Science & Technology   

Arizona’s Grand Canyon is the best place to learn about Earth’s history! Join geologist Wayne Ranney, who has backpacked, rafted, researched, and taught the geology of the Canyon for over 50 years. The first session of this two-session class will focus on the rock layers exposed in the walls of the Canyon – layers that reveal dozens of past landscapes that once existed here, such as Sahara-like deserts and shallow-water coral reefs. These landscapes come alive using state-of-the-art paleogeographic maps of the Four Corners region. The second session will shift to the carving of the Grand Canyon over the last 70 million years by the Colorado River and its ancestors. Although not every aspect of the Canyon’s cutting is completely understood to date, a survey of historic ideas – from John Wesley Powell to the present – highlights how scientists approach this large erosional “scar.” The class will inspire in attendees a deeper appreciation for the world-class landform that lies right here in our own backyard!

Arizona is home to unique and endangered animals, including charismatic fauna such as the Mexican wolf and California condor. This class will also explore the reasons biodiversity is threatened today and highlight successful conservation efforts in the state and the American Southwest. These examples will help students understand both the challenges facing wildlife and the strategies used to protect it.

Could you guess how many piano tuners work in Phoenix? How much a swimming pool full of jellybeans weighs? Or whether that startling statistic you just heard on the news makes any sense? This two-session class introduces you to Fermi estimation – a playful, practical way to answer big questions using rough math, common sense, and clever shortcuts. Along the way, we’ll also brush up – gently! – on a few essential math skills, such as scientific notation and volume estimation. No calculators, no panic – just engaging problems, good laughs, and surprising insights into how the world really works.

This course highlights transformative milestones in medicine from the 18th century to today, beginning with Jenner’s smallpox vaccine. We will explore key medical and public health advances, the innovators behind them, and the profound effects these breakthroughs have had on longevity and quality of life. The course offers a compelling look at how science and clinical care have worked together to reshape health outcomes over the past two centuries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence — and the possibilities ahead.

Generative AI is revolutionizing the creation of images, videos, and digital stories. These systems can already create stunningly realistic content, but the real challenge and opportunity is learning how to guide them so that they become true creative partners. We’ll peek behind the curtain of today’s image and video GenAI tools to see how they work, where they shine, and where they stumble. We’ll cover how AI is scaled up to reach millions, how new tools give us more control over editing and style, why trust and safety are so important, and how researchers measure whether progress is real. Along the way, we’ll examine everyday examples, from personalized art to movie effects, to illustrate how generative AI is shaping the future of creativity and communication.

Technology changes from one generation to another, and these days it changes rapidly within a single generation. For example, in the United States farmers were still using workhorses into the 1940s, but tractors had pretty much replaced them by the 1950s. In the home and workplace, many forms of technology have changed in our lifetime—e.g., crank phones were still used in the 1950s. In this workshop, we will discuss and write about technologies that have changed during our lifetime and how those changes have altered our lives in ways that our parents or grandparents could not have imagined.

 

Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision-making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Step into the brand-new era of sky-watching in the Dorrance DOME as the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveils its first images and discoveries – from sweeping nebula mosaics and galaxy swarms to thousands of newly found asteroids captured in just hours. Alec Warren, Director of Dorrance DOME Experiences at Arizona Science Center, will lead our journey as we explore how Rubin’s 3,200-megapixel camera will create the highest-resolution timelapse of the Universe ever produced, transforming how we find supernovae, near-Earth asteroids, and clues about the very fabric of existence. This 25-minute interactive, live-presented program will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Admission to Arizona Science Center is included with the experience.

Valley fever is a fungal infection that is highly prevalent in Maricopa County. In this lecture, ASU’s Dr. Douglas Lake, professor in the School of Life Sciences, will cover the fungus that causes Valley fever, where it grows, how people and animals become infected, its symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

From conflict in Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa to a global economy under strain and rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, today’s world can feel increasingly unsettled. Add to that a divided America and a rapidly shifting international order, and it is easy to feel both confused and concerned. But is this moment in history truly unique – or are we simply living through another turbulent chapter, much like those that have come before? This course will explore whether the challenges we face today signal a deeper, more fundamental transformation in the global order. Join us as we examine the roots of today’s crises, assess whether we are approaching a historic tipping point, and consider what this might mean for the future, both in terms of risks and opportunities.

Focusing on the state birds of the area west of the Mississippi, Kathe Anderson, a community scientist and conservation educator, explores what a state bird should be, along with the state nickname and other quirky state symbols of the ‘wilder’ West. Find out why the California gull is Utah’s state bird, which bird is shared by at least five states, and which state also has a state raptor.

Step into breathtaking terrain as we explore the diverse rocks and landscapes of Arizona. Using maps, images, and rock samples, we’ll uncover the nearly 2-billion-year narrative of our state’s geologic history. Steve Semken was appointed an ASU President’s Professor in 2025. Join us!

Join Dr. Hendrickson (an erstwhile quantum mechanic) for a journey into the strange world of quantum physics. This branch of modern physics focuses on light and very small particles, which behave very differently from familiar, macroscopic objects. This is not a class in metaphysics (the philosophical study of time and space) nor will we cover quantum mechanics, the mathematical, how-to side of quantum theory. Instead, we’ll be tourists admiring the view, with no prerequisite knowledge of physics or math required.

Cancer has long been one of the most feared diagnoses, and with good reason – it remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. For many years, the disease was shrouded in mystery, leaving doctors and scientists searching for answers. Today, that picture has changed. We now understand the biological hallmarks that distinguish cancer from normal cell behavior and have identified many of its causes. In this class, Dr. Joshua LaBaer will introduce the fundamentals of cancer: what it is, how our understanding has evolved, and – most importantly – the encouraging ways in which science and medicine are making progress in the fight against it.

By the age of 14, Dr. Danny, a lifelong enthusiast of computers and mathematics, envisioned a world shaped by “computer crime” – a phrase that would not enter public consciousness for another 15 years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Danny has gained firsthand experience with computer crimes, from innovative pranks as a college freshman to work that may have influenced historical outcomes in museums. In this engaging course, Dr. Danny draws on his expertise to introduce participants to the critical thinking and investigative skills necessary for solving crimes – “Criminology 101” in action. We will examine real-world cases ranging from money laundering schemes involving $30 billion, to the curious disappearance of over one hundred $15,000 trees, to ATMs mysteriously dispensing Euros. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their problem-solving skills and step into the role of investigator to solve these crimes firsthand.

Water sustains life, and though the scale at which humans access it in the Valley has changed, much of the methodology behind its transportation has not. Beginning with an acknowledgment of the Huhugam’s invaluable contributions to the eventual creation of modern water delivery infrastructure, this course examines how the need for a consistent and reliable water supply by Anglo settlers in the late 1800s drove the creation and implementation of the Federal Reclamation Act of 1902. This act – and the federal reclamation projects it inspired – forever changed settlement patterns and possibilities, paving the way for the booming metropolitan area we now know as Greater Phoenix. Accompanying the presentation will be an interactive tour of SRP’s Heritage Center, a multifunctional space that showcases the company’s history and legacy.

Analytics isn’t just for data scientists – it’s all around us, and Excel puts some of the most powerful tools right at your fingertips. In this course, Dr. Danny introduces participants to regression analysis, often called the “Holy Grail” of analytics, and shows how to apply it practically to a wide variety of situations. You’ll learn how to run regression models and interpret the results to make smarter financial, business, and personal decisions – from detecting fraud and reducing waste, to budgeting, buying a home, and lowering insurance premiums. This is real-world math after college – “After-Math” – made accessible and actionable. We will be using Excel, so come with some familiarity with how it works. Computers will be provided for you. Cases will be pre-uploaded or accessible via on-site flashdrive.

Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning – arthropods are the most diverse and numerous group of animals on the planet. From scorching deserts to the icy edges of Antarctica, they’ve conquered nearly every habitat on Earth. Though some people are uneasy around these creatures – especially the creepy, crawly, or stinging ones – they are essential to the health of ecosystems everywhere. In this presentation, we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating world of arthropods and explore the vital roles they play in the unique environment of the Sonoran Desert. A field study for the second session of this class will take place at McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Gateway Trailhead. The address and meeting location will be provided to registered members during the first week of class. Duration: 2 hours; Distance: 1 mile. ADA compliant.

Join Emerita Professor Dr. Billi Enz for an interactive session exploring the components of executive function (EF) – including attention span, working memory, planning, mental flexibility, physical inhibition, and emotional regulation (self-control). The discussion will examine how and when EF skills develop, as well as strategies for maintaining these essential brain functions throughout life. Practical tips for preserving memory and enhancing problem-solving abilities will also be demonstrated.

Join Amy Dolan from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn about bumble bee biology and conservation, and how community science volunteers across the U.S. are helping to map and protect these important native pollinators. Amy is an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist with the Xerces Society and the coordinator of the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, which covers Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. She is based in Grand Junction, CO.

Join McDowell Sonoran Conservancy docent and former executive director of the MSC, Mike Nolan, as he explains, through the eyes of a geologist, the “deep” history of the Valley of the Sun. The rocks and landscape around Phoenix reflect a long and complex geological history dating back more than 1.5 billion years. From ancient continental collisions to more recent volcanic activity, the physical world around us is the result of our geological past. This lecture will explore how geological forces acting on a continental scale created the present-day landscape and shaped the rocks exposed in the mountains and landforms of the region.

Join Dr. Billie Enz, ASU Emerita professor, in this interactive session. We will discuss our intertwined memory systems, including sensory, working- and long-term memory. We will also review factors that enhance and inhibit memory and review practical ways to strengthen our memory throughout our lives. Finally, we will clarify the differences between age-related memory loss and dementia.

Why do some movies fill your entire TV screen while others leave black bars? Why are filmmakers like Christopher Nolan embracing IMAX – a format once reserved for natural history museums? And whatever happened to 3D – was it a fad, or a future that never quite arrived? This lively, visually rich class traces how the “shape” of movies has evolved from early Hollywood to the present day. We’ll explore why studios pushed widescreen technologies in the 1950s, how letterboxing and pan-and-scan transformed home viewing, and why directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson are reviving vintage formats such as 70mm and VistaVision. By the end, you’ll see movies with new eyes, understanding the artistic, technological, and even economic choices behind what fills, or doesn't fill, the frame.

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 078) and one in the afternoon (Class 079).

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.
 

This class is being offered twice, one in the morning (Class 078) and one in the afternoon (Class 079).

Join Dr. Matthew Peeples, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, for a one-of-a-kind class designed by an OLLI at ASU Intergenerational Learning Service Scholarship recipient. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of archaeology and discover how modern technology is transforming the way we study the past. Throughout this course, you will learn how archaeologists use new technologies to record and collect data from rock markings left behind by prehistoric Indigenous peoples. By the end of the class, you’ll be able to use your smartphone as a powerful tool to document and interpret rock markings and understand the valuable role of technology in advancing archaeological knowledge.
 

There is a positive relationship between an individual’s participation in religious or spiritual activities (R/S) and their overall health. This presentation provides the most reliable scientific information documenting the effects of religious and spiritual activities on mental and physical well-being, applicable to all faiths.

This class provides an overview of Arizona Tribal water law and policy and its connection to Federal Indian Policy and history. It will examine where Arizona Tribes currently stand in securing their water rights within the state and across the Colorado River Basin, as well as emerging issues related to protecting those rights. Cora Tso, a research fellow, analyzes and develops recommendations on the water interests of Tribal Nations, collaborating with Tribal leadership, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY TO REGISTER. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IN OLLI SYSTEM.

Undoubtedly, AI will become deeply integrated into medical education as well as clinical and research medicine. While there are many advantages, there are also challenges and details that remain to be refined. This talk will highlight controversies surrounding AI, including educational, ethical, and legal issues.

In 1993, a mysterious and deadly disease outbreak struck the Four Corners area, killing young Navajos. What came to be understood as a novel hantavirus represented a wave of newly emerging infectious diseases around the world. We will get an inside look into the life of an epidemiologist investigating notorious disease outbreaks – from hantavirus to West Nile, from Valley fever to plague, and from COVID to bird flu. We will go into the deep past to understand how pathogens have moved around the world, explore the threat of bioterrorism and man-made disease outbreaks, and learn what it might all mean for responding to future pandemics.

Nature journaling is a practice that blends observation, curiosity, reflection, and creativity to deepen our connection with the natural world. Spending time in nature offers numerous physical and psychological benefits, and journaling enhances these effects by encouraging mindfulness and intentional engagement. In this two-part class – Friday in the classroom and Saturday in the field – participants will learn what nature journaling is, its purpose, and the benefits it provides. You will explore a variety of observational techniques to record details about the natural environment, including plants, animals, geologic landscapes, and weather. Through hands-on exercises, you will test out different journaling methods, such as drawing, labeling, mapping, and descriptive writing, discovering which approaches resonate most with your own style. In addition to recording observations, you will reflect on personal experiences in nature, deepening your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. The goal is not to become an expert artist or naturalist, but to cultivate a sustained practice of curiosity and wonder. By the end of the course, you will have the tools to slow down, notice more, and create a meaningful, mindful connection with your environment. Nature walk will be at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.

We are living through a moment of extraordinary transformation—one shaped by artificial intelligence, global connectivity, and rapid technological change. In this engaging keynote, ASU CIO Lev Gonick invites us to explore how we might navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era with curiosity, purpose, and wisdom. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of education, innovation, and public service, Lev will offer a big-picture perspective on where AI is taking us, why it matters, and how lifelong learners of all ages have a vital role to play. This talk sets the tone for a dynamic week of conversation and discovery.

Previous technology systems, such as the railroad and electrification, dramatically changed human, natural, and built systems at regional and global scales – but that’s nothing compared to what today’s rapid – and accelerating – evolution across the entire frontier of technology might do. Even today, AI writes music, novels, and Ph.D. dissertations, and creates fascinating paintings and videos from simple verbal commands. It is becoming impossible to know whether a picture, video, or voice is real or fake. That call from your mother might actually be from an AI, which could then use your voice to scam money from your friends and bank accounts. Meanwhile, many start-up companies are developing “brain chips” that could enable telepathy between humans, as well as metacognitive mixtures of AI and human cognition that may surpass the most gifted humans. Scientists are increasingly treating the human aging process as a curable disease, believing that our children may live healthy lives of 150 to 200 years – perhaps much longer. These are only a few examples in a future where our planet, and humans themselves, become design spaces subject to deliberate change in ways never before possible. The psychological, political, economic, and social implications are vast, but we are not helpless: there are ways to think about and prepare for this turbulent period of change.

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advance, many futurist technophiles predict a world where machines will fight wars for us, thereby reducing human suffering and political risk. Yet history and strategy suggest otherwise. Dr. Amos C. Fox argues that the increasing reliance on unmanned and autonomous systems may actually make future wars longer, more destructive, and less decisive. Drawing on his recent research on attrition and decision-making in war, Dr. Fox explains that when policymakers no longer bear the full political cost of losing soldiers, they may be less inclined to end conflicts quickly. Destroying a fleet of drones does not carry the same emotional or political weight as losing human lives. Thus, wars may extend into multiple “phases,” compounding destruction and exhausting national resources. This talk explores the limits of technology in changing human behavior and strategic decision-making. Ultimately, Dr. Fox contends that war remains a deeply human endeavor – shaped by will, emotion, and political purpose. Machines may characterize the battlefield, but much of what we know about war will remain.

Generative AI has entered our classrooms and conversations with remarkable speed – promising innovation, raising alarms, and sparking debates. But how should we make sense of tools that can be, as Dr. Punya Mishra puts it, smart, drunk, biased, and sycophantic all at once? In this thought-provoking session, Dr. Mishra explores the contradictions at the heart of GenAI in our daily lives. These tools dazzle us with intelligence yet stumble in unexpected and sometimes troubling ways. They generate brilliant insights alongside confident nonsense, amplify existing biases while claiming objectivity, and eagerly agree with us even when we’re wrong. Drawing on his deep expertise in educational technology, Dr. Mishra will unpack both the possibilities and pitfalls of working with these paradoxical systems. Through stories, insights, and provocations, this session invites participants to move beyond surface-level fascination or fear and develop a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role in our world. Whether you’re an educator, professional, lifelong learner, or simply curious about the AI revolution, you’ll explore what it means to navigate an age where AI is no longer science fiction but part of daily life – and how we can engage with these tools thoughtfully, critically, and creatively.

Join us for an engaging session at Arizona State University’s Artificial Intelligence Cloud Innovation Center. See firsthand how ASU students are using Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology to solve real community challenges. In this session, you’ll hear from the bright minds behind innovative public service projects and learn how artificial intelligence is making a difference in our community. Experience real-world examples of cloud technology in action and chat directly with students and program leaders. Perfect for anyone curious about how today’s technology is improving our daily lives and how students are preparing to enter the workforce – no technical background needed! A lunch break with provided lunch thanks to the generosity of the ASU Cloud Innovation Center will be provided for participants!

Curious about artificial intelligence and how it might fit into your everyday life? In this interactive session, you will explore what AI is, how it works, and how it can help you approach everyday tasks with more confidence and creativity. Using tools like ChatGPT, you will practice real-world applications such as writing messages, planning trips, organizing information, and exploring creative ideas. The session will focus on simple, approachable ways to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly in daily life. Please bring a laptop or iPad for guided hands-on practice and exploration. Participants are encouraged to create a free ChatGPT account before class to maximize the benefits of the hands-on activities.

Before the huge steam-driven machines that cut through the Suez and Panama Canals, magnificent canals and aqueducts shaped civilizations from ancient times through the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels, dug to water a few meager crops, eventually built canals that connected Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power. We’ll also explore how human ingenuity used downhill-moving water to propel boats uphill. Our journey takes us to China, Egypt, the Pontine Marshes south of Rome, the French Riviera, England’s coal country, and finally the early American frontier—where a four-foot-deep ditch became the information superhighway of its time.

While most discussions of modern conflict focus on tanks, drones, and great-power competition, the majority of today’s wars are irregular – struggles waged by states and non-state actors for power, influence, and legitimacy among populations. This session explores how rapidly advancing technologies – artificial intelligence, social media, cyber operations, and autonomous systems – are transforming the way such contests are resourced, fought, and won. Drawing on recent lessons from across the globe, Dr. Gleiman examines how these tools and trends empower both governments and insurgent movements to mobilize supporters, manipulate narratives, and compete for control, sometimes without firing a shot. He will also discuss how the Department of Defense and allied nations are rethinking doctrine and education to adapt to this evolving landscape of conflict. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of how technology is reshaping not just warfare, but the very nature of political struggle in the 21st century.

From its humble beginnings as a bookseller in 1994, Amazon has transformed into one of the world’s most innovative enterprises. In this session, an Amazon senior leader and certified Culture of Innovation expert will reveal the deliberate strategies behind this remarkable growth. Discover the core principles and organizational systems that drive Amazon’s continued success, including its Leadership Principles and Day 1 culture. Through compelling insights and firsthand experiences, learn how Amazon consistently fosters innovation across its global operations.

Artificial intelligence holds almost unlimited potential benefits for individuals and society, but it also presents many risks. These risks include threats to safety, security, privacy, fairness, inclusiveness, autonomy, and democracy. This presentation will briefly discuss these risks and the need for governance. However, due to factors such as the “pacing problem,” traditional government regulation is incapable of keeping pace with AI and managing its risks. Two other systems will be needed to supplement – or even stand in for – government regulation in managing AI risks. The first system is comprehensive AI risk management frameworks promulgated by standard-setting organizations such as ISO, IEEE, and NIST. The incentives and pressures needed to encourage companies to align with such private standards will be explored. The second system is criminal and civil liability, and the dimensions, opportunities, and challenges of holding AI companies accountable for harms they inflict will be discussed. The effectiveness of these two alternative systems of governance will be critical for achieving the safe and beneficial implementation of AI.

Join Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule for a walking tour of the City of Surprise Wastewater Facility. The tour will provide an in-depth look at the processes and technologies involved in wastewater treatment. Participants will explore the various stages of treatment—including preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary processes—while gaining insights into the environmental impacts and regulatory requirements of wastewater management. The tour will also cover the role of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment efficiency and sustainability. Please bring a jacket and wear closed-toed shoes. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with about half a mile of walking, some stairs, and gently sloping small hills around the facility.

In collaboration with the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and Dr. Ken Sweat, this community service opportunity invites participants to take part in the removal of stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), an aggressive invasive plant from South Africa that is rapidly spreading across Maricopa County. This hands-on activity will support the preservation of the native Sonoran Desert ecosystem and reduce local fire hazards. As part of this course, participants will also explore the broader impact of invasive species on biodiversity, with a focus on the challenges posed by stinknet. Learn how increased global travel has enabled certain species to thrive in new environments and discover how land managers are responding to these ecological threats with innovative control strategies. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our desert landscape while deepening your understanding of invasive species and ecosystem resilience.

We can all probably recall our high school science classes, where a periodic table of the elements almost certainly hung on the wall. This simple chart represents the handful of discrete substances responsible for the makeup of everything in the universe. Each element has a unique set of properties – but each also has a story to tell. In this class, we will spend time with a few of these elements, exploring their place in our world – from those that have shaped human history to ones that make for spectacular parlor tricks!

The light visible to human eyes represents only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light – although we cannot see it, cameras equipped with special detectors can. In this class, we’ll explore electromagnetic energy and demonstrate an infrared camera in action. Infrared observations are invaluable for studying the Earth, as well as other planets, moons, and asteroids. We will also discuss their role in monitoring global warming and greenhouse gases on our planet.

Musculoskeletal disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, as well as degenerative disc disease, are the major conditions that result in musculoskeletal disability. Diagnosing these conditions often involves complex imaging modalities, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). This class, led by Dr. Rebecca Wachs, Associate Professor in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, will explore how these imaging modalities work and how they are used alongside other information to make diagnoses. Current research into imaging will also be discussed, highlighting potential future modalities. Participants will gain a better understanding of how imaging is used to diagnose musculoskeletal diseases and what the future of imaging may hold.

Our life experiences leave lasting marks – not just in our memories, but deep within our biology. In this class, Dr. Candace Lewis, a neuroscientist at ASU, will explore how stress, connection, and even powerful therapeutic experiences can influence the brain and the tiny chemical tags on our DNA that help control how genes are expressed. This emerging field, known as epigenetics, reveals that our biology is not fixed – it is responsive, resilient, and capable of change throughout our lives. Dr. Lewis will also discuss her research on how new treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, may help people heal from trauma and depression by promoting epigenome changes that underlie the brain’s ability to adapt. The talk will be uplifting, easy to understand, and focused on how science is uncovering the biological roots of renewal and emotional well-being.

Gardening in hot, arid regions presents unique challenges that differ significantly from those in other climates. This class – taught by horticulturist Noelle Johnson (“AZ Plant Lady”) – provides practical guidance on creating and maintaining a vibrant, sustainable desert landscape. Topics include avoiding common design and maintenance mistakes, selecting appropriate plant species, and implementing effective strategies to ensure a thriving garden in hot, dry environments.

The supplement industry thrives on promise – but how much of it is backed by science? In this course, we’ll examine the evidence behind some of the most popular products, from vitamin D to CBD (a best-seller that’s technically illegal to market as a supplement). Along the way, we’ll explore the regulatory gray areas, discuss why supplements remain largely unpoliced, and learn how smart consumers can separate hype from health – and spend their money where it matters.

Discover what life was like in World War II–era Los Alamos, New Mexico – the secretive site where the world’s first atomic bomb was developed. Drawing from research for her historical novel Hill of Secrets, author Galina Vromen explores the key decisions behind the use of the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and examines how those choices shaped post-war nuclear policy and continue to influence global nuclear proliferation today. Through historical insight, Vromen brings this pivotal moment in history to life.

Water is Arizona’s lifeline; however, that lifeline is under strain. As Colorado River water supplies shrink, groundwater levels decline, and cities continue to expand, the question becomes urgent: Where will Arizona find its next bucket of water? This clear and engaging two-part presentation series examines the state’s current water supplies and highlights innovative strategies that experts and communities are developing to meet future demand. Topics include desalination, advanced water recycling, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, water importation, cloud seeding, and groundwater recharge. Participants need no scientific background – only curiosity and concern for Arizona’s future. Whether you have lived in Arizona for many years or recently arrived, you will gain insight into the challenges ahead and the critical choices that will determine Arizona’s water future.