This presentation takes an unflinching, science-informed look at what happens after death—and how funeral professionals guide the process with skill, compassion, and a touch of chemistry. From the first moments of care to final disposition, we’ll explore what really happens behind the scenes of modern funeral service.
We’ll follow the full journey from death to disposition, including the methods and purpose of embalming, how cremation works, and the expanding range of disposition options available today. There will be some honest detail—nothing gratuitous, but enough to satisfy the scientifically curious.
Finally, we’ll look at what it means to work in this field: the daily realities, emotional demands, and professional training behind one of society’s most essential (and least discussed) callings.
Speaker Bio:
Mac Aulay is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who found her calling in a second career devoted to caring for others. After working as a pharmacy technician, she felt drawn to support families through one of life’s most difficult moments.
A 34-year-old mom and lifelong learner, Mac Aulay completed her apprenticeship and schooling while working full time with her current firm, where she’s been for nearly four years. Licensed for just over a year, she continues to find deep purpose and fulfillment in the work she loves—helping people with compassion, skill, and a personal touch.
🎟️ Admission is $5 per person.
🪪 Tardigrade’s Bookshelf Members get complimentary entry to all Fox Valley Science Society events.
☕ Drinks are available, and the bookbar will be open before and after the presentation – come browse, sip, and settle in.
This presentation takes an unflinching, science-informed look at what happens after death—and how funeral professionals guide the process with skill, compassion, and a touch of chemistry. From the first moments of care to final disposition, we’ll explore what really happens behind the scenes of modern funeral service.
We’ll follow the full journey from death to disposition, including the methods and purpose of embalming, how cremation works, and the expanding range of disposition options available today. There will be some honest detail—nothing gratuitous, but enough to satisfy the scientifically curious.
Finally, we’ll look at what it means to work in this field: the daily realities, emotional demands, and professional training behind one of society’s most essential (and least discussed) callings.
Speaker Bio:
Mac Aulay is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who found her calling in a second career devoted to caring for others. After working as a pharmacy technician, she felt drawn to support families through one of life’s most difficult moments.
A 34-year-old mom and lifelong learner, Mac Aulay completed her apprenticeship and schooling while working full time with her current firm, where she’s been for nearly four years. Licensed for just over a year, she continues to find deep purpose and fulfillment in the work she loves—helping people with compassion, skill, and a personal touch.
🎟️ Admission is $5 per person.
🪪 Tardigrade’s Bookshelf Members get complimentary entry to all Fox Valley Science Society events.
☕ Drinks are available, and the bookbar will be open before and after the presentation – come browse, sip, and settle in.
🕕 The presentation starts at 6pm, but feel free to stop in early, grab your drink, and get settled.
🍸 Heads up on drinks: Our liquor license is pending until the VFW building renovation wraps up and our paperwork meanders through the system, so beer and wine availability depends on the current progress. In the meantime, enjoy our fabulous mocktails while we wait to pour beer and wine legally. Thanks for bearing with us during this final stretch to full opening.
