After Sen Jeff Flake mocked her work in his "Congressional Wastebook," Prof. Sheila Patek joined other scientists for a poster session in the Russell Senate Office Building. They were there to demonstrate to Flake and his colleagues that their federally-funded research has a serious purpose and is valid science. Patek was able to explain her supposed "Shrimp Fight Club" research to Flake himself, pointing out that knowing how shrimp generate tremendous force to smash snail shells assists defense-related research on protective materials. Flake's response to the exhibit? "It was enlightening, and we want to make sure we are accurate. It is a learning process,” he told reporter Sam Stein.

The Coalition to Promote Research and the Coalition for National Science Funding hosted the event, which took place on April 13.