Science Pub: "Less Charismatic" Animals
At Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 18 E. Ortega Street
Have you ever seen an insect and screamed or thought a snake was creepy? You’re not alone! Insects and snakes, among others, are examples of “less charismatic” animals; however, they serve a purpose in our ecosystems. Exhibit signage in zoological institutions serves as a critical tool for educating and inspiring visitors. This talk delves into a small research project that explores exhibit signage between "charismatic" and "less charismatic" animals, focusing on the frequency of empathy-driven and “othering” language so that we can learn to appreciate these misunderstood animals.
Tessa Cafritz has dedicated her career to giving voice to nature’s unsung wonders. She recently completed her master’s degree in teaching biological science from Miami University through the Project Dragonfly program, where her work focused on public perceptions of reptiles and amphibians—the animals that inspired her career in environmental education. Her graduate and professional experiences have taken her across the country, emphasizing the crucial role of connecting people with their surrounding flora, fauna, and fungi. She continues to work toward this goal as the naturalist and volunteer program manager at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.
Join our fun and friendly conversation and quench your thirst for knowledge about science and nature in this ongoing series of free science talks held on the second Monday of every month. No tickets or reservations required, but be sure to get to Dargan’s (18 E. Ortega St. in downtown Santa Barbara) at least an hour early to secure a seat and order your favorite food and drink.
For more information, contact Director of Education Rosina Garcia at rgarcia@sbnature2.org.
