Speakers \ Meetings
Meetings take place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Princeton & District Museum and Archives, 167 Vermilion Avenue at 7 p.m. Monthly meetings are followed by a guest speaker who makes a presentation on a topic dealing with the natural world. Refreshments are served after the presentation. The public is welcome to attend.
2026 List of Speakers
(Click on the meeting name for more information)
Presentation: How tiny RNA Molecules are Transforming the Treatment of Blindness, Diabetes, Cancer, and Rare Genetic Diseases with Dr. Perry Howard
September 8th, 2026
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Princeton Museum
For decades, the idea of treating disease with RNA was considered unrealistic. RNA molecules were thought to be too unstable, too difficult to deliver, and too complex to control. Today, RNA-based medicines are transforming the treatment of previously untreatable genetic diseases and opening entirely
new possibilities for precision medicine.
In this lecture, Dr. Perry Howard will tell the story of the RNA revolution through one remarkable scientific journey. Beginning with a rare inherited eye disorder called aniridia, he will show how decades of basic research into gene regulation and RNA biology led to new therapeutic strategies designed to restore normal gene expression. Along the way, he will explore why breakthroughs such as Spinraza for spinal muscular atrophy marked a turning point in medicine and why many scientists believe we are only beginning to realize the therapeutic potential of RNA.
Dr. Perry Howard is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. His research explores how RNA processing controls stem cell function, development, and disease, with a particular focus on understanding the role of the RNA-processing protein ARS2 and developing RNA-based therapies for genetic disorders such as aniridia. His laboratory combines fundamental discoveries in RNA biology with the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring normal gene expression. A gifted educator, Dr. Howard is passionate about sharing how basic scientific discoveries can lead to transformative advances in medicine.
Presentation: Evidence-based Conservation with Michael Noonan
October 13th, 2026
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Princeton Museum
Michael Noonan is an Assistant of biology professor at UBCO. He works in the Quantitative Ecology Lab, which is focused on the statistically efficient integration of ecological data into evidence-based conservation.
Presentation: Similkameen Geology with John Henry
November 10th, 2026
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Princeton Museum
John Henry is a self-taught and enthusiastic geologist who has made it his job to come to a deeper understanding of the ground we stand on here in the Similkameen Valley. In this presentation he will share the geothermal, volcanic and glacial origins of our area.
Presentation: Local Lichens with Mary Masiel and John Henry
February 9th, 2027
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Princeton Museum
Mary and John have made it their business to come to a deeper understanding of the natural world around us. Their latest passion is lichens. On their hikes they have taken photographs of the many varied lichens found in our forests. In this presentation they will show some of these photos and share their knowledge this fascinating and often overlooked organism.