From the Big Bang to Biology w/Dr. Andrew Shuerger

How did the universe go from a cloud of hydrogen and helium... to you?
Nearly 14 billion years ago, the universe began with the Big Bang. Over billions of years, stars forged the elements, planets formed, chemistry became biology, and life emerged on Earth. It's one of the most extraordinary stories science has ever uncovered—and one we're still learning more about every day.
At the Central Florida Freethought Community, we believe curiosity is something to celebrate. We value following the evidence, asking big questions, and embracing the excitement of discovering how the natural world works. Few topics capture that spirit better than the story of our own origins.
Join us as Dr. Andrew Schuerger takes us on a fascinating journey through cosmic history, exploring how the universe evolved from its earliest moments to the emergence of life on Earth. Along the way, we'll discover how astronomy, geology, chemistry, biology, and evolution weave together to tell one remarkable story—one built on observation, evidence, and decades of scientific discovery.
Whether you're a lifelong science enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys asking "How do we know?", this presentation is sure to inspire wonder and spark great conversation.
About the Speaker
Dr. Andrew C. Schuerger recently retired as a Research Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida after a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in microbiology, plant pathology, and astrobiology.
His career has included groundbreaking research at EPCOT's The Land, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and the University of Florida, where he studied everything from plant diseases in advanced growing systems to the survival of microorganisms under Martian conditions. His work has contributed to NASA's Astrobiology Program and future plans for human exploration of Mars, making him uniquely qualified to tell the story of life's place in the universe.
Today, Dr. Schuerger enjoys photography, painting, hiking, reading, and sharing his passion for science with the public.
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