Discovery Seminars

Matei Georgescu, Associate Professor, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Juliette Dixon, Research Advancement Administrator, Sr., Knowledge Exchange for Resilience

Feeling disconnected in today’s fast-paced world? Join us for this transformative seminar inspired by the U.S. Surgeon General’s "We Are Made to Connect Tour." As we face an epidemic of loneliness, this course offers a powerful exploration of how genuine connections, mindfulness, and community-building can enhance mental health and well-being.

Discover practical strategies for strengthening resilience and fostering meaningful relationships. Through interactive sessions and personal stories, we'll delve into techniques for cultivating a growth mindset, embracing flexibility, and deepening your connections with others. Engage with cutting-edge research and real-world examples to learn how connection and compassion can profoundly impact your life.

Together, we'll create a supportive environment to practice and share these insights, helping each other build a resilient and connected community. Come ready to engage, reflect, and transform your approach to personal and collective well-being. Let’s explore how the power of connection can make a difference—what’s the best that can happen?

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Tuesday, 3-3:50 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34355

Michelle Di Palma, Instructor, Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics

Step into the dynamic world of cancer research and treatment with this seminar designed specifically for first-year students with a high-school biology foundation. This course offers an exciting blend of interactive lectures, lively discussions, and real-world case studies that will immerse you in the latest breakthroughs in cancer therapy.

Explore how cancer begins at the molecular level and uncover the cutting-edge treatments that are transforming patient care. You’ll delve into:

• Targeted Therapies: See how these innovative treatments zero in on cancer cells, sparing healthy ones.
• Immunotherapies: Discover how we’re harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer more effectively.
• Emerging Drug Developments: Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the newest drugs and therapeutic approaches on the horizon.

This course will not only provide a solid foundation in the science behind these therapies but also highlight their real-world applications and impacts on patient outcomes. Gain a comprehensive view of the field as you explore how the latest advancements are shaping the future of cancer treatment. 

Session: A (Jan. 13-March 4)
Day/time: Friday, 2-3:50 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 27918

Liza Roger, Assistant Professor, School of Molecular Sciences and School of Ocean Futures

This seminar will explore the vital and dynamic connection between Earth's natural systems and human health, emphasizing the opportunities for creating a healthier, more sustainable future. As we navigate global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion, we also uncover new pathways to strengthen the resilience of both ecosystems and communities. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine the history and principles of planetary health, focusing on how human activities interact with the natural systems that sustain life. Topics will include innovative solutions for pollution reduction, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, the prevention of zoonotic diseases, and sustainable urbanization and food systems. We will also highlight the role of indigenous knowledge and explore strategies to address social inequalities, empowering communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Friday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 27919

Crystal Jackson, Associate Professor, School of Social Transformation

Ready to make your voice heard? This course invites you to dive into the vibrant world of feminism as a dynamic force in today’s social landscape. This seminar explores how feminism intersects with the lives of young women and non-binary individuals, embracing every form of expression from bold and outspoken to quiet and contemplative.

We’ll examine how feminism empowers diverse identities, including those who rock natural hair, experiment with styles, or are still finding their voice. By drawing on Women, Gender, and Sexualities Studies, Queer Studies, Trans Studies, and American Studies, we’ll uncover how feminist movements and youth activism are reshaping our cultural understandings of gender and social change.

Through storytelling and personal reflection, you’ll document your own journey with feminism, friendship, and social activism. Engage with your peers, challenge norms, and discover how feminism can be a transformative force in your life and the world around you.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Friday, 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Location: PABLO105
Class #: 34362

Volker Benkert, Associate Professor, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
Timothy Langille, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies

Several studies indicate that awareness of the Holocaust and to an even larger extent other genocides is declining in the US. As a result, lawmakers around the county and in our state have mandated that the Holocaust and other genocides be taught in schools. This seminar will explore how we can study different genocides without creating hierarchies of suffering and how we can create awareness for genocide in schools and universities to address the recent mandate. The seminar will coincide with Genocide Awareness Week, the nation's largest public-facing conference, held at ASU in April 2025. Students will have the ability to meet with activists, politicians and scholars at the conference and explore small independent projects around Genocide Awareness.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Tuesday, 4:30-5:20pm
Location: PABLO105
Class #: 23116

Cheryl Nickerson, Professor, School of Life Sciences
Jennifer Barrila, Assistant Research Professor, Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics

Humans are ready and willing to accept great risks to go where no one has gone before. However, knowing that no humans can survive in space for a long time without the proper science to support their health and well-being, do we have sufficient and sound biological information to support prolonged space habitation? During space missions, humans experience a wide range of stressors and hazards, including reduced gravity, high levels of radiation, distance from Earth, isolation, and confinement. As new commercial spaceflight companies (think Elon Musk/SpaceX and Jeff Bezos/Blue Origin) enable flight opportunities for public space travel, access to space is no longer limited to professional astronauts, and you could be the next space travelers! This class will introduce you to the changes that occur to the human body in space and the different types of research being done to keep astronauts and other space travelers healthy during their voyage in space, including to the moon and Mars. You will learn from world experts about the different types of research being done to keep humans healthy and productive as they live, work, and travel in space. The course will culminate with a trip to an ASU Space Life Sciences and Human Health Laboratory on the Tempe campus to interact with world experts in spaceflight biomedical research who have flown multiple experiments on the International Space Station. In addition to face-to-face interactions with these ASU space biomedical scientists, you will be able to see and handle actual flight hardware that has flown in space.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Thursday, 3-3:50 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 25053

Trevor Shelley, Assistant Teaching Professor and Associate Director of Graduate Studies, School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Who isn't interested in the things of love or affairs of the heart? Philosophers and poets from antiquity to the present have both expressed and examined various thoughts and sentiments regarding the human desire of one individual for another, as well as the variety of patterns of courtship and customs around marriage. Together we will explore these themes of great personal and political importance through a range of texts from Greek antiquity to contemporary times, to consider both continuity and change over the ages. In the process, we are bound to learn something about the operations of our own hearts, as well as the ways in which our regime (or society) has both shaped, and is shaped by, our desires.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Wednesday, 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Location: PABLO105
Class #: 34361

Jessica Early, Professor, Department of English

Ready to blend creativity with the great outdoors? This course invites first-year students to embark on an immersive journey through nature and writing. This dynamic seminar series will ignite your passion for the environment through a variety of engaging techniques, including nature journaling, photography, soundscapes, writing marathons, story walks, sketching, and poetry. Inspired by the works of renowned local poets and essayists like Alberto Rios, Natalie Diaz, and Mitchell Jackson, as well as other local artists, you’ll explore and document the natural beauty around us. Each week, we’ll delve into a new nature writing technique, venturing to hidden gems and well-loved spots on and around campus, including the Secret Garden, the James Turrell Skyspace, the herb garden, the Piper Center, Palm Walk, A-Mountain, and Daley Park. Through this hands-on approach, you'll develop a deeper connection to your surroundings and gain unique perspectives on the art of nature writing. Join us to discover how the natural world can inspire your creativity and enrich your writing practice.

Session: B (March 17-May 2)
Day/time: Monday, 2-3:50pm
Location: PVW163
Class #: 23215

Kjir Hendrickson, Teaching Professor, School of Molecular Sciences

Curious about the science behind the headlines? Whether you're aiming for a PhD, pursuing a career in the humanities, or venturing into the fine arts, this course is your gateway to the essential science topics that impact us all.

This engaging course offers a fun, non-technical dive into the science shaping our daily lives and the news cycle. We'll explore critical issues like evolution, vaccines, and global warming, unraveling their complexities with clarity and relevance.

Designed for students across all fields, this course will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and engage thoughtfully with the world around you. Join us for a journey through the science that matters, delivered with enthusiasm and a fresh perspective.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Wednesday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34359

Rachel Porter, Community Director, University Housing

Ready to tune into the intersection of music and societal change? In this course, we dive into the powerful role that popular music plays in reflecting and shaping social norms. This engaging seminar focuses on the Billboard Hot 100 from the 21st century, tracing how musical trends influence and mirror societal values over time.

Explore how the lyrics, rhythms, and themes of chart-topping hits have not only captured but also driven cultural shifts. We’ll analyze how different eras of music have impacted societal norms and discuss the ways these musical messages resonate with, challenge, and transform our understanding of social standards.

Through lively discussions, reflective writing, and short essays, you’ll examine your own musical preferences and their connections to broader social trends. Join us to uncover how the soundtracks of our lives help shape who we are and how we relate to the world around us.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Monday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34346

Brooke Blaszynski, NAGPRA Inventory Specialist, School of Human Evolution and Social Change

Ever wondered what causes a civilization to crumble? This course takes you on a thrilling exploration of history’s most iconic societal collapses. In this seminar, we’ll dive deep into the dramatic stories of once-thriving societies that met their demise.

Uncover the complex factors that led to their downfall and examine the lasting impacts and overlooked narratives that these collapses left behind. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and critical analysis, we’ll unravel how and why these societies fell, and what their stories can teach us about the resilience and fragility of human societies.

Join us to explore the fascinating world of historical upheavals and understand the broader implications of societal collapse on both past and present civilizations.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Monday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34358

Robert Ros, Associate Dean of Facilities and Professor, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Department of Physics

Did you know that cancer cells are softer than normal cells and that we can measure this with individual cells? Can you imagine that the force acting on a single molecule during the immune response in your body can be quantified? In this course, we'll explore concepts in mechanobiology, which investigates how cell and tissue mechanics, as well as physical forces, influence cell behavior, cell and tissue morphogenesis, and diseases in your body. We will also decipher biological processes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. The course is designed for first-year students in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with high school-level physics and biology backgrounds.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Wednesday, 1:25-2:15 p.m.
Location: ARML1-72
Class #: 36280

Courtney Fowler, Instructor, Department of English

Dive into the fascinating world of "Love Island," the UK’s sensational reality TV hit that has captivated audiences worldwide with its vibrant language and dating dynamics. In this course, we’ll explore how the show’s unique lingo reveals deeper insights into evolving attitudes and social norms around dating, gender, and sexuality.

From catchy phrases to evolving trends, we’ll analyze how the language of The Villa mirrors and influences the perspectives of viewers in both the UK and the US. Through engaging discussions and critical analysis, you’ll uncover how reality TV shapes and reflects cultural attitudes on a global scale.

Join us to decode the social significance behind the show’s colorful vocabulary and understand how it impacts and reflects the diverse dating cultures across different populations. Let’s uncover the story behind the slang and explore its broader cultural implications together!

Session: A (Jan. 13-March 4)
Day/time: Friday, 11:50am-1:40 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34461

Joshua Vasquez, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of English

"We can analyze (superheroes) out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be." - Grant Morrison (Comic Book Writer)

As the critical and financial success of Marvel's comic book movies, Christopher Nolan's popular Dark Knight trilogy, and DC's continuing attempts to establish a foothold in the franchise industry have all demonstrated, the Superhero film continues to maintain an industrial and social presence. Yet as cultural phenomena, Superheroes and Supervillains have long inspired elation and terror, awe and fear, delight and dread, from the ancient Greek pantheon of divine icons to startling literary creations such as Dracula, to the contemporary coalition of gods, soldiers, and inventors who comprise the assembled might of 2012's The Avengers.

Why do audiences continue to remain fascinated with these figures? What makes the idea of such beings so compelling? Are they the metaphorical embodiments of our aspirations and our anxieties, our dreams and our nightmares? To put it simply: where do they come from and what do they mean?

This class will explore various images of Superheroes and Supervillains from a variety of perspectives (as cultural myths, as social commentaries, as moral metaphors, as industrial products etc.) and through multiple media forms (movies, comic books, audio recordings). The course will work to contextualize a range of cultural definitions of heroism and villainy, as well as the intersections of such definitions with other socially constructed categories of identity such as gender, class, and ethnicity. 

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Monday, 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Location: PABLO105
Class #: 23117

Missy McCrickard, Assistant Director - Career Readiness, Career Services

Are you ready to turn your college experience into a dream career? Look no further! This class is your key to unlocking the skills and knowledge you need to stand out in the job market.

At ASU Career Services, we know that a degree is just the starting point. To achieve your career goals, you need to develop a set of essential skills that will make you competitive and attractive to employers. In this class, you'll learn how to:

• Boost your Career and Self-Development
• Master effective Communication
• Develop Critical Thinking and problem-solving skills
• Embody Equity and Inclusion in the workplace
• Unleash your Leadership potential
• Exude Professionalism in any setting
• Collaborate with ease through Teamwork
• Harness the power of Technology to stay ahead

Through interactive and practical exercises, you'll create a personalized plan to develop these skills during your undergraduate journey. Whether you're seeking a part-time job, internship, or full-time employment, this class will give you the edge you need to succeed.

Join us and start building your dream career today!

Session: A (Jan. 13-March 4)
Day/time: Monday, 11:50am-1:40 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 34459

Laura Turchi, Clinical Professor, Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies

The seminar will offer experiential and experimental art-making opportunities (words, music, drawing, and movement) to explore the many facets of gun culture in the US and to live a bit in the role of Fourth Responders. First responders are law enforcement and emergency personnel, second responders are their supporting institutions (police, fire, etc.), and third responders provide affected communities with social support networks that rebuild and restructure lives. As fourth responders, you will experiment with making meaning for and with your class community; expressing, through the arts and humanities, the impact of gun violence and gun culture. You will ultimately collaborate on the design of a public art installation to express what you have learned, like the mural on the 1st floor of Durham Hall that celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on Arizona: an impactful design combining words and images. You will collaborate with fellow students on your designs based on immersive, creative classroom experiences that interweave arts, humanities, and social sciences, and you will be empowered to understand, interpret, and express what you learn together.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time: Thursday, 4:30-5:20 p.m.
Location: PABLO105
Class #: 25052

Charles Ripley, Instructor, School of Politics and Global Studies 

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and African coups, national security is more important than ever before. Conventional and unconventional crises are rocking the world. But have you ever asked yourself, how can we solve such problems? This seminar not only introduces you to international challenges, it also teaches you how to address these changes. Drawing upon both academic and policy analysis, this course will help prepare you to be future world leaders.

Session: C (Jan. 13-May 2)
Day/time:  Friday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 25051