Public Speaking

We took a look at the familiar mating rituals humans share with other creatures of the animal world. We explored the art of wooing, from singing a song and showing off your colorful scales, to flexing your physical prowess. Featuring Evolutionary Biologist, Dr. Patty Brennan. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

Breaking down the history, myths, and assumptions of sex, gender, and sexuality in the natural world. What is the diversity of sexual systems in animals? What can we learn about sex and sexuality from other species? What is sexual selection and where did its ideas come from? How can we study animal sex and sexuality in a way that helps us move out of oppressive ideologies and towards equality and freedom from discrimination for all? Featuring writer and scientist Dr. Ambika Kamath and Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and NHM’s Twila Bratcher Chair in Malacological Research, Dr. Jann Vendetti. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

An up close look at the micropropagation of Catalina Island’s Rarest Plants with Rare Plant Ecologist, Kevin Alison. We examined how applications in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and plant breeding has made cloning plants a fast growing trend. How can micropropagation impact the plants in our lives? What does the use of plant tissue culture mean for you and me? How can micropropagation help in preserving endangered plants? Plant clones have actually been around! We looked at how asexual reproduction has taken place millions of years before sexual reproduction. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

The Population Problem and Possible Solutions: The Earth’s human population has reached 8 billion. What does that mean for this planet? Is it catastrophe or more possibilities for solutions? Examine the connections and misunderstandings regarding population and climate change. How can we address data in terms of societal impact, policies, and equitable solutions? Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

How does the fantasy world’s made-up science, outlandish creatures, and fanciful environments look to the scrutinizing scientist? How can the fun fantasy science of our beloved books, shows, and movies be a gateway to the appreciation and understanding of fascinating real science? Featuring guest Rebecca C. Thompson, author of Fire, Ice, and Physics; The Science of Game of Thrones. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?” as the fun icebreaker goes, but what if you asked, “If you had a superpower, HOW would it be?” What would X-ray vision look like in the real world? Would superhuman intelligence have to lead to superhuman anxiety? How does your favorite comic book superhero stack up against gravity and other laws of physics? This month, we’ll be breaking down the science of superheroes while learning about the science of the real world. By assembling your favorite fantasy superheroes, educators are sparking interest and joy in the sciences for kids and adults—a true heroic feat! Featuring author, educator, and comedian, Joy Lin. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

Explore the magical world of witches, wizards, and fantastical creatures with experts on creature-making. How closely do these made-up creatures resemble their natural counterparts? How do creators find inspiration in real life when building worlds populated with magical beasts and otherworldly beings? Featuring creature and character designer Jordu Schell and biologist, paleontologist, and multimedia consultant Dr. Stuart Sumida. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

Creating worlds and realities full of implausibilities and wonder is at the heart of fantasy building, but how can speculating on the impossible bring us closer to seeing what can be possible. Whether it’s the distant future, unknown past, alternate reality, or galaxies far far away, how can speculative fiction help us better understand social injustice, philosophical quandaries, and environmental threats. How has popular culture and mainstream media depict the experience of people of color when telling these stories? How important is it to have creators tell their own stories and cultural curators to amplify these voices? Featuring guest, professor, author, graphic novelist, curator, Harvard Fellow, New York Times Bestseller, and all-around champion of Black culture, John Jennings. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

Understanding psychedelic plant medicine and the link between science and the ceremonial use of sacred plants. From mind-enhancing to well-being, can we embrace the benefits of psychedelics? Featuring guest Dr. Beatriz C. Labate, Anthropologist and Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

This discussion dug deep into the meaning and importance of seed sovereignty to Indigenous communities. We explored how seed rematriation can provide healing and hope for future generations, and how a movement for the rights to save, breed and exchange seeds can be a model for sustainability and preservation. With guest Claudia Serrato, Indigenous culinary anthropologist, professor of ethnic studies, and chef. Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

There’s no shortage of dystopian futures and calamity science in popular media. What happened to better living through technology? Where’s our science optimism? What if near-future fiction gave us inspiration instead of nightmares, and solutions to daunting problems? What if bioengineering produced bacteria that eat plastic instead of people? From AI to genetics, we explore the bright side of science and the ethical framework scientists and storytellers bring to the idea of progress.

1,000 Days, presented by Fathomers was a gathering and conversation in anticipation of our PST 2024 exhibition, Emergence: A Genealogy.

1,000 Days was inspired by Stanford synthetic biologist Dr. Drew Endy’s provocation that a world which includes fully synthetic living cells is already within 1,000 days’ reach. Dr. Endy joined a conversation about biological futures, intersections of synthetic biology and creative practice, and dynamics of collaboration moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse, a neuroscientist and science communicator, with bio artist and curator Dr. Jennifer Willet of the University of Windsor. The program began with a traditional Kyudo ceremony performed by Japanese American Cultural and Community Center master artist-in-residence Hirokazu Kosaka.

Deem is a biannual print journal and online platform focused on design as social practice, which hosts dedicated discussion forums alongside each issue.

Deem’s third Forum elaborated on several key topics that emerged throughout the pages of Issue 03, “Envisioning Equity,” for which we brought together a range of voices to weigh in on how the concept of equity might be thought through and applied to our lives. This conversation included my fellow Issue 03 contributor Jezz Chung and special guest Jen White-Johnson, I served as moderator. In this forum, we examined the concept of neurodiversity and its implications in shaping the conditions for equity.