How Two Centuries of Science Conquered Child Mortality

Join us for a fascinating journey through time from 1800 to the present as we track the dramatic decline in child mortality, revealing how scientific innovations have transformed human life. Explore life-saving breakthroughs—from variolation and water filtration to antibiotics and vaccines—and discover why "If not for science, half of you wouldn't be here." This inspiring keynote redefines science not as a cold process, but as a discipline fueled by unrelenting curiosity and dedication, unlocking knowledge that makes our lives longer, better, and more hopeful.

Bertha Vazquez is a retired middle school science teacher and the Education Director at The Center for Inquiry. She leads a network of 100 teachers who have delivered over 475 professional development sessions across all 50 US States. Her innovative approach to teaching climate science has been featured in the New York Times and NPR. She is the editor of On Teaching Evolution (2021), a co-author of What Teachers Want to Know About Teaching Climate Change (2025), and a recipient of the 2023 Friend of Darwin Award. Bertha is a regular conference speaker and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

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