USU's Science Unwrapped Announces New 'InterPLAY of Art & Science' Series

After a summer break, Utah State University’s Science Unwrapped, the College of Arts and Sciences’ popular public STEM outreach program, is returning with its new Fall 2026-Spring 2027 “InterPLAY of Art & Science” series.

“In our new series, we’ll explore how art and science complement each other, enrich each other, depend on each other and spark innovation in each other,” said Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, ArtSci associate dean, and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “This is an energizing, synergistic series and we can’t wait to share it.”

The series kicks off Sept. 18 with the presentation “The Hidden Science Behind Artistic Expression” with physicist David Smith, senior lecturer in USU’s Department of Physics. 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.

“I won’t give away all the talk’s surprises, but get ready to make music together,” Kohler said. “It will be an evening of super-fun learning.”

The InterPLAY of Art & Science series schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 18: “The Hidden Science Behind Artistic Expression,” USU physicist David Smith

• Oct. 16: “The Physics of Ballet,” USU physicist Tonya Triplett and ballet dancer Becky Erickson

• Nov. 13: “Uncreated: Being Human in the Age of AI,” Jordan Leary, visual artist and video game developer

• Jan. 22: “Serious Sport as Serious Play,” USU kinesiologist Al Smith, Endowed Dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Human Services and Health Sciences

• Feb. 26: “Science in Stage Effects,” USU video artist and set designer Joshua Legate

• March 19: “Human Possibilities in Interplanetary Exploration,” planetary scientist Amanda Hendrix, Planetary Science Institute

• April 2: “Sustainability in the Arctic,” science communicator Cana Itchuaqiyaq, Center for Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic, Virginia Tech University

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 or STEAM 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.

Additional information is available on the Science Unwrapped Facebook page.

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