The Poetry Center is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the College of Science that will pair a poem with each upcoming lecture in the Spring 2023 College of Science lecture series in Centennial Hall.  Working with Tucson-based writers, the collaboration will connect the inquisitive possibilities of imaginative and introspective language with myth busting research from leading University of Arizona researchers.   Each lecture takes place at 7pm at Centennial Hall.  Be sure to visit the Poetry Center table in the lobby to pick up a broadside from each presenting poet.  

Feb. 1 – Precision Aging: Busting the one-size-fits-all myth

Featured poet: Cynthia Hogue

Lecturer: Lee Ryan, head of the Department of Psychology, associate director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and director of the Cognition and Neuroimaging Laboratory

Do we all age the same way, and at the same rate? What happens to my brain as I get older? In this talk, Ryan will break down some of the most pervasive myths about aging, share new science on brain aging and cognitive changes over the course of a life, and explain some exciting national studies on aging led by the university.

Feb. 8 – Are computers as smart as you think?

Featured poet: Gabriel Dozal

Lecturer: Eduardo Blanco, associate professor of computer science

In our modern technoculture, we interface with computers in almost every aspect of our lives, whether it be personal computers, cell phones, cars or even kitchen appliances – but how smart are they, really? Blanco will focus on the intelligence of computers, what they can accomplish and their limitations.

Feb. 15 – Climate is always changing. So why is climate change a problem?

Featured poet: Alison Deming

Jessica Tierney, professor of geosciences

If we look at the history of our planet, the climate has always changed – so why are scientists saying it's a problem now? Tierney's discussion will address that issue head on and provide insight into what science can tell us about the realities of our changing world.

March 1 – Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Facts and Fallacies

Featured poet: Ofelia Zepeda

Michael Worobey, professor and head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Few if any topics have dominated our lives like COVID-19, and the whole world is awash in facts and fictions about the pandemic. Scientists are now reporting what they're learning about the origins of the disease, but can we trust them? Worobey will lay the groundwork for a factual understanding of the coronavirus and help dispel some common misconceptions.