We’re feeling a bit like proud parents around here lately. Research Unplugged—the Penn State speaker series that took its original inspiration from Europe’s vibrant Cafe Scientifique scene—turned nine years old this fall! With last season’s decision to partner with (and hold events at) Schlow Center Region Library, a weekly turnout of 75 to 100 area residents of all ages, and vibrant Q&A sessions on topics across the disciplines, Unplugged is not only surviving but thriving!

Every semester I say the same thing, and every semester it’s true: This is my favorite ever line-up of Research Unplugged speakers! We take suggestions from our fans all year and keep our eyes open for the right mix of timely topics—and from the attendees’ reactions, I’d say we get it pretty right. If you’ve never joined us, there are five talks coming up in the weeks ahead and we’d love to see you there. If you’re already a fan, thank you, and keep hanging out with us at Schlow every week so you don’t miss any of the Unplugged fun.

Speaking of loyal fans, Mr. Dick Kustin, one of our regular attendees and resident of The Village at Penn State, snapped a photo at our kick-off event last week. Pictured, yours truly (center) with my colleague and fellow Unplugged planner Tori Indivero on left, and our Research Unplugged speaker Lisa Gatzke-Kopp on right.

If you missed her wonderful talk, titled “The ABCs of ADHD: Inside the Brains of Kids with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders” you can still get a feel for Lisa’s exciting work by watching our video excerpt here:

Next up this Thursday, it’s “Stormy Weather: Hurricanes, Monsoons & Global Climate Change” with Meteorology professor Jenni Evans. Hope to see you there!