The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) is back with its monthly feature, Cincinnati Science Roundup. Check out events and news related to science happening in November from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Upcoming Historical Panel: Exploring Rohs Hill Hospital
Friday, November 1st, 6:30 PM onwards. 245 W. McMillan Street, Cincinnati.
What is now Cincinnati’s busy CUF neighborhood used to be the edge of the post-Civil War city. As a sparsely populated hilltop, it seemed an ideal location for its first branch off of Cincinnati General, an infectious disease unit called Rohs Hill Hospital. Yet, the growing city and the deteriorating reputation of Rohs Hill led to its destruction in 1879. Though largely forgotten, its name evoked fear and distrust in the nineteenth century, and still legally marks 58 commercial and residential lots in the twenty-first.
Join us on All Souls (November 1st) to discuss the importance of local history, as well as questions of medical ethics, public health, and power. The gathering will meet at University Christian Church (245 McMillan), the site of the old hospital, at 6:30 pm for refreshments and 7 pm for the panel and discussion. The panel features:
- Greg Hand – Author of Cincinnati Curiosities
- Elizabeth Lanphier – Philosopher & Medical Ethicist
- Jeff Suess – Historian, Columnist & Librarian
- Dr. Kris Ramprasad – Associate Professor of Medicine and History
Moderated by Dr. Katherine Ranum, this event promises insight into the intersections of health, ethics, and history.
Travel Back in Time: 1800s Harvest Jamboree
Saturday-Sunday, November 2nd & 3rd, 1–5 PM. Shawnee Lookout, 2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend, OH 45052
Step into 19th-century Ohio and celebrate the season’s bounty with frontier festivities! From tomahawk tossing to traditional homesteader games, enjoy authentic pioneer food and activities that will bring history to life.
Climate Health Equity Webinar Series: Climate Change, Food Access and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati
Wednesday, November 6th, 12-1PM. Virtual webinar.
Explore the connection between climate change, water quality, and health outcomes in Greater Cincinnati. This session is part of Green Umbrella’s “Climate Health Equity” series, drawing on a report with Scioto Analysis. The series will also address food security and system-level solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn actionable strategies for both personal and institutional change. Register here!
Science on Tap: What Do Archeologists Do Anyway?
Wednesday, November 6th, 6:30-8:30PM. Radio Artifact Studio, 1660 Blue Rock St., Cincinnati.
Have you ever imagined a life of excavation and discovery? Join Science on Tap for an engaging talk on the true world of archaeology. Archaeologists like Rebecca Kerns, specializing in Roman archaeology, will guide us through the goals, risks, and rewards of this field, including a look into daily life on digs and the role of archaeologists as advocates for heritage protection. Check it out here!
Garden & Conservation Events at CGC
Various dates throughout November. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Compost 101 Workshop
Thursday, November 7, 5:30–7 PM.
Discover the essentials of composting and explore ways to reduce landfill waste while building healthier soil. Learn about outdoor composting, vermicompost, and bokashi, with a tour of CGC’s compost area (weather permitting). This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for those looking to make eco-friendly changes in small spaces.
Register here!
Free Events at CGC
Garden Learning Series Tours November 5, 11 AM–12 PM
Lil’ Sprouts (Ages 3–8) Mondays, November 11, 9–10:30 AM
Volunteer Workdays
Hands On at Hauck
Fridays through November 15th, 9 AM–12 PM. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd, Cincinnati.
Join Civic Garden Center Horticulturist Julie for hands-on garden maintenance at Hauck Botanic Garden, perfect for all skill levels; bring closed-toe shoes and gloves! Sign up here!
Treeforestation at Walnut Woods
Saturday, November 15th, 9 AM–12 PM. Walnut Woods, 3259 Sulsar Street, Cincinnati.
Join tree conservation efforts at Walnut Woods of Evanston—no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm for a greener future! Sign up here!
Cincinnati Parks Events
Monsters in the Sky – Planetarium Show
Friday, November 1st, 7-8AM. Burnet Woods.
Dive into a mythical monster tale at Burnet Woods’ Wolff Planetarium! Perfect for families and astronomy lovers of all ages.
Fee: $5/person
CAC Art Play Hike
Tuesday, November 5th, 10:30-11:30AM. Mt. Airy Forest.
Join a creative hike with the Contemporary Arts Center and explore Mt. Airy Forest while making art inspired by nature. Registration required.
Founder’s Day 2024 – Pioneer Cemetery Tour
Saturday, November 16th, 10-11:30AM. Pioneer Cemetery.
Celebrate Cincinnati’s roots with a free tour of Pioneer Cemetery, where some of the city’s earliest settlers rest.
Autumn Forest Hike
Saturday, November 16th, 10-11:30AM. LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center.
Explore the seasonal changes in LaBoiteaux Woods with a naturalist-led hike. Register online; sturdy footwear recommended.
Fee: $6/person
Getting Things Done: Civic Engagement for Conservation Course
Wednesdays throughout January and February.
Bring your environmental passion into the civic sphere with Getting Things Done: Civics for Conservation. This course will guide participants through understanding local government functions, civic engagement opportunities, and advocating for eco-friendly initiatives like green spaces and recycling. Instructors include Sean Comer, Andrew Lewis, and Connie O’Connor, with support from the Seasongood Foundation.
Course Details:
- Wednesdays, January 15 & 29, February 12 (6–8 PM on Zoom)
- In-person sessions on February 26 (Civic Garden Center) and March 8 (Cincinnati Nature Center)
- Cost: Includes an end-of-course brunch.
Register here.
In other news
New Role Opening: Energy Technician with Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES)
OES is looking for an enthusiastic Energy Technician to support Cincinnati’s Green Plan. This full-time role will involve working on emission reduction in city facilities and fleet vehicles, assisting with energy audits, and overseeing sustainability projects.
Ideal candidates have experience in project management, energy efficiency, or vehicle electrification. Applications are due by November 8, 2024.
Examples of Responsibilities:
- Assist with energy management for city departments
- Lead energy-saving and fleet transition projects
- Data analysis for GHG reduction
- Educate on the city’s energy aggregation program
Dirty Steel, Dangerous Air
Industrious Labs’ Dirty Steel, Dangerous Air report reveals the heavy health toll of coal-based steel plants in the Midwest, including Middletown, OH. The report outlines impacts such as asthma and premature deaths, advocating for clean technology to reduce pollution and protect public health.
Transitioning to sustainable steel production is vital for our health and environment. Learn more about local advocacy efforts and ways to support cleaner industry practices.
Spotlight on Advocacy: Elissa Yancey’s Mission with A Pictures Worth
Advocating for the unheard is a cornerstone of the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition’s work, exemplified by A Pictures Worth, the nonprofit information-gathering tool by Cincinnati’s own Elissa Yancey. This project captures stories of everyday people, often overlooked by mainstream media, through photos, podcasts, and narratives that emphasize what people value. A second-generation urban Appalachian, Elissa has worked tirelessly to address stereotypes and bring awareness to marginalized voices. Currently, A Pictures Worth is in Season 2 of its podcast, “Ohio Values,” which foregrounds the values of local Ohioans during this pivotal election period. To learn more, visit A Pictures Worth or explore Elissa’s work at UAC Voice.
Whose Truth? The Case for Narrative Literacy
Thursday, November 21st, Braunstein 426 (University of Cincinnati)
Those in the UC community can learn more about Yancey’s work by attending her presentation “Whose Truth? The Case for Narrative Literacy,” which will be held as part of the UC Department of Anthropology’s Research Lunch Seminar Series.
Abstract: Join recovering journalist (and recovering academic) Elissa Yancey for an interactive presentation exploring how the concepts of truth, objectivity and bias play out in all kinds of communications–and how the stories you choose to share can either expand or limit curiosity. A former professor and forever professional story sharer, Yancey now serves as executive and creative director of A Picture’s Worth, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that does the critical work of deepening media coverage beyond headlines and stereotypes.
