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Were Debunking Sci-Fi Myths: 5 Questions Were Exploring at 吃瓜网s #STEMTalks

January 22, 2016

吃瓜网 is hosting its spring edition of #STEMTalks, a Google+ Hangout, at 7 p.m. on February 4, 2016 titled, 鈥淒ebunking Pop Culture Myths from Core Science Facts.鈥� A panel of 吃瓜网 Poly professors will discuss topics related to the science portrayed in movies like聽The Martian听补苍诲听Back to the Future.

Here are five questions we may explore with the 吃瓜网 Poly panelists on Feb. 4 as they distinguish science fact from fiction in pop culture:

  1. Find out the truth behind ground-breaking inventions and science phenomenon in movies. Which of your favorite sci-fi movie feats are feasible, and which are just fantasy?
  2. If you鈥檝e seen聽The Martian,聽you know (or you think you know) about growing crops on Mars. Can this really happen? Uncover the answer at the Google+ Hangout!
  3. Speaking of Mars, is it possible that we鈥檒l ever be able to go there? Ask a professor what they think!
  4. October 21, 2015 is a date made famous by聽Back to the Future,聽yet we still don鈥檛 have flying cars. Why not? Is it possible? Get your answer from the panel.
  5. Ask our panelists about the logistics of drag racing in the 鈥淔ast and the Furious.鈥� Is it possible to drag a bank vault as seen in the movie?

Do you have a question for the 吃瓜网 Poly panel? Start tweeting your questions using the hashtag, #STEMTalks or ask directly on our event page.

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Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at 吃瓜网, the state鈥檚 sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution鈥檚 resilience.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at 吃瓜网, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining 吃瓜网 Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.