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March 4, 2005

BNLers Help Promote Community Interest in Science

Three BNLers who volunteer time with the Long Island ScienCenter are (from left) Peter Takacs, Marty Woodle, and Peter Wanderer, who are examining model bridges used for demonstration during a recent bridge-building program at the ScienCenter. The bridges are loaned by BNL's Office of Educational Programs (OEP), examples of previous years' bridges made for BNL's annual high-school model bridge-building contest. Woodle, a founder technical advisor in the organization of the contest, will be helping OEP in this year's event to be held on March 12.

Two BNL "Peters" - Peter Wanderer of the Superconducting Magnet Division and Peter Takacs of the Instrumentation Division - are not only passionate about doing their own science but also about spreading the fascination of science to others in the community. That's how they came to join a group of people who formed a board and set up the Long Island ScienCenter, a new science museum in Riverhead.

"It's been a busy time," says Wanderer. "We are still working on the museum and getting more exhibits." Through the BNL Science Museum, some key current exhibits have been lent to the ScienCenter by the Lab, for example, the Videosphere.

"The BNL Science Museum staff and directors, first Janet Tempel, then Dolores O'Connor, and now, Gail Donoghue, have been very helpful," Wanderer says.

Another BNLer, retiree Marty Woodle, now a National Synchrotron Light Source Department guest scientist, is a keen S cienCenter supporter. Woodle most recently volunteered his help with a bridge-building program held in late February.

"This March, the ScienCenter is presenting an adult lecture series open to the public, with three interesting talks," says Takacs. "I believe people at BNL would enjoy them."

Three LI ScienCenter Lectures, March 4, 11, and 18

  • March 4: "Wine: Science or Magic," Louisa Thomas Hargrave, founder of the first winery on Long Island.


  • March 11: "The History and Destiny of Fisheries near Long Island and in the World," Carl Safina, President, Blue Ocean Institute, Cold Spring Harbor.


  • March 18: "The Adventure of Wildlife Photography," George Loweth, professional photographer.

ARTICLE BY: Liz Seubert