Calendar of Events:

• July 16: SciSalon@BT: “Growing More Than Crops: Research, Youth, and Community”

• August 20: SciSalon@BT: “Turtle Tears:  Sea Turtle Conservation from Brazil to Florida’s Gulf Coast”

• August 31: Gold Medal Award Nominations due

• September 17: SciSalon@BT: Dr. Greg Boebinger (Title TBA)

Apologies for the very late newsletter! TSS has slowed down a bit with some programs but a lot is happening behind the scenes getting ready for next year. In the meantime, please come support SciSalon@BT!

July 16 at 6PM SciSalon@BT

Growing More Than Crops: Research, Youth, and Community

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.

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.

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.

Gold Medal Award 2026

Nominations Open Soon!

Established in 2004, the Gold Medal Award is annually bestowed by the Tallahassee Scientific Society on a scientist or scholar whose career achievements in  science or science outreach are deemed exemplary. Presentation of the award and public lecture by the awardee is preceded by a celebratory reception open to the community.

Members of TSS are invited to nominate a deserving candidate from the Big Bend during the nomination season. Online  forms will be available soon to submit to the Board of Directors for award selection. Nominations are due August 31.