NHTI’s Lesser to Lead Beer Demo at Concord’s Market Days

CONCORD, NH – Suds, ale, brewski … no matter what you call it, beer holds a distinct and historical place in our world culture. And for NHTI chemistry professor Tracy Lesser, teaching the science behind beer is one of her passions.

On June 23 at 5 p.m. during the downtown Market Days, Lesser will be in the Beer Tent to lead an hour-long discussion that will help crack the code for microbrewers and hobbyists alike by exploring the processes behind one of the world’s oldest and most beloved beverages.

“Beer is one of the most ubiquitous drinks in the world,” says Lesser. “Once you understand the science behind making it, you open up a world of craft brewing possibilities.”

Lesser will answer questions and explore how microbes ferment and create different beer varietals. She will be joined in the Market Days discussion by Greg Meeh of Cold Garden Spirits in Canterbury, who will explain the distillation of and scientific methods used in crafting bourbon and other spirits.

“Tracey is a great educator, and her beer course at NHTI has been a huge success for our students,” says Dr. Andrew Fisher, vice president of Academic Affairs at NHTI. “We wish her luck in bringing her extensive knowledge to the public – and if you have the chance to go, we highly recommend it!”

Beer is created when water, fermentable sugars (barley, corn, rice, wheat, grains), hops, and yeast are combined, heated, and set to age; it’s this interaction that produces the varieties like lagers and IPAs. At NHTI, Lesser teaches a popular course, “The Science of Beer,” that explores these concepts using beer as its medium – a change in chemistry pedagogy that has been wildly successful. Students brew their own craft beer batches and through experimentation, roleplaying, and instruction, they stay engaged and learn a valuable skill in addition to chemistry.

For additional information on the Market Days presentation and Lesser’s Science of Beer course at NHTI, contact tlesser@ccsnh.edu.

 

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NHTI – Concord’s Community College

NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning that provides accessible, rigorous education for students, businesses, and the community. We create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement, offering 90+ academic programs to 4,600+ students annually. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire and since 1969 has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Press Contact           Amber Gavriluk  |  603-230-4001  |  agavriluk@ccsnh.edu