Who’da thunk that beer can build brain cells? But that’s what you get with Moab Science on Tap—a whole lot of science, as much beer as you want (responsibly), and a gathering of community.

Science Moab on Tap is the offspring of Science Moab, which was created by Kristina Young, an ecologist who wanted to engage people in science focusing on Southeastern Utah and the Colorado Plateau. Science Moab has a continuing presence in the Moab community where residents and visitors can hear and learn about local science in the region during the weekly show and podcast on KZMU, Friday’s at 11:30am.

Science Moab wanted to present a different approach in which locals learn more about the area in which they live, so Science Moab on Tap was born.

“We knew science and beer go well together, but we were blown away by how many people have ended up coming to these events. We’re really excited that so many people in the community want to learn about the science happening around Moab,” says founder Kristina Young. “We have a lot of people doing really cool science here, and we wanted to make sure everyone in the community has access to that science. Where better than our local bar to bring people together and make science fun, engaging and not intimidating?”

According to Natalie Day, one of the volunteer/scientists of Science Moab, the Science Moab on Tap events have been full from the first event in December 2018. Everyone who attends agrees that Science Moab on Tap has been “Amazing!”

Before the guest speaker got on stage at the January show, Day announced Science Moab will soon be getting non-profit status, which brought cheers and applause from a full house.

The “on tap” series only happens during Moab’s off-season. Kristina explains that “We wanted to make sure these events were geared towards the local community, as a way to come together and celebrate all of the amazing scientists we have down here in Moab.” By having events in the winter, “the bar is full of people who live here in Moab, and are excited to learn things about their own backyard.”

January featured Chris Benson, a geologist with the USGS, who presented his talk on “Carving the Canyonlands” on the Colorado River gravels, Mill Creek stream terraces, salty-subsidence in the Moab area, and the annual drop of the Moab Valley. Benson’s presentation was informative, clear, even hilarious, and many were intrigued by his information, especially relating to new data on how the Moab valley was formed.

Chris said it best for the Moab locals, “If nothing else, at the end of the day you’re feeling a little worn down, or you know, a little salty and you have that sinking feeling, just remember it’s not you, it’s actually the geology of Moab.”