GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Scientist Alex Hastings, a former University of Florida graduate student who unwrapped the first Titanoboa fossils from Colombia at the Florida Museum of Natural History, will discuss the discovery during the museum’s final Science Café of the semester Monday.

The program at Saboré restaurant, 13005 SW First Road, suite 129 in Town of Tioga from 6:30 to 8 p.m., includes discussions on giant snakes, bizarre crocodilians and climate change. Hastings, a visiting instructor from the department of geology and geography at Georgia Southern University, will describe the science behind the colossal discovery of Titanoboa.

“I hope people walk away with the impression that not only has Titanoboa, the largest snake known to science, helped us understand the world after the dinosaurs, but it has told us a little about what to expect for Earth’s future,” Hastings said.

Participants are normally asked to RSVP for the free program at least one week in advance, but a limited number of openings remain and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To RSVP, email your name and the number attending to aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu or call Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2062. Participants purchase their own refreshments, and may arrive as early as 6 p.m. to place orders from a limited menu.

The Science Café program provides a setting for community members and guest speakers to gather at local establishments and discuss contemporary science issues.

“We have terrific presenters who are both personable and engaging as they explain their area of scientific expertise,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Science Learning. “We offer a variety of interesting and timely topics throughout the year for participants learn about and discuss.”

The Science Café series will resume during the fall semester.

-30-

Writer: Kate Schofield, kschofield@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media Contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2054
Source: Betty Dunckel, bdunckel@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2088