The speaker will discuss the chemical sensors which our body uses for smell and taste, which are 'classically' found in the nose and tongue, are also found in the kidney and in blood vessels, and that these individual sensors play functional roles in physiology. These sensors are chemical detectors, very well-developed to do their functions by evolution, and recent studies have shown that many other organs and tissues in the body take advantage of these receptors. We are particularly interested in how the kidney – which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body – utilizes these receptors. Jen is now an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Coffee and cookies at 4:00 p.m. This event is open to the public.