On the third Tuesday of every month, the Sisters Science Club packs The Belfry, an old church in Sisters turned performance venue, with curious minds eager to learn about the next “Frontier in Science.” What began in 2011 as the dream of Cal Allen, Bob Collins, and Dave Hiller, three passionate members of the Sisters scientific community, has become a thriving organization that brings high-level topics to the Sisters education system and wider community. What is their goal? David Duehren, president of the club’s board, highlights the first line of their mission statement: “to create and maintain a community culture where the study of science is visible, valued and celebrated.”
Throughout the club’s history, it has have been involved in expanding science education in Sisters. Duehren reflects, “What do you want your average high school graduate to be confident about in terms of science when they graduate?” To foster this scientific learning, the club has invested in hands-on and professional experiences. These ventures have included launching the flight science program, constructing greenhouses, and annual trips to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. While tackling science in schools, the Sisters Science Club also helped create Seed To Table. This organization has sprouted into a farm-based education opportunity for youth while supporting families with fresh produce. While each of these programs started as initiatives of the club, they have taken off as popular independent programs. Meanwhile, at a grassroots level, Rima Givot—a science teacher at Sisters High School—says that “the club continues to financially support teachers with projects and activities that the school may not be able to cover.” Through these projects, the club helps connect classroom ideas to real-world applications.
Alongside school education, the Sisters Science Club is dedicated to expanding scientific understanding in the wider community. The flagship of this mission is the “Frontiers in Science” lecture series at The Belfry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club’s activity came to a halt. Duehren, who joined right after this period, worked to revitalize the programs. “We said, ‘Hey, let’s get the lecture series going again.’ That’s got a big community benefit,” he reflects. As part of the deeply knit community of Sisters, The Belfry quickly filled again with eager listeners. In the past, the lectures have brought speakers from around Oregon, with topics ranging from particle physics and black holes to the social behavior of wolves. The series continues to draw high attendance every month to The Belfry, the lifelong partner of the lecture series.
On Jan. 20, Givot and Scott Woodford, community development director for the City of Sisters, will highlight the importance of dark skies, an issue particularly relevant to the local area. Sisters and Central Oregon are not far from the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the largest in the world. In recent years, Sisters was designated the second International Dark Sky Community in Oregon. “It’s an issue where individuals can have such a big impact… from shielding their lights, to using warm lighting,” Givot says. Givot will give insights into the health, economic, and environmental benefits of responsible lighting practices. Woodford will provide steps individuals can take to help address this issue. These two have worked together to revise lighting ordinances and gather data around Sisters to achieve its dark sky designation.
On Feb. 17, Dr. Eric Schuur, founder of HepaTx—a California-based biotechnology company focused on liver disease treatment — will demystify genetic engineering and gene therapy. As someone who has been in the biotechnology industry for over 30 years, he aims to bring awareness to the science behind genetic engineering. “Bring it from something that’s sci-fi to a reality-based thinking,” Schuur emphasizes. His lecture will range from debunking the “dangers” of gene therapy to discussing designer babies to the history of genetic engineering.
With the “Frontiers in Science” Lecture Series reestablished, Duehren has hopes for the Sisters Science Club’s future endeavors, “to provide a benefit to living in Sisters.” As they begin the new year, they look to continue supporting schools with their field trips and hands-on experiences.
“Dark Skies – Why We Should Care” by Rima Givot and Scott Woodford Tue, Jan 20, 7pm “Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy” by Dr. Eric Schuur Tue, Feb 17, 7pm The Belfry 302 E Main Avenue, Sisters belfryevents.com/event/frontiers-in-science-lecture-series-9/ $5 at the door
This article appears in the Source January 8, 2026.
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