The Science History Institute Museum is closed for renovations.
The Othmer Library remains open by appointment.

Ecologists all around the world are using novel, genetics-based tools to understand biodiversity. One example is environmental or “eDNA,” which Tanya Dapkey uses to grow our understanding of aquatic insect communities, and in turn, the health of freshwater ecosystems. Tanya will introduce you to eDNA and its applications, discuss what the future looks like for environmental genetics, and share how scientists at the Academy of Natural Sciences are using these tools to discover biodiversity in the Delaware River Watershed.

Admission is free! The event takes place in person at National Mechanics restaurant in Old City Philadelphia. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required for this event.

About the Speaker

Tanya with butterfly on her nose
Tanya Dapkey.

Tanya Dapkey leads the Macroinvertebrate Section of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Tanya joined the Academy in 2019, bringing her expertise in specimen identification and using genetic tools in biological assessments, as well as her passion for outreach programs that communicate her science to the public. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in environmental studies. Her capstone, “Combining DNA Barcoding and Macroinvertebrate Sampling to Assess Water Quality,” was completed in 2009. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from West Chester University and worked for 15 years in the Janzen Lab at the University of Pennsylvania where she helped develop the Lepidoptera of the ACG DNA Barcode Database.

About the Series

Science on Tap is a monthly speaker series that features brief, informal presentations by Philadelphia-based scientists and other experts followed by lively conversation and a Q&A. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people. Come join the conversation!

More events

Black ink illustration of one engineer advising another
February 5, 2025
Free

Transitioning to a Sustainable Chemical Industry: Lessons from History

At the T. T. Chao Symposium on Innovation experts in the history of the chemical industry will convene to identify a path to netzero, biodiversity protection, and the alleviation of chemical pollution.

February 10, 2025
Science on Tap

Animals in Historic Philadelphia: Food, Labor, and Industry

Learn about the surprising role of animals in shaping urban life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

magazine ad featuring the earth wrapped in clear film
February 13, 2025
Joseph Priestley Society

Plastics Circularity: Past, Present, and Future

This ACS Webinar features a panel discussion on the efforts being made to move from a linear plastics economy to a circular one.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.