NANTUCKET, MA— The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) invites the community to a presentation by Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Sherman, the MMA’s Senior Marine Science Advisor, as part of its September Science Speaker Series. The free presentation will take place on Wednesday, September 23, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., both at 33 Washington Street and via Zoom.  Tides, sunlight, storms, and biological activity shape Nantucket Harbor over hours, days, and seasons. Sherman will invite the audience to join her in investigating what three years of continuous buoy monitoring have revealed: how tidal and daily biological cycles differ, what happens when potentially stressful conditions converge, and how scientists decide whether an apparent pattern is real and useful. By following one particular investigation from an intriguing hypothesis to evidence that ultimately did not support it, she will show how scientists work amid uncertainty, and why good science sometimes means letting go of a compelling idea and asking a better question. This event will be held in person at 33 Washington Street and via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for Zoom. To register for the free, virtual event, use the registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DqH4ICQ9QcKKgcjB9ebe9w Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Sherman is Senior Marine Science Advisor at the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), a role she assumed in summer 2025. In this position, she has shaped the MMA’s Nantucket Harbor buoy program into a rigorous, decision-relevant monitoring effort focused on harbor biodiversity. She established verification procedures for continuous sensor measurements, cross-checked buoy data with other regional monitoring records, and strengthened data collaboration with partner organizations. She also advises on program design and provides public outreach talks that translate sensor records into ecological meaning. Dr. Betsy Sherman is Professor Emerita of Biology at Bennington College, where she taught and conducted research for more than forty years. Her work has focused on how organisms respond to environmental stress in freshwater and marine systems, particularly coral reefs. Sherman earned a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Vermont and completed postdoctoral research in Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University. Her research on environmental physiology, evolution, animal behavior, and coral reef ecology has been supported by numerous grants, including funding from the National Science Foundation, and has resulted in publications in both scientific journals and public-facing science venues. Throughout her career, Sherman has also been deeply involved in science education and public engagement, giving lectures and working with students, teachers, and community organizations across New England. The Science Speaker Series is generously sponsored by the Maria Mitchell Association’s lead sponsor, Bank of America. The Nantucket Harbor buoy project has been supported by the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, whose early investment helped make continuous water-quality monitoring in Nantucket Harbor possible. Additional support has been provided by the Remain Nantucket Fund at the Community Foundation for Nantucket, the Osceola Foundation, the Sociable Weaver Foundation, and through collaboration with the Town of Nantucket Harbormaster. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###