Presenter:
Mary Buchenic, Co-founder of Solar Education Project
Jennifer Gasser, Co-founder of Solar Education Project
Dr. Alan Bigelow, Science Director and Main Representative of Solar Cookers International to the United Nations

Virtual Café Sci: D.A.R.E to Solar Cook – The Physics of Cooking with Sunshine
Mon., Nov. 2
7–9 pm

All cooking requires fuel, and for most of human history, cooking was done over open fire. Though new fuel sources have been discovered and developed, their use is not universal. Recent statistics from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveal that over 2.6 billion people around the world lack access to clean cooking technology. They rely daily on fuels such as coal, charcoal, animal dung, solid biomass, and kerosene – the effects of which are numerous. A growing community of people dedicated to clean cooking technology are using and promoting a cooking fuel that creates no emissions, is free to use, and is readily abundant in many parts of the world – sunshine!

Jennifer Gasser, Mary Buchenic and Dr. Alan Bigelow have been advocates for solar cooking for a combined 40+ years. Dr. Bigelow will discuss the technical details of solar cooking and incorporating the science of materials and light optics. He will also share personal stories and unique experiences in solar cooking, spanning from when he first saw a solar cooker to his current role as Science Director at Solar Cookers International (SCI). Jennifer and Mary will share their experiences promoting solar cooking STEM curriculum for both formal and informal learning and the numerous education collaborations they enjoy with colleagues in Haiti and elsewhere around the world.

About Mary Buchenic and Jennifer Gasser
Mary Buchenic and Jennifer Gasser are co-founders of Solar Education Project (SEP), a subsidiary of the nonprofit Global Development Solutions. SEP is founded on the belief that solar cooking education can transform lives. SEP crafts diverse programs and workshops that have been shared nationally and internationally, including at numerous Carnegie Science Center STEM events.

Mary retired from a 30-year career in education. During that time, she incorporated solar cooking into her science curriculum as a multidisciplinary project-based unit that was a favorite of students. The unit became a 15-year tradition in her classroom. Mary has continued solar cooking instruction through various collaborations including workshops for American and Pakistani students enrolled in Learning Streams International’s ecology program, development of STEM instruction in Haitian Creole for classrooms in Haiti, and solar cooking programs in area schools through Youngstown State University. Mary is an SCI representative to the United Nations and a Global Advisor. For relaxation, she uses her artistic ability and love of history to meticulously research and create historically inspired devotional beads.

Jennifer’s long-time commitment to education, combined with her love of travel, made SEP the perfect match. Sharing food and culture through solar cooking enhances her opportunity to connect with people and inspires creativity. Jennifer once made a solar oven out of a suitcase! Jennifer believes that education is the key to building strong communities, and through SEP’s outreach, has supported efforts in the United States, Haiti, Portugal, Cuba, Tanzania, Mexico, and Kenya. Jennifer is a Representative with the Solar Cookers International United Nations Team. Jennifer earned a B.S. degree and has 40 years of project management experience in the fields of Environmental Education, Social Work, and Business. She is SEP’s Business Consultant and Solar Cooking Coach. Jennifer enjoys photo journaling because it allows her to open her mind and see things from a unique perspective.

About Dr. Alan Bigelow
Dr. Alan Bigelow joined Solar Cookers International (SCI) in 2016 as Science Director and Main Representative of SCI to the United Nations. He leads testing and performance evaluation programs at SCI and advocates for solar-thermal cooking at the United Nations.

Dr. Bigelow is a physicist and a solar cook. He has led solar cooking workshops locally in New York and internationally in India, Nepal, Haiti and Kenya. He participated in a solar expedition in Nepal where during nine days at high altitude all meals were prepared using portable solar cookers. He designed solar-energy workshops as a Scientist-in-Residence at the Hudson River Museum, and he included solar cooking in a course on sustainable engineering he designed and taught at Columbia University’s Science Honors Program. Alan received a Ph.D. in Physics in 2000. He is a Climate Reality Leader trained by former Vice President Al Gore. He is also an accomplished musician and co-founded a solar-powered eco band to raise awareness and educate about environmental issues and solutions. He is often solar cooking at home or in public. Languages: English, French, Thai, Hindi.

About our Virtual Café Sci:
The event is FREE to attend, but preregistration is required! Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation with instructions on how to enter the event. Have a question for the presenters? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!