Head over to the Blue Tavern July 16 for another engaging and entertaining science salon! This month we will have Dr. Camille Lewis, one of those amazing “25 Women You Need to Know in 2026” that was featured in the Tallahassee Democrat earlier this spring. Dr. Lewis has combined her family’s agricultural legacy with a passion for education to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. As Jefferson County’s Extension Director, founder of Brilliant Resilience, and organizer of Tallahassee’s Earth Day festival, she creates hands-on opportunities for youth—especially those from underserved communities—to explore nature, develop leadership skills, and learn about sustainability. Through research-based education, farming, and community partnerships, Lewis is cultivating not only healthy food systems but also confident young advocates who will help shape a more resilient future.

Welcome Dr. Armando Santos from the FSU Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science to our SciSalon@BT! Marine biologist Armando Barsante Santos has spent more than 25 years working with sea turtles, from conservation efforts in Brazil to current research in Florida’s Gulf Coast. In this SciSalon, he will share field stories, introduce sea turtle ecology, and discuss how boat traffic and other human activities affect turtles in local waters. He will also highlight the Boaters for Turtles campaign and simple ways people can help reduce risks to sea turtles. Regarding the talk’s title: in addition to their kidneys, sea turtles eliminate excess marine salt through specialized glands located near their eyes. This can make them look like they are crying. These secretions may also help rinse sand from their eyes while females dig their nests.