Turbulence, Historic Menus, Ocean Snow

From cream swirling in your coffee to the roar of jet engines, turbulence is all around us—chaotic, beautiful, and still not fully understood. In this talk, we uncover how turbulence shapes our daily lives, why scientists are obsessed with it, and how unlocking its secrets could lead to breakthroughs in energy, climate, and tech.

New archaeological discoveries at the Female Immigration Depot in Sydney challenge the old story of a dull, repetitive institutional diet. Hidden plant remains, chicken bones, and mismatched ceramics reveal a much more varied menu. By blending history with archaeology, we uncover how food was used both to control and to express personal identities in this historic institution.

Every day, the ocean gets a "snowfall" made of tiny particles like plankton and organic debris. This "marine snow" plays a key role in Earth's carbon cycle. My research reveals how some particles grow mucus "parachutes," slowing their fall and giving microbes more time to recycle carbon. These natural ocean tricks impact everything from sea life to climate. Come explore this hidden ocean phenomenon!