May
29

Science on Tap

May 29

Sharkitects of a Brighter Future

Embark on an evening of science, conversation, and libations at Georgia Aquarium’s 21+ lecture series, Science on Tap. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, join us in the stunning Oceans Ballroom for an exclusive event featuring a reception with light hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine at 6:00 PM, followed by a captivating presentation at 6:30 PM. After the presentation, engage in a lively Q&A session with our speaker to dive even deeper into the topic.

This month’s Science on Tap lecture explores a groundbreaking effort to save the endangered zebra shark.

Zebra sharks are facing a critical decline due to habitat loss and the shark fin trade, earning them an Endangered status on the IUCN Red List. But hope is on the horizon. Discover how Georgia Aquarium is playing a vital role in The StAR Project—a conservation initiative led by the West Papua Provincial Government and the Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia. This innovative project is restoring wild zebra shark populations by transporting aquarium-bred egg cases to protected hatcheries in Raja Ampat, where they are nurtured, tagged, and eventually released into their natural habitat.

Learn how the expertise of accredited aquariums, including Georgia Aquarium, is shaping the future of zebra shark conservation.

Space is limited for this unforgettable experience, so don’t wait—reserve your tickets now to secure your spot at Science on Tap!

Science on Tap 23

Event Includes

  • Light Bites

     

  • Beer and Wine

     

  • Parking

     

  • Presentation

     

Featured Speaker

Dr. Lisa Hoopes, Senior Director of Research & Conservation

Dr. Lisa Hoopes leads a team of scientists conducting global field studies to better understand oceans and their inhabitants. A physiological ecologist, her research focuses on feeding ecology, nutrition, and energetics of aquatic species, including sharks, dolphins, penguins, horseshoe crabs, and weedy sea dragons. She explores how insights from wild populations can enhance animal care in zoos and aquariums.

A sought-after speaker on aquatic animal nutrition, Dr. Hoopes teaches veterinary professionals through the AQUAVET program. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including AZA, AES, and the Comparative Nutrition Society, and serves as the nutrition advisor to the AZA Marine Fishes Taxon Advisory Group.

Dr. Lisa Hoopes 4

Event Information

Event Essentials

  • Advance registration is required; tickets will not be sold at the door.
  • Doors open at 6:00 PM; program begins promptly at 6:30 PM.
  • Late seating may not be available – please arrive before 6:30 PM.
  • Program ends around 7:30 PM; doors close at 8:00 PM.
  • All guests must be 21+ to attend the event; a valid ID is required for entry.

Parking Information

  • Complimentary parking is available in our attached covered parking garage – please bring your parking ticket inside for validation.
  • Use the following street address for a direct route to Georgia Aquarium’s parking garage: 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313.
  • Guests parking at the Coca-Cola parking deck will be charged a full parking fee.

Policies

  • Refunds will not be issued for cancellations, no-shows, or late arrivals.
  • Ticket does not include Aquarium admission.

For questions, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at 404-581-4000.

An Ocean of Good

The full cost of your ticket goes directly to support Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation initiatives.

Georgia Aquarium conducts crucial research by working with animals both in human care and in their natural habitats to improve husbandry methods, develop innovative and exciting new exhibits, contribute to the understanding of the underwater world and apply new discoveries to the conservation of aquatic life. Every day, researchers in the Aquarium’s exhibits and labs are learning more about marine life in order to develop new methods of animal care and veterinary medicine. By combining field research with the study of on-site animals in a controlled environment, the Aquarium is contributing to the advancement of human knowledge in the area of animal science.

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