UMMNH’s Winter ‘23 Farrand Memorial Lecture featured a lively panel of U-M professionals who center the microbial universe in their work. Cellular biologist Anthony Vecchiarelli, multi-media artist Jim Cogswell, and chemical engineering student Erica Gardner discussed the importance of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) collaborations in understanding and spreading awareness about microbial systems. In case you missed it, the video recording is available below to view at home—whether you’re here in Ann Arbor, or another corner of the world.

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2023 Farrand Memorial Lecture Recording: Counter-Culture: A panel discussion on the art and science of microbes

Audience: Teens and Adults
Grades: 9-12+
Duration: 90 minutes

The existence of the microbial universe calls us to creativity. Whether harnessing the carbon-capturing power of blue-green algae or compelling society to care about something too small to see, art is often the answer. Listen to this panel discussion on the importance of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) collaborations in understanding and spreading awareness about microbial systems.

- Jim Cogswell, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of Art & Design in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, creator of the Unseen Worlds vinyl mural

- Erica Gardner, PhD student in Chemical Engineering, co-creator of the Microbial Masterpieces Project

- Anthony Vecchiarelli, assistant professor in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and researcher behind UMMNH’s Algae and the Climate Crisis exhibit.

The Farrand Memorial Lecture honors the memory of Dr. William R. Farrand, who served as Director of the U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History for seven years (July 1993-June 2000), as well as his long career as a professor in the U-M Department of Geological Sciences. Past lectures have covered topics such as U-M collections, astronomy, biodiversity, evolution, and climate change.

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Planetarium & Dome Theater

May 2023
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
11:30 a.m.   Did An Asteroid Really Kill The Dinosaurs?
12:30 p.m.   Sky Tonight
 1:30 p.m.    Living In Balance
 2:30 p.m.    Sky Tonight

Planetarium & Dome Theater Shows

Tickets: $8 adults, seniors, and children ages 3 & up. Babies without tickets may be required to sit on an adult's lap. Tickets are available the day of the show. Schedule subject to change.