Interdisciplinary Discussions Highlight New Season Of LASER Talks, Starting Sept. 17
The talks titled “LASER” — for Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous — are presented by the Institute for Applied Creativity.
The Institute for Applied Creativity will host its second installment of interdisciplinary discussions beginning Sept. 17 at noon at the J. Wayne Stark Galleries in the Memorial Student Center.
The talks titled “LASER” — for Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous — are funded by the institute, which is part of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, and the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research.
The LASER Talks are part of an international LASER series and offer an opportunity for colleagues to meet other collaborators, develop connections and share their work. They are modeled after the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci, who merged art, science and technology into his work.
The series debuted in January, with topics ranging from immersive technology, anatomy education, ecological work, abstract films and animation. Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Ph.D., associate dean for research and creative works and director of the institute, said the guest speakers engaged faculty, students and the community.
“It marked the beginning of an interdisciplinary effort, sparking new conversations and creating a meaningful gathering space for collaboration and exchange,” Seo said. “This year’s program will showcase an even wider range of interdisciplinary work bridging art and science, presented by a diverse lineup of speakers. Our goal is to inspire, spark curiosity and encourage greater participation in these conversations and gatherings.”
Each event will start with a 30-minute presentation, followed by an open Q&A session and a reception, where attendees can connect and discuss the topics further, Seo said.
Lynn Vartan, Ph.D., associate professor in Music Performance, curated the series and said it was encouraging to see people from a variety of fields gather and share their thoughts at the college level.
Upcoming LASER Talks
Kiju Lee, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, discusses adaptive robot technology, robot origami, games designed for health and The ART Lab.
William Doan, professor emeritus of theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture and artist-in-residence at the College of Nursing at Penn State, discusses theatre, science and health through interactive experiences.
Jiabao Li, tenure track assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses design and perception in climate change, interspecies co-creation and humane technology.
