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Afro Italians on Screen: Stories of Resistance, Renaissance, and Community
Filmmakers Daphne Di Cinto and Medhin Paolos joins UCSB’s Stephanie Malia Hom to explore the history and lived experiences of Black African communities in Italy. Their discussion centers on two short films: Il Moro by Di Cinto and Asmarina by Paolos, each providing meaningful insights into Black identity, belonging, and resilience within Italian society. Di…
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Addressing Antisemitism on Campus: Lessons from History, Challenges for Today
In a time when hate speech and misinformation spread easily, it’s more important than ever to have honest conversations about antisemitism, history, and the role of higher education. In this powerful discussion, John A. Perez, Regent Emeritus of the University of California, sits down with Robert Williams, Ph.D., CEO of the USC Shoah Foundation, to…
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A Life Lesson in Climbing
When motivational speaker and expert climber Manley Feinberg sat down with Henry DeVries for UC San Diego’s Osher Author Talk, he brought more than tales of adventure—he brought a message about leadership, responsibility, and what it means to be truly anchored in life. In the conversation, Feinberg recounts a pivotal climb in 2022 on Yosemite’s…
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Oceans in the Lab
It is designed to replicate and study interactions between the ocean and atmosphere under highly controlled, realistic environmental conditions. At 120 feet long and holding 36,000 gallons of water, the Scripps Ocean-Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS) is a unique facility at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. SOARS is much more than a wave generator. It simulates the…
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Autism Tree Annual Neurodiversity Conference
The Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) is dedicated to improving autism and neurodiverse communities by enhancing early autism diagnoses and providing support for families. Their initiatives focus on early intervention, education, and fostering community connections to ensure individuals with autism and their families receive comprehensive assistance. The Foundation hosts the Annual Neurodiversity Conference, a platform…
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Author Mitch Albom Finds His Rainbow
Celebrated author Mitch Albom’s opening words on the 30th Anniversary Writer’s Symposium stage are an instant hit. Seated across from host Dean Nelson, Albom squirms in an oversized Queen Anne wingback chair. The moment sparks a memory of a particularly uncomfortable appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” when his feet dangled off the floor, leaving…
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Lust or Love: Understanding the Origin of Love
Human beings show a range of emotional attachment, affection, and infatuation often referred to as “love.” Love promotes long-lasting and secure relationships that involve nurturing and support. Biological mechanisms underlying such behavior involve ancient neuropeptides and their receptors in the brain. These systems are also involved in reproduction, ranging from mating and pair-bonding, to giving…
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Crunching Numbers to Test the Limits of Computers
Mathematics is a universal language that helps us understand and describe the world through logic and problem-solving. It shapes the technology we use daily, from smartphones and computers to the sensors in our cars. As computer technology rapidly evolves, artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries even further—enabling faster access to information and smarter decision-making. But…
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Unlocking the Future of Aging
What if the key to longevity is already within us? In a fascinating talk, Michael J. Corley, Ph.D., dives into cutting-edge research on aging, the role of ancient viruses in our DNA, and how simple lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on our health. Dr. Corley explores the intricate connection between our gut microbiome…
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Art Meets Scientific Discovery
“There were moments when I wondered, ‘What am I doing?’” That’s Ron Miriello, a San Diego artist and graphic designer, reflecting on his passion project, Found Adrift. This art installation is inspired by a scrapbook of seaweed created in the 1870s by a young woman in Searsport, Maine. He says he had to silence his…