Retirees often find creative ways to balance relaxation with a sense of purpose. Spartan Engineer Don Morelli likes to put the social into science.
Morelli is a retired professor and former chairperson of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University. He retired in 2023.
Held on the third Wednesday of each month from September through April, Morelli brings casual learning to the public at an event called Science on Tap. The informal gatherings host area residents and scientists for expert-led science conversations. Topics are family friendly and wide-ranging, from soft robotics and water quality to in-depth discussions on cancer detection and brain injuries.
Since January 2024, Morelli has helped host 16 events at Brewery Becker in Brighton covering current interests in science, engineering, and technology. Events are free and open to the public and are designed to foster relaxed conversations, rather than formal lecturing.
How did you get involved in Science on Tap?
“A science café (or in our case Science on Tap) is an informal discussion of science, led by a scientist, in a setting such as a pub or restaurant. They are open to everyone. Science cafés are well-known vehicles for bringing science to non-scientist members of local communities. This isn’t a new idea that I came up with. Most of these types of events tend to take place in university communities. But folks who live in university settings hear about academic research all the time. Our Science on Tap series seeks to network with communities in more rural regions of Michigan, where opportunities for interaction with science and scientists are not as prevalent.”
What’s different about the series you’re helping to host?
“Bringing the discussion of cutting-edge science and engineering directly to rural communities in an informal, open setting allows for one-on-one human interaction. We strive to respect the views of all present and encourage questioning and alternative viewpoints. Our goal is to break down stigmas and drive home the message that science and scientists work for the good of all people -- not just those in urban areas or who have college degrees.”
What’s the best part for you?
“I enjoy bringing a group of people together with different backgrounds and education levels to talk about science. Ages range from 20 years old to people in their 80s. It is very satisfying to see a group like this get together and actually talk to one another in a congenial, meaningful, and substantive way. People have been uniformly ecstatic.”
What else are you doing in retirement?
“I started Science on Tap because there is a strong need for scientists to communicate the importance of science to the general public. I don’t think we do a very good job of that. In support of this mission, I also have written several commentaries and opinion pieces for local news media outlets - including Bridge Michigan and Crain’s Detroit Business - on topics of current interest such as energy policy, government funding of academic research, rare earth magnets, etc.”
“I also have been involved in other community service activities, including Meals on Wheels and a local food bank. I am also teaching myself to work with stained glass and try to combine stained glass with LED lighting. I like this because it involves materials such as metals, glass, etc. used in materials science but the creative and artistic element of it gives me a chance to exercise the other half of my brain a little.”
“Finally, and best of all, I have four grandchildren between the ages of nine months and nine years, who all live locally. I get to spend a lot of fun time with them.”
Written by Patricia Mroczek
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page