USU's Science Unwrapped STEM Outreach Program Launches 'Joining Forces' Series

After a summer break, Utah State University’s Science Unwrapped, the College of Science’s popular public STEM outreach program, returns with its new fall 2024 Joining Forces series.

“Our new series explores the synergy and innovation that develop when we collaborate in scientific activity and research across divergent disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We’ll hear from scientists from a wide range of fields, who work with people of varied expertise to come up with creative, sustainable solutions.”

The series will kick off Friday, Sept. 13, with the presentation “How Do We Learn and How Should We Teach?” with learning scientist Hillary Swanson, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences. Swanson will speak at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130 of the Eccles Science Learning Center on campus. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

The Joining Forces series schedule is as follows:

In 2025, Science Unwrapped kicks off its Celebrate Undergrad Research series Jan. 24. The series is a nod to Utah State’s “Year of Undergraduate Research,” which commemorates the university’s remarkable 50 years of groundbreaking undergraduate research. The Science Unwrapped series will feature USU students and faculty who are actively involved in programs and projects promoting and advancing undergraduate research:

Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, Jessica Habashi, USU biologist
Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, Josh Lively, USU paleontologist
Friday, March 21, 2025, Elizabeth Vargis, USU biological engineer and 2024 Goldwater Scholar Sophia Hessami
Friday, April 11, 2025, Matt Young, USU mathematician and 2024 Peak Summer Research Fellow Seth Porter

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped welcomes inquiring minds of all ages to its family friendly events. Each presentation begins at 7 p.m. with a brief talk in the Emert Auditorium (ESLC 130), followed by refreshments and hands-on learning activities conducted by student and community groups in the ESLC atrium.

Science Unwrapped welcomes student organizations, academic departments, community groups and individuals who wish to volunteer to provide hands-on STEM learning activities at the public events. Information is available at Volunteer with Science Unwrapped.

Directions and parking information are available on the Science Unwrapped website. Please note USU Parking and Transportation Services has made recent changes to visitor parking. Visit the USU Visitor Parking website or call 435-797-3414 for parking information.

Additional information is available on the Science Unwrapped Facebook page. For more information about Science Unwrapped, call 435-797-3517 or send a message to science@usu.edu.

“We welcome science enthusiasts young and young-at-heart to enjoy our gatherings,” Kohler says. “There’s learning fun for everyone.”