What we’re about
Our Cosmos is a science advocacy group whose purpose is to promote community engagement and interest in all aspects of the Cosmos and to foster intellectual curiosity. Activities include exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), environmental science and medicine. Although originally oriented more toward the hard sciences, we now have expanded our focus to include science-related social issues such as public health, conservation, and the environment. Our Cosmos strives to bring attention to information, people, and organizations that will advance knowledge, benefit society and improve the way we live. It was inspired by the world renowned late astronomer and science popularizer, Dr. Carl Sagan.
The primary focus is through an edutainment (education and entertainment) platform; e.g. stage venues, lectures, hands-on exhibits, and tours of geological/archaeological/astronomical/other sites.
Most in-person activities are centered in the Orange County/Los Angeles greater metropolitan areas. This Meetup was designed to create a real, face-to-face community. Friends and family are always invited except for certain events due to space limitation. Our Platform involves meeting real people and doing real things in the real world.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020 we have been presenting a wide array of webinars, talks, and other online events from all over the world. There is a rich and diverse range of offerings online and we will continue to present these to you.
Having said that, the focus of the group remains in-person events.
We encourage our members to contact us with ideas for events!
One Last Thing!
The goal is for each event to be interesting and memorable for everyone. Some events require reserving places for those who have RSVP'd or meeting at a specific place so that we all go as a group. If you are signed up and do not show up, you are a No-Show. If this is a habit, you may be blocked from signing up for some events or even removed from the group. Generally we only allow two or three No-Shows before doing this. We ask that you please be responsible and communicative so the rest of the group does not end up waiting for you when you aren't coming. No-Shows include last-minute cancellations for events with waiting lists.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hybrid: The Secret Life of SuperbugsCalifornia Institute of Technology - Beckman Auditorium, Pasadena, CA
Hybrid Event by Caltech Science
In-Person event is NO HOST, The live event is in-person and a recording will be made available on our YouTube channel.
Date: Wednesday April 23rd, 2025, 7:30 pm
Free AdmissionVenue: Beckman Auditorium
Located in: California Institute of Technology
Address: 332 S Michigan Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
ADA seating, please contact Ticket Office, 626-395-4652Watson Lecture Series- The Secret Life of Superbugs: How Antimicrobial Resistance Moves Between Humans and the Environment
Presenter: Smruthi Karthikeyan
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health crisis, is driven not only by clinical misuse of antibiotics but also by widespread reservoirs of resistance genes within environmental microbial communities. So far, almost all antibiotic classes used by doctors have been met by resistance from at least some of the infection-causing pathogens they aim to fight. This indicates that external environments already harbor resistance factors for all developed antibiotics. While researchers who study drug-resistant pathogens have historically focused on hospitals and healthcare settings, antibiotic resistance genes are present in a wide range of environments, including the human gut, wastewater, and natural ecosystems with no prior history of human influence. These environmental sources can serve as reservoirs for resistance genes, which can in turn be acquired by pathogens, accelerating the spread of multidrug resistance and complicating treatment strategies.
In this talk, Smruthi Karthikeyan, Gordon and Carol Treweek Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering and William H. Hurt Scholar, will discuss how antimicrobial resistance genes can “jump” across species in natural microbial communities, and how looking at our sewers can provide clues for developing therapeutics to combat the AMR crisis.Evening Schedule
6 p.m. — Activities and music. Food, drinks, and books available for purchase
7 p.m. — Doors open
7:30 p.m. — Talk and Q&A
8:30 p.m. — Post-talk concessions and conversationAbout the Series
For more than 100 years, the Watson Lectures have brought the wonder of Caltech research and discovery to the public.Free and open to the public, the Watson Lecture Series offers a unique and accessible opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge science directly from Caltech's premier researchers. Come early to mingle with your neighbors over food, drink and music, as well as interactive displays related to the evening's topic. Then head inside to hear a stimulating talk and stay to ask your burning questions.
- Understanding Schizophrenia [Free Webinar]Link visible for attendees
Online webinar by Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
https://www.mindspringhealth.org/Date & Time:
Apr 24, 2025 08:00 AMRegister here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716886587868/WN_mi9exbnHSKawazGKTBJ-uQ#/registrationNote: If you register you will receive a link to the video the day after the webinar.
About this event:
Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness that changes how you think, feel, and act. A combination of hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and behavior can be debilitating. Explore the causes, symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and treatment of schizophrenia, and gain practical tips for managing symptoms in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Meet the Instructor: Jaymi Dormaier is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. In Jaymi's career as a social worker and therapist, she has worked with diverse populations focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, foster care, adoption, homelessness, and addiction. She is passionate about helping others live a life they love.
- Online: Understanding Compassion Fatigue & Burnout [Free Webinar]Link visible for attendees
Event By Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
Date and time: Tuesday, May 6 · 10 - 11am PDT
Event lasts 1 hour
Free, but please register here
Does compassion cause suffering? When does it go too far and how can you protect your own wellbeing? Learn the warning signs, who is at risk, and how to restore your emotional energy in this one-hour seminar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Fine print: Certificates of attendance are provided at no cost. CEUs are not provided. Everyone who registers will receive the webinar recording 24 hours after the live event.
Meet the Instructor: Alex Rohn, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor and a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. Alex has worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings providing individual and group therapy as well as education and outreach surrounding trauma, mental health and stress management. Prior to her role at Mindspring Mental Health Alliance, she coordinated programs and provided mental health education to educators and parents for a school mental health non-profit in the metro. In her free time, she enjoys chasing her twin girls, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering with other mental health and suicide prevention organizations.
Mindspring Mental Health Alliance is a grass roots, self help, education, support and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental health.
![Understanding Schizophrenia [Free Webinar] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/d/event_527101485.webp "Understanding Schizophrenia [Free Webinar]")
![Online: Understanding Compassion Fatigue & Burnout [Free Webinar] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/8/b/c/event_527147292.webp "Online: Understanding Compassion Fatigue & Burnout [Free Webinar]")
