About this Event
A Conversation on Evolution, Adaptation, and The Science of Survival
Join a biologist and evolutionary researcher for The Science of Survival: Lessons from Bugs, an engaging exploration of the remarkable world of ants and termites and the evolutionary arms race unfolding beneath our feet. Together, we'll uncover the incredible adaptations that allow these social insects to build massive colonies, defend themselves against powerful rivals, and survive through cooperation, specialization, and surprisingly sophisticated strategies.
What We'll Cover:
• The evolutionary arms race - Explore the ongoing battle between ants and termites and how competition drives extraordinary adaptations for survival.
• Engineering on an incredible scale - Discover how termites construct towering, cement-hard mounds capable of housing colonies of millions and creating highly organized environments.
• Survival through teamwork - Examine the remarkable strategies of social insects, from coordinated raids by Singing Ants to the surprising ways ants practice forms of army medicine to protect their colonies.
Whether you're fascinated by insects, evolution, or the hidden battles happening all around us, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the ingenuity, cooperation, and resilience that evolution has produced in some of Earth's smallest creatures.
Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.
About The Speaker:
Katherine Angier is a biologist who studies (and loves) bugs. She has a PhD from Harvard on the ecology of termites in the Republic of the Congo and has worked on ants in Kenya. She has given numerous lectures at the Entomological Society of America, Association for Tropical Biology and Conversation, and the Savanna Science Networking Meeting. Professionally Katherine worked two years at the Environmental Defense Fund on sustainable agriculture and is currently teaching Conservation Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston!
Good to know before you come:
- Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
- Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
- The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
- This is a participatory event
- Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow
Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Guided Experience / Talk
Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in — it’s your experience to enjoy.
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A / Reflection
Info: Ask questions, share insights, or hear behind-the-scenes stories from the host in a casual discussion.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection
Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!
Event venue & nearby stays
TBA (address found in email confirmation), Address found in email confirmation, Boston, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.