Now in its 31st year, the award-winning annual Festival of Science\u2014the longest-running event of its kind in the Western Hemisphere\u2014continues to be a cornerstone event for the Flagstaff community, with Northern Arizona University playing a key role in the festival\u2019s success. Through active participation by NAU scientists, artists and educators, as well as through a robust sponsorship commitment, the university contributes to the Flagstaff community through the festival in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s festival, focused on the theme \u201cSuperpowers of Science,\u201d will look a little different, with most events available online, but it continues to emphasize hands-on learning with free science kits; interaction with scientists through online platforms; and opportunities to explore through self-guided tours, socially distanced walks and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlagstaff is a diverse and powerful hub for science exploration and discovery, and the Festival facilitates extraordinary connections between today\u2019s scientists and the next generation, encourages students to pursue science education and careers and contributes to the recruitment of high-tech businesses, jobs and professionals to Flagstaff,\u201d said Kathy Faretta, president of the Festival of Science board of directors.<\/p>\n
Celebrate the \u201cSuperpowers of Science\u201d Sept. 18-27 through these events featuring NAU scientists, artists and educators, as well through a wide variety of other opportunities offered by community partners. For more information, visit the\u00a0Flagstaff Festival of Science\u00a0website at Scifest.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n What would a science festival be without its ballet? Continuing the time-honored Flagstaff tradition, the Superpowers of Science will be joined by dancing superheroes in tights, capes and masks in this year\u2019s annual Festival of Science Ballet featuring the NAU Community Music and Dance Academy. Choreographed by ballet master Andrew Needhammer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest <\/em>explores the complexity of water in the face of climate change and increasing populations. Artists include NAU photographer Josh Biggs<\/strong>, assistant professor Debra Edgerton<\/strong> and lecturer Neal Galloway<\/strong>. Reservations required. Register at https:\/\/bit.ly\/ParchedCCA<\/a>.<\/p>\n In this NAU VPR Innovation Lecture Series presentation, NAU assistant professor Naomi Lee<\/strong> will highlight the fascinating aspects of opioid vaccine design and current results from animal studies.<\/p>\n David S. Brumbaugh<\/strong>, NAU professor emeritus, will give a talk on the Lake Mary fault and earthquakes in Flagstaff.<\/p>\n In this NAU VPR Innovation Lecture Series presentation, NAU assistant professor Jason Ladner<\/strong> will provide a primer on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the causative agent of this disease. Topics include the origin of the pandemic, methods for tracking the spread of the virus and the human immune response to infection.<\/p>\nThe Caped Crusaders of Science Ballet:\u00a0<\/strong>Sept. 18 at 6:45 p.m.<\/h3>\n
Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest: <\/strong>Sept. 18-27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA)<\/h3>\n
Vaccination: A New Approach to the Opioid Epidemic: Sept. 21 at 8:30 a.m. \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Flagstaff: The Lake Mary Fault and Earthquakes: Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Simple Fool\u2019s Guide to the Pandemic: Sept. 23 at 8:30 a.m. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cPicture a Scientist:\u201d Movie: <\/strong>Sept. 18 at 8:30 p.m. and Sept. 19-20 throughout the day<\/h3>\n