July 24, 2025: Science on Tap: Unwrapping Evolution: How Paleontologists Build the Tree of Life

July 24: Join Prescott Vayda, a PhD student in geosciences at Virginia Tech, on July 24th at 5:30 p.m. at Rising Silo Brewery for Science on Tap: "Unwrapping Evolution: How Paleontologists Build the Tree of Life.”

Animals have lived on earth for over half a billion years, but what did those first animals look like and how are they related to the diversity we know today? Vayda will share about how paleontologists use clues from the fossil record to decipher the relationships of ancient organisms. We will explore the methods used to build trees with the help of candy bars! Is a Snickers more related to a Reese’s or a Kit Kat?

*Allergy Note: there will be peanut containing products at this event*

Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech's chapter of Sigma Xi.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Smith at erinsmith@vt.edu during regular business hours least ten days before the event.