Science Cafe focus: The air we breathe

Jill Poole, M.D.

Jill Poole, M.D., an associate professor in the internal medicine division of pulmonary, critical care, sleep & allergy at UNMC, will talk about what’s in the air we breathe at the next Omaha Science Cafe, to be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the Slowdown, 729, N. 14th St.

Dr. Poole is the medical director of allergy services at UNMC.

A native of Grand Island, Dr. Poole completed her medical school training at UNMC, during which time she took one year to conduct research at the National Institutes of Health in the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Poole’s primary research work has been focused on agricultural-related respiratory diseases and she has published more than 50 peer-reviewed studies. She is active in the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and serves as the Occupational Airway Disease section editor of the journal, Current Allergy and Asthma Reports.

Aaron Yoder, Ph.D., an assistant professor in environment, agricultural and occupational health at UNMC College of Public Health, also will present. Dr. Yoder will talk about wearable technologies for wellness, such as Fitbit, Band by Microsoft and other smart watches now available on the market.

A graduate of Purdue University with a doctorate degree in agriculture and biological engineering, Dr. Yoder’s research interests focus on developing technologies that lead to a safer and healthier work environment for people in agriculture and related industries.

Science Cafes involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older), and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.

Pizza will be provided by The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, click here. Podcasts of previous Science Cafes also are available on the website or available for download on iTunes here.