UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State speaker series Research Unplugged launches its fall season on Oct. 9 with six speakers poised to share their expertise with local residents.
In partnership with Schlow Centre Region Library, Research Unplugged talks are held in the library's Downsbrough Community Room on six consecutive Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Limited free parking is available at Schlow Library starting at 11:45 a.m.As always, the events are free and open to all, with complimentary light refreshments available.
Kicking off the fall series on Oct. 9, Eva Lefkowitz will present “Beyond Birds and Bees: How to Talk to Your Teens about Sex and Relationships.” Lefkowitz, associate professor in human development and Family Studies, will share research on sexual and romantic relationships in adolescence and emerging adulthood and answer questions about helping young adults make informed choices.On Oct. 16, Bryan McDonald will present “Dinner for Seven Billion: Food Issues for the 21st Century.” McDonald, assistant professor of history, will lead the discussion on global food problems. Will food shortages threaten human security in the decades ahead? Join the conversation to ask questions and learn more.
Research Unplugged takes an artistic turn on Oct. 23 with Joel Priddy’s talk, “Getting Graphic: Visual Storytelling and the Graphic Novel.” Priddy, associate professor of graphic design and an award-winning graphic novelist, will explore this popular genre.On Oct. 30, just in time for Halloween, Matt Swayne will present "Haunted Universities: Ghost Lore from America’s Campuses.” Swayne is adjunct instructor of journalism and author of America’s Haunted Universities: Ghosts that Roam Hallowed Halls. He’ll serve as the audience's guide to the myths and meanings of these creepy tales from the Ivory Tower.
On Nov. 6, John Jordan will present “Rise of the Robots: Imagining the Future of Robot-Human Relationships.” Jordan, clinical professor of supply chain and information systems, will help attendees move past pop culture stereotypes and envision the possibilities for the role of robots in the not-too-distant future.
Vincent Benitez wraps up the fall series on Nov. 13 with “Pop! America’s Enduring Love for Popular Music.” Benitez, associate professor of music theory, will give a guided tour — with many musical examples along the way — of pop music’s most influential creations and artists.