UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State speaker series Research Unplugged launches its fall season on Oct. 8 with six events that bring to life Penn State faculty and student research for local audiences.
In partnership with Schlow Centre Region Library, Research Unplugged talks are held in the library's Downsbrough Community Room on six consecutive Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Limited free parking is available at Schlow Library starting at 11:45 a.m.The events are free and open to all, with complimentary light refreshments available.
Kicking off the fall series on Oct. 8 will be Tom Palchak, longtime manager of the Penn State Berkey Creamery, with a talk titled, “From Cow to Cone: The History and Science of Ice Cream.” This year marks the 150th birthday of the beloved Penn State institution and Palchak will discuss the Creamery’s history, traditions and future directions. Complimentary Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream samples provided for attendees.
On Oct. 15, Nichola Gutgold, associate dean for academic affairs at Schreyer Honors College, for her presentation, “Madam President: Women in American Electoral Politics.” From the 1964 race of Margaret Chase Smith to the 2008 race of Hillary Clinton, Gutgold will discuss the obstacles and opportunities facing women who run for our nation’s highest office.
Research Unplugged turns the spotlight on undergraduate research on Oct. 22. Penn State engineering students Justin Keenan and Kevin Paroda will describe how they created a new automated process in 3D printing. In a talk titled “3D Evolution: How Three-Dimensional Printing is Becoming Mainstream,” they’ll explain the technology, its uses and challenges and answer questions about creating a tech start-up and bringing a new product to market.
On Oct. 29, Research Unplugged focuses on people's fascination with things eerie and unexplained. Greg Eghigian, associate professor of modern history, will present “Earth and the Flying Saucers: Explaining the World’s Obsession with UFOs and Aliens.” He’ll trace the so-called “flying saucer era” from reports in the mid 1940s to today. What is behind our longstanding fascination with claims of UFOs from space and encounters with aliens? Eghigian will share an in-depth look at the rise, spread and popularity of the UFO and alien contact phenomenon.
Jed Gonzalo and Terry Wolpaw, physicians and deans in the Penn State College of Medicine, will lead the Nov. 5 discussion titled “Rethinking Medical School: Educating Patient-Centered Doctors of the Future.” They will discuss the College of Medicine’s new medical school curriculum, designed to help future doctors see the health care experience through the patient’s eyes. It also aims to help first-year students serve as patient navigators within the health care system.
The fall series ends on Nov. 12 on a musical note with “Brothers, Sing On! The Tradition of Male Collegiate Glee Clubs.” Christopher Kiver, director of choral activities, will share his insights on the musical and fraternal traditions of glee clubs on American campuses. Penn State Glee Club members will be on hand to sing school songs and share some of their experiences as members of Penn State’s oldest student organization.