the toxicity of consumer products, protecting workers, consumers and communities
Margo Schueler is a civil engineer who committed the last 2½ decades of her career to building and maintaining the EBMUD drinking water distribution system. She is passionate about sustainable infrastructure and serves as Chair of the Berkeley Public Works Commission. Last December, she went to Standing Rock to stand with the Lakota Water Protectors defending the Missouri River against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
