Nat Talks, made possible with support from presenting sponsor The Downing Family Foundation and media partner KPBS, feature museum staff and outside experts speaking on an array of topics, including the latest in scientific research, history, conservation, and the natural world.
Join Juliana Soto Patiño as she shares stories of pioneering female ornithologists, efforts for diversity, and the transformative power of exploration. Presented in partnership with San Diego Bird Alliance as part of the San Diego Bird Festival.
From Colombia’s vibrant landscapes and rich avifauna to global efforts for inclusive birding communities, this talk celebrates the journeys of women in ornithology and their invaluable contributions to bird research and conservation. Juliana Soto Patiño, a Colombian ornithologist and PhD student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, brings her passion for Neotropical bird diversity, evolution, and conservation to the forefront. Her research examines the evolutionary dynamics between birds and their feather lice, blending cutting-edge science with a deep love for exploration.
Juliana is also a strong advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in ornithology. She mentors young scientists, champions inclusive birding communities, and shares the stories of pioneering women who have shaped the field. This talk highlights the transformative power of exploration—both in the natural world and in the pursuit of equity and representation within ornithology.
This Nat Talk is presented in partnership with the San Diego Bird Alliance as part of the San Diego Bird Festival.
Tickets: $22 for members | $25 for non-members
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Join us during Nat at Night for a special screening of the Indigenous-led film MAATHAAW: The Fire Within Us, and hear from director and producer Andrew Pittman as he shares about the creation of this film.
The Kumeyaay people are the original stewards of the land we call home today and on which this event is hosted. For millennia, they have cared for their land in a variety of ways—including through fire.
Join us for a screening of the extended trailer for MAATHAAW: The Fire Within Us, an Indigenous-led film that documents the cultural, emotional, and scientific relationships of Southern California Tribes with the gift of fire. The film highlights the continued resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous communities and practices. At a time when the Southwest is facing unprecedented challenges related to climate change and wildfires, this film brings Indigenous voices to the forefront and acknowledges their leadership in climate adaptation and resilience.
After the screening, Director and Producer Andrew Pittman, alongside additional expert panelists, will delve into the details of the documentary and what has gone into its creation. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
Tickets for this talk include admission to the Museum for Nat at Night. Doors open at 5 PM. Theater doors open at 6:30 PM.
Tickets: $23 for non-members | $12 for members
To view recorded talks and lectures, visit our YouTube playlist.