Discover Science Lecture Series

Stimulating discussion from renowned scientists

Since its debut in 2010, the Discover Science Lecture Series has served as the College of Science's premier community engagement event, bringing some of the top scientists from America and around the world to the University of Nevada, Reno campus to present their knowledge and insights through engaging lectures at the Redfield Auditorium in the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center. Click here for a campus map.

Each Discover Science lecture begins at 7 pm in the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center's Redfield Auditorium (RM 110). Seating for all Discover Science lectures is available on a first come, first served basis. All lectures are free of charge. Free parking is available on the top level of the Brian J. Whalen Parking garage located on North Virginia Street.

"Science encompasses a wonderfully diverse collection of explorations into the unknown," said Dean Jeff Thompson of the College of Science. "Join us and experience the extent of the science universe as the best scientists on the planet visit the University of Nevada, Reno for our Discover Science Lecture Series."

2016-17 Featured Speakers

October 13, 2016

Derrick Pitts
Chief Astronomer and Director of the Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute  & NASA Solar System Ambassador
https://www.fi.edu/scientists/derrick-pitts-hond

November 10, 2016

Eric Scerri
UCLA professor (Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry) and author of "A Tale of Seven Elements" and other acclaimed academic books, articles and featured via numerous media appearances
http://www.ericscerri.com

February 16, 2017

Michael Dickinson
Award winning professor of Biology and Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology presents his fascinating discoveries in insect behavior, physiology and evolution
http://dickinsonlab.caltech.edu/

March 16, 2017

Carolyn Porco
A veteran of the Voyager mission, Porco is leading the imaging science of the Cassini Mission presently in orbit around Saturn
http://carolynporco.com/

May 9, 2017

Harry Greene
Cornell professor, world's foremost expert on the biology of snakes and a proponent of re-populating North America with big game
http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/greene/greene.html

Support the Lectures

The Discover Science Lecture Series is made possible by many generous donors to the College of Science.

If you would like to financially support the series, please contact Donna Knotek, College of Science Director of Development:
Support the Series

About Our Discover Science Speakers

Herpetologist Harry Greene to close Discover Science Lecture Series

5/5/2017
The award-winning author and professor will discuss how natural history influences values

Discover Science Lecture Series to wrap up with snake expert

4/7/2017
Celebrated herpetologist and rewilding proponent Harry W. Green will talk snakes and returning developed land to its natural state

Prepare for lift off with planetary scientist and Saturn expert Carolyn Porco

3/14/2017
Discover Science Lecture Series takes a spin through the solar system on March 16

Planetary scientist and Saturn expert Carolyn Porco will speak at University of Nevada, Reno

2/24/2017
Discover Science Lecture Series turns its eyes to the sky March 16 as part of the series

Fly expert to explain mystery of why swatting flies is tough

2/8/2017
Michael Dickinson, will speak as part of the University of Nevada, Reno’s Discover Science Lecture Series

Neuroscientist and bioengineer to speak about aerodynamic feats of fruit flies

1/11/2017
Michael Dickinson to present Feb. 16 in free Discover Science Lecture Series at University of Nevada, Reno

Astronomer, Astrobiology Ambassador Derrick Pitts to speak at lecture series

9/14/2016
Next speaker in the Discover Science Lecture Series Oct. 13 at University of Nevada, Reno

Hubble telescope director reveals passion for astronomy, exploring universe

4/14/2016
Robert Williams is next speaker for the Discover Science Lecture Series, April 21

Grand Canyon expert Karl Karlstrom to talk on origins of natural wonder of world

10/27/2015 • Mike Wolterbeek
Next speaker in the Discover Science Lecture Series at University of Nevada, Reno.

Zeb Hogan, researcher and Monster Fish expert, to talk about big fish

5/1/2015 • Mike Wolterbeek
Zeb Hogan, researcher and Monster Fish expert, to talk about big fish at College of Science’s Discover Science lecture May 7

Monster Fish expert Zeb Hogan to talk about big fish

4/17/2015 • Mike Wolterbeek
Monster Fish expert Zeb Hogan to talk about big fish at Discover Science Lecture Series May 7

Monster fish, indicator of ecosystem health, face extinction crisis

3/19/2015 • Mike Wolterbeek
Monster fish, two dozen species of large freshwater fish weighing more than 200 pounds, are an alarming indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems around the world.