The Large Lakes Observatory will host its popular event, Science On Deck, offering public tours and presentations aboard the research vessel, The Blue Heron, this Friday.

The event, which started in 2014, has become a well-loved tradition, providing a hands-on learning experience for attendees. Dr. Elizabeth Minor, a professor of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota Duluth, highlighted the event’s progression over the years.

“We’ve gotten a little bit more practice in how to have a flow and how to make sure that people can see all the interesting parts of the boat,” Minor said. “It’s one of my favorite things to do as part of my job.”

Each Science On Deck event features a different guest speaker who shares insights into their research. This Friday, Dr. Jessica Sieber will discuss food and microbial physiology as it relates to the FinnFest also taking place.

The event, held at Pier B from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free and open to the public. Guided tours of The Blue Heron are available throughout the day, with the guest speaker presentation beginning at 1 p.m.