Welcome to the Curious Brews Archive
At Curious Brews, we believe great science belongs in casual, comfortable spaces where everyone feels welcome to learn and ask questions. Every month, we bring researchers, local experts, and curious minds together for informal talks over drinks.
If you missed an event, don't worry, the learning doesn't stop when the evening ends. Use this page to catch up on previous topics, learn more about our past guest speakers, and get a feel for what our community is all about.
Have a question about a past topic or a suggestion for a future speaker? Feel free to reach out to us!
Lecture #1: Dr. Sogand Zakerhaghighi
Out With the Old: A Spring Reset for Mind & Space (March 2026) — For our inaugural Curious Brews lecture, we kicked off the season by diving into the neuroscience and psychology behind decluttering both our living spaces and our minds to support overall mental well-being. Guest speaker Sogand Zakerhaghighi—a trauma-informed Mental Health Professional, broadcaster on TURN 97.9 FM, and wellness content creator—led an engaging conversation on how physical surroundings influence stress levels and cognitive load. Drawing on her extensive background in counseling, psychology, and holistic wellness education, Sogand shared practical, evidence-based strategies for letting go of mental clutter, reducing daily stress, and making room for a fresh, compassionate reset.
Lecture #2: Dr. Vivian Mushahwar
The "Smartwear Revolution": How Intelligent Textiles Are Redefining Mobility (April 2026) – Exploring how cutting-edge technology can transform everyday clothing into life-changing medical tools, this lecture showcased the future of wearable assistive technology being pioneered right here in Edmonton. Guest speaker Dr. Vivian Mushahwar—Director of the Institute for Smart, Augmentative and Restorative Technologies and Health Innovations (iSMART), Canada Research Chair in Functional Restoration, and Professor in the U of A’s Department of Medicine—shared how her team builds intelligent, light, and washable smartwear that senses body movement and adapts to help restore mobility after paralysis, prevent deep vein thrombosis, and stop pressure injuries. Drawing parallels to sci-fi innovations like Batman’s memory-cloth cape, Dr. Mushahwar highlighted how discreet, affordable neural prostheses and smart garments are breaking new ground in creative rehabilitation and redefining what human bodies can achieve.
Lecture #3: Dr. Junaid B. Jahangir
Real World Economics and Disney (May 2026) — Unpacking the economic realities hidden behind classic animated fairy tales, this eye-opening session tackled fundamental questions of upward social mobility, equal opportunity, and the myth of meritocracy through the lens of childhood cinema. Guest speaker Dr. Junaid B. Jahangir—Associate Professor of Economics at MacEwan University, author, and champion of economic pluralism—guided attendees through iconic Disney stories, like Cinderella and The Princess and the Frog, to explore whether hard work truly guarantees a happy ending or if the economic playing field is tilted from the start. Drawing on his expertise in making complex economic concepts accessible to everyone, Dr. Jahangir offered a fun, nostalgic, and thought-provoking look at how pop culture reflects modern debates surrounding fairness, inequality, and social mobility.
Lecture #4: Dr. Murtaza Haider
Crime, Perception, and Reality: Where Does Edmonton Really Stand? (June 2026) — Examining the sharp divide between statistical evidence and public perception, this consequential session analyzed how Edmonton’s violent crime rates truly compare across major Canadian urban centers. Guest speaker Dr. Murtaza Haider—Professor and Radhe Krishna Gupta Executive Chair in Cities and Communities at the Alberta School of Business, Executive Director of the Cities Institute, and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute—used comparative urban data to unpack why visible disorder continues to challenge community confidence despite police and city initiatives. Dr. Haider bridged data science with public policy, guiding us through national safety benchmarks, the psychology driving safety perceptions, and the vital policy shifts needed to revitalize downtown Edmonton and attract future investment.
Lecture #5: Dr. Alison Criscitiello
The Canadian Ice Core Lab: Axel Heiberg Island Ice Core Expedition (September 2026) — Taking us on a journey to the remote high Arctic, this urgent and eye-opening talk pulled back the curtain on the deepest ice core drilling in Canadian history. Guest speaker Dr. Alison Criscitiello—Director of the Canadian Ice Core Lab at the University of Alberta, Assistant Professor, high-altitude mountaineer, and recipient of both the Banff Centre’s Summit of Excellence Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal—shared behind-the-scenes insights from her team's collaborative expedition with Danish scientists on Axel Heiberg Island. Drawing on chemical analysis of frozen archives from polar and high-alpine regions, Dr. Criscitiello revealed preliminary data on sea ice and historical climate trends, illustrating why researchers are in a high-stakes race against time to extract ancient environmental records before rising temperatures melt them away forever.
Lecture #6: Brooke Leifso
The Art of Accessibility (October 2026) — Exploring how community gatherings and cultural events can become genuinely welcoming spaces for everyone, this interactive session revealed that meaningful accessibility can be straightforward, low-cost, and creative. Guest speaker Brooke Leifso—Research Chair in Inclusion and Accessibility at NorQuest College's Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership, disabled academic, access consultant, and performance artist—shared practical, transferable strategies drawn from her work with major organizations like the Citadel Theatre and the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. Highlighting key findings from national accessibility guidebooks she co-authored for the Disability Screen Office, Brooke demonstrated how clear communication, thoughtful design, and creative problem-solving enrich the entire community while making events accessible for all.