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What Are We Really Seeing?

Science Pub Portland

At McMenamins Kennedy School

What Are We Really Seeing? How Our Brains Manipulate the Visual World

Nov 19, 7-9PM | Doors @ 6PM

With Dr. Mark Pitzer, Neuroscientist at the University of Portland.

Advance tickets recommended; $5 suggested donation

Science Pubs are a casual lecture series held in two locations across Portland. Grab a drink and get comfy as you learn about how the brain interprets visual data with What Are We Really Seeing? How Our Brains Manipulate the Visual World. Recommended for ages 10 and over.

About the lecture:

When we open our eyes, are we perceiving reality? Why do we fail to agree on the color of “The Dress” that went viral in 2015? Have you ever glanced at a ticking clock and noticed the second-hand suddenly freeze for a split second?

Neuroscience research suggests that the brain evolved to make rapid, best-guesses about the objects in our environment. Through stories and demonstrations, Dr. Mark Pitzer will discuss how our visual system highlights some objects, delete others, and alters our conscious awareness in an attempt to help us navigate our visual world.

Mark Pitzer, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist at the University of Portland. For the last 25 years he has worked to better understand and treat diseases of the brain, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Currently, his lab studies how developmental influences in the womb can alter the number of dopaminergic neurons involved in reward, movement and social behavior. Mark is also an award-winning teacher who uses the findings from the fields of learning and neuroscience to invoke enduring enthusiasm, curiosity and deep learning in his college students.

Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Click here to sign up for the Science Pub Newsletter.
Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Zoom option available?

If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the ticketing page. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Are tickets required?

To guarantee a seat at this event, we recommend you purchase your ticket in advance. Please show your ticket at the check-in table in front of the theater upon arrival.

We will always have tickets available at the door. They are first-come, first-served and admission will remain a suggested donation.

Will food be available for purchase?

Kennedy School Theater has everything from pizza to burgers to popcorn and candy. Food and drink are welcome in the theater. No outside food or drink is allowed.

Do I have to pay for parking?

It is free to park in McMenamins Kennedy School parking lot and there is plenty of free street parking in the neighborhood.

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