Welcome to the Hamed Mirzaei Foundation, where we promote the public understanding of science and appreciation for the art of science. This site serves as a portal for artists, scientists, and art-sci enthusiasts to come together and build a more science-aware community.
Byte of Science
Science • Art • Community
Byte of Science is a community focused event where scientists and artists share their ideas with the public. Talks are held at a local pub or tavern, typically during the first week of every month. Please RSVP so we can get a head count. Tickets are $5–10 and all proceeds go toward science communication. The Hamed Mirzaei Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) and all contributions are tax deductible.
At the beginning of the pandemic, we made the decision to not take Byte of Science virtual. We are in the process of restarting events later in 2023. Stay tuned!
This frank, science-based discussion of sex and sexuality will be the climax of your week.
We have a strong tendency to discount evidence that contradicts our firmly held beliefs, yet being able to change our minds seems incredibly important for human progress. Can neuroscience help us to understand why we can’t change our minds and how we might do better?
Join us to hear Dr. Mohan Singh discuss his research using a technology called Imaging Mass Cytometry to explore and visualize cancer and its environment .
Come see Brittney discuss her work utilizing digital fabrication tools, insects / animals, and elements of the natural world to metaphorically explore our societal structure in conversation with the structures of nature that exist without human intervention.
Dr. Campbell-Staton will talk about how wild animals, from lizards to elephants, are responding to rapid planetary changes
In the last talk closing out the 4th season of Byte of Science, Hamed will take you through the physics and molecular journey of transforming the stuff of stars to the stuff of people.
Our immune system uses some of the same tools that cancer does to help our bodies fight off infections—but when things go wrong, we can turn our immune system on itself to protect us from cancer.
Through a multidisciplinary study of Psithaura, we will explore how objective knowledge may inform the creative process and audience perception of music.
Laura will discuss how zebrafish help further our understanding of human cancer and how they provide a platform for the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat cancer.
In this post-fact hyper-politicized world, messaging matters. Evan Tedlock and Keshav Prasad will share their new interactive installation Psithaura and discuss methods for reaching resistant audiences.
Cravings for rewards such as drugs or junk foods can quickly become maladaptive and compulsive, key characteristics of addiction. But what exactly is happening in the brain in the addicted state, and can we control it?
Sarah Mojarad will discuss modern communication tools, scientific misinformation on social media, and why more scientists need to engage the public online.
Novella will discuss how old blood can be made young again focusing on approaches for blood stem cells rejuvenation.
Art and science are natural companions. Both are a means of investigation and discovery. Both involve ideas, theories, and hypotheses that we test in places where mind and hand come together—the laboratory and studio. Artists, like scientists, study—materials, people, culture, history, religion, mythology— and learn to transform information into something else.
You may have heard about the new gene-editing tool called CRISPR, but what exactly is gene editing, what is CRISPR, and how do we avoid starting a zombie apocalypse with it?
Join us on Jan 17th for an interactive lecture with a panel of LA’s brilliant Artists and Scientists who will discuss and answer questions about recent topics, discoveries, and innovations in science.
Kelsey Scharnhorst's talk will define intelligence, provide a background in computing architectures, and cover current industrial AI projects and their technological basis. You can decide for yourself whether they will lead to Skynet.
Dr. Chris Davidson will provide an evolutionary perspective of one of the most critical public health issues in modern society: obesity.
Dr. Nicole Wheatley will discuss Darwin's theory of Sexual Selection.
Dr. Laura Corrales-Diaz Pomatto will discuss her research on sexual dimorphism and stress response. Spoiler alert: you'll learn how she switches the sex of fruit flies.
Dr. Kate White will discuss the molecular mechanism for psychedelic compounds, and why humans are interested in using hallucinogens for therapeutics, spiritual awakening, and recreation.
Laura Cechanowicz will discuss worldbuilding, neuroscience, and identity, and the ways we construct our realities by building worlds.
Dr. Alexandra Ycaza Herrera will discuss her research on how hormones affect women's stress response.
Dr. Assal Habibi will discuss her research on the effects of group-based music training on children’s brain, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Sandra Arely will give a talk on her experience with digital double exposure photography.
Join us for an interactive lecture with a panel of 5 of LA's brilliant scientists.
Richelle Gribble will share her artistic process and her work, which explores the question: how does connectivity, for better or for worse, influence our lives and our future?
Dr. Julien Emile-Geay will present research from paleoclimatology, physics, archeology, history and economics to guide an important discussion on climate change.
Dr. Veronica X. Yan will discuss the tools needed to be an effective, self-regulated learner.