CAMBRIDGE — As part of its 50^th anniversary, the Horn Point Laboratory is hosting a series of six free Summer Talks. Beginning June 20, these Tuesday talks will run weekly (except July 4), from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the High Spot restaurant at 305 High St.

"We are excited to bring our latest science to the Cambridge community and to share what we are learning about the natural world around us," director Mike Sieracki said. With slides and conversation, faculty members will share their research on a variety of topics to explore the science of local waters. 

Summer Talks and faculty members include:

June 20: Mike Sieracki

Horn Point Lab 50th anniversary: Past, present and future of science in Dorchester County

June 27: Ming Li

Impact of climate change on coastal flooding in Dorchester County: Sea level rise and warming oceans increase the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

July 11: Cindy Palinkas

Living shorelines: using the power of nature to protect our coasts

July 18: Stephanie Alexander

A virtual tour of the UMCES Horn Point Oyster Hatchery: Learn how the UMCES Horn Point Oyster Hatchery produces oyster larvae, seed and spat on shell for restoration, private aquaculture and public fishery activities in the Chesapeake Bay region.

July 25: Jamie Pierson

From Plankton to Plastics: The Chesapeake under a microscope

Meet the tiniest creatures in local waterways, and learn how they are connected to everyday lives. 

Aug. 1: Greg Silsbe

Environmental Remote Sensing: How scientists use satellites to monitor the Earth.

This talk explores the theory, opportunities and challenges of monitoring environmental change from earth-observing satellites.

The talks are free, though registration is encouraged as the space for each talk is limited to 30 people. To register, visit usmf.org/horn-point-laboratory-summer-talks/. For information, contact Carin Starr at cstarr@umces.edu or 410-221-8408.