Innovators share their creative solutions at the 7th annual State of Science and Innovation event in St. Petersburg.
The 7th annual State of Science and Innovation event in St. Petersburg highlighted brilliant minds presenting their solutions to pressing issues. City leaders emphasized partnership and creativity, showcasing innovations such as data transmission from the Moon, music from scientific research, and advancements in medical technology. The event reaffirmed St. Petersburg as a hub for innovation that addresses both local and global challenges, paving the way for a brighter future.
St. Petersburg recently hosted its 7th annual State of Science and Innovation event at the impressive Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Research and Teaching Center. This gathering brought together some truly ingenious minds ready to tackle pressing issues. With the buzzing excitement in the air, the event showcased innovative work from six talented presenters in a fun-filled format—six-minute showcases, allowing them to share their big ideas with enthusiasm and creativity!
City Councilmember Gina Driscoll kicked things off by discussing the importance of developing solutions for critical problems “by air, land, and sea – even from the Moon.” That’s right! In today’s fast-paced world, creativity knows no bounds. It was clear that everyone present was on a mission to think outside the box and find extraordinary solutions to everyday problems.
Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the crucial role of partnerships, science, data, and innovation in overcoming both local and global challenges. It’s all about teamwork, folks! Together, these innovators are committed to making St. Petersburg a better place to live and thrive.
One highlight of the event was the presentation by Lonestar Lunar. This exciting startup successfully transmitted data to and from space in February 2024, protecting critical data on the Moon. The CEO credited St. Petersburg for enabling these achievements, showing that innovation can flourish right here. Lonestar Lunar is pioneering a new concept called “resiliency as a service,” tapping into the Moon’s solar energy and cooling features to store data securely. With humans generating over 2.5 million bytes of new data daily—doubling every six months!—the strain on natural resources is apparent, making their work all the more vital.
St. Florida was among Lonestar’s first customers, and they’re set to return to the Moon in late February 2024. Talk about an adventurous journey in the name of innovation!
Next up was Dr. Heather O’Leary, an anthropologist from USFSP. She developed CRESCENDO, a unique platform that generates music from scientific research to make complex data more accessible. The audience was treated to a special performance by the USF Symphonic Band and Wind Orchestra, featuring a composition based on her fascinating research on red tide. This innovative approach to interpreting scientific data through art is both refreshing and inspiring! Furthermore, O’Leary is working on creating a mobile gallery to host exhibitions that interpret scientific discoveries through captivating artistic displays.
Dr. Martin Trapecar has taken a remarkable step forward by creating the Laboratory of Human Biomimetics at All Children’s Hospital. His focus is on developing disease models using cutting-edge human-on-a-chip technology. This work will greatly enhance the understanding of how tissues and cells respond to diseases, ultimately assisting in the discovery of new genetic medicines that could save lives.
In another noteworthy presentation, Dr. Gary Mitchum led a discussion on the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation. He reported that seas have risen by three to four inches over the past quarter-century. With the expected tenfold increase in local flooding events by the mid-2030s, it is clear that adaptation has never been more important, and the community is ready to tackle these challenges head-on.
Last but not least, Shannon Mulrooney from Orlando Bayfront Hospital showcased the Hercules Patient Repositioning System. This revolutionary nursing technology allows care providers to effortlessly reposition patients weighing up to 750 pounds. The game-changing nature of this system is reshaping patient care, ensuring it remains efficient and dignified.
The event brought to light the essence of innovation targeted at serving every resident in St. Petersburg. The inspiring work being done here not only addresses immediate community needs but also contributes to solutions on a global scale. The future looks bright, with these brilliant minds leading the charge in scientific advancements and creative solutions!
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