Science & the Arts events are free and open to the public, except where denoted.

Events that require registration or tickets are marked. To make a reservation for an e-VENT, click the e-VENT online reservation icon or call 212-817-8215. (Unclaimed reservations will be available to a standby line at the event on a first-come, first-served basis).

For all other events, seating will be first-come, first-served, beginning one hour before each event. No pre-registration.

Science & the Arts
The Graduate Center, CUNY
365 Fifth Avenue
(at 34th Street)

Science & the
Arts Series

Spring 2009 Events

Starry Messenger
	A staged reading of Starry Messenger, Ira Hauptman's drama about Galileo's attempt to hold together science, religion, and his turbulent family.  Performed by Break A Leg Productions. Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:00 PM

Our Future Scientists: A Townhall Meeting

Join us for a screening of the new one-hour documentary Naturally Obsessed: The Making of a Scientist, by Richard and Carole Rifkind, about the struggle to become a scientist and the satisfaction of discovery. Mixing humor with heartbreak, the film tells an intensely dramatic story about a trio of irrepressible student scientists who are guided through the emotional ups and downs of a PhD training program by a tough but genial mentor. A discussion with laboratory scientists that follows the screening will allow an exchange of ideas on what's needed to maintain an ample pipeline of future scientists. Moderator: Robert Krulwich, National Public Radio Panelists: Prof. Joy Hirsch, Columbia University Prof. Ben Ortiz, Hunter College Prof. Susan Zolla-Pazner, New York University Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 PM

Experimental Man

Best-selling author David Ewing Duncan takes "guinea pig" journalism to the cutting edge of science. His mission, as perhaps the most tested healthy person in history, is to discover what cutting-edge medical technology can tell him, and us, about our future health; the effects of living in a toxin-soaked world; and how genes, proteins, personal behavior, and an often-hostile environment interact within our bodies. Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 PM

Evolution: Darwin's Top 10 Choices

What were Darwin's Top 10 Choices? Celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species with a presentation by Richard Milner. Milner, the singing Darwin scholar, is a master storyteller and author of The Encyclopedia of Evolution and the forthcoming Darwin's Universe. Milner has lectured and performed at locales around the world, including Darwin's beloved Galapagos Islands. Master lyricist Sheldon (Fiddler on the Roof) Harnick said, "(Milner's) lyrics are expert especially because they're so scientifically rich." An evening of science, history, hilarity, and music entwined! Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 PM

Artists & Science Writers: Finding Common Ground

Science and art -- what's the attraction? Join us for fascinating conversations with artists and science writers. This event is co-hosted with the National Association of Science Writers - Arthur Giron, playwright, author of "Flight," "Moving Bodies," "Emilie's Voltaire," and other plays dealing with scientific themes, in conversation with Mariette DiChristina, Scientific American executive editor. - Justine Cooper, visual artist, creator of "Saved by Science," "Havidol," and other works of art inspired by science, in conversation with Lee Hotz, Wall Street Journal columnist. - Liz Lerman, choreographer, creator of the dance "Ferocious Beauty: Genome" and a new work about the Manhattan Project, in conversation with Robin Marantz Henig, New York Times Magazine contributing writer. See demonstrations of these artists' work, and listen to them talk about the creative process. Monday, May 11, 1 - 5 pm Tickets: www.nasw.org/nyc

Between the Folds: The Art and Science of Origami

		The science and art of origami is explored in the New York premiere screening of the award-winning documentary "Between the Folds."  MIT's Erik Demaine received a MacArthur Fellowship for his work in computational origami.  Demaine, who was the youngest professor ever hired by MIT, will discuss the math behind the folds and the real-world applications of origami concepts. Origami, for Demaine, is the key to understanding major scientific problems such as the structure of rogue proteins.  Filmmaker Vanessa Gould will introduce the film and the audience will have the opportunity to create some origami. Monday, May 11, 6:30 PM

Picturing Earth: The Story of Life in Images

See the planet through the eyes of one of its most intrepid talented photographers, hear about the lengths traveled to capture his remarkable images, and explore the important lessons they teach us about the story of life on Earth from its earliest beginnings to its present diversity. National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting screens excerpts of "LIFE: A Journey Through Time" and sits down for discussion with special guests. Ticket information: www.worldsciencefestival.com Produced in cooperation with the World Science Festival Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM

Origami: From Flapping Birds to Space Telescopes

Dr. Robert J. Lang is one of the world's leading origami masters, with over 500 designs catalogued and diagrammed. He is known for his complex and elegant designs, most notably of insects and animals. Trained as a physicist, he has long been a student of the mathematics of origami and of using computers to study the theories behind origami. In addition to creating intricate origami paper sculptures, Dr. Lang applies his knowledge of folding to solve complex problems in science and engineering. Co-sponsored by Science & the Arts and Math for America Wednesday, July 1, 6:30 PM