Seminars

Joel Adler  

Unique: 47745 

Monday 4-5 pm  

PAI 5.42  

The United States spends more than comparable countries, and yet has worse health outcomes. To make matters worse, there are pervasive disparities that impact patients along the entire continuum of disease, undermining equity and access to care. This seminar will give a general perspective on US healthcare from practitioners, researchers, and policy makers, using solid organ transplantation as a model.  

Joshua Roebke 

Unique: 47755, 47760 

Wednesday 3-4 pm OR 4-5 pm 

Online 

  This seminar is being offered in identical format at two different times

This course is designed for Dean’s Scholars and Option 1 Health Science Scholars currently writing their theses. You will turn in different sections of your thesis throughout the semester to receive comments and edits from me and your peers. Basically, you are in this class to hone your thesis and I am here to help you.  

Shelly Rodriguez 

Unique: 47700 

Wednesday 11 am – 12 noon 

PAI 4.08 

In today’s world many areas of knowledge with contrasting toolsets must converge to create new products and solve complex societal problems. STEM, design, and the arts offer complementary but unique toolboxes to observe, explain, and engage with the world. However, none of these areas alone will be able to solve the problems of the future. Enter making.  

Rachel Cohen-Ford 

Unique: 47710 

Wednesdays 2-3 pm 

WAG 112 

No leadership title? No problem. Everyone is a leader in their own life, regardless of if they have been given a formal title. This class is designed as a series of highly interactive workshops that will empower you to enact positive change in the world. We will combine self-discovery, skill development, and real-world application to help you become a confident and empathetic leader. We’ll focus on discovering who you are as a leader through self-assessments, activities, and peer-to-peer discussions before moving on to how you work best with others. Some topics we'll cover include: imposter phenomenon, failure, asking for help, and personal values. By the end of the spring semester, you'll have a deeper understanding of yourself, enhanced leadership abilities, and the tools to positively impact your community, workplace, and beyond. 

David Laude 

Unique: 47720 

Wednesdays 2-3 pm 

WEL 4.132B 

In this seminar Dr. Laude takes a look at how technology is evolving the way we live our lives. As UT celebrates the  Year of AI, https://yearofai.utexas.edu/, should there be concern about whether we will be happy with what we have unleashed?  As we become fully invested in what we see on our screens, the question of what is real, or even what reality is, will become an important question we must answer.  In the seminar we will begin with a look at the historical development of synthetic media and current status including its impact across politics, pornography and entertainment.  We will also discuss what is next now that AI has made synthetic media something you can download as a free app (with commercials).  We will finish with a discussion of the philosophical and societal concerns around creating a reality that is increasingly not our own. 

Donnie Sackey 

Unique: 47705 

Tuesdays 2-3 pm 

PAI 5.42 

In a rapidly changing world where design permeates every aspect of our lives, the concept of design justice has emerged as a powerful force for change and inclusion. In this seminar, we will embark on a weekly journey to unpack, analyze, and apply the principles of design justice. Design justice is more than just a buzzword; it is a paradigm shift that calls for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable design solutions. Our seminar will delve into the foundations of this concept, exploring its historical context and evolution. We'll examine how design justice has emerged as a critical lens through which we evaluate the impact of design on marginalized communities. We'll discuss real-world case studies that highlight the consequences of design choices on social justice, the environment, and human well-being. This seminar will be an opportunity to be part of a community of thinkers, creators, and change-makers dedicated to reshaping the way we approach design. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an advocate for social justice, or simply curious about the intersection of design and equity, this seminar will empower you to make a difference in your field and beyond.

Arturo De Lozanne 

Unique: 47730 

Wednesdays 2-3 pm 

GEA 27 

You see it on the news and the internet all the time: A courageous doctor exposes the dangers of vaccines; a new natural treatment to [your favorite serious disease] was discovered; eat this, or don't eat this, to improve your health. How are we to make good health-related decisions based on all this information?? We will explore the boundaries between science and pseudoscience in the medical field and the different kinds of abuse done in the name of Medicine. 

Robert Newberry 

Unique: 47750 

Tuesdays 4-5 pm 

PAI 5.42 

Food is central to our lives in many ways: biologically, culturally, economically, socially, environmentally, and more.  In this seminar, we'll discuss some of the main ways in which food shapes our lives, as well as how science and policy can improve human experience around food. 

William H. Press 

Unique: 47740 
Mondays, 4-5 p.m. 

PAI 4.28 

 
The online magazine Quanta communicates science to non-specialist audiences by both print and podcast, and with both authored journalism and scientist interviews. Our seminar will use Quanta as a platform for exploring both science content (the "big questions" in science today) and also for discussing what makes for good science communication. Each week on a different topic (and strongly required before each class) students will read and/or listen to different combinations of format, including sometimes the original research papers on which the science journalists base their stories. Then, in class, we will discuss both the science and the reporting, especially exploring what are the commonalities and differences in the scientific methods of different fields. Topics will be drawn from both physical and life sciences and may include the human brain, the cosmological universe, AI, the evolution of life, fundamental particles, ecology, and more. Every student will be expected to contribute orally in every class, and all perspectives will be welcome. Come prepared to learn, talk, and contribute.

Brittany O’Malley 

Unique: 47725 

Wednesdays 2-3:30 pm 

PAI 5.42 

The current generation experiences higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety than any prior generation. These issues are further exacerbated by the pressures of college-life and/or expectations of being high-achieving students. In this seminar, students will learn to practice strategies for cultivating and maintaining positive mental health and well-being in college and beyond, as well as ways to approach and help peers and colleagues struggling with related issues. Several guest speakers from various professional backgrounds—including staff from the Counseling and Mental Health Center and Longhorn Wellness Center—will help introduce students to wellness-related strategies and topics that can be carried and expanded upon through their education and career.  

Maggie Miller 

Unique: 47715 

Wednesdays 3 – 4 pm 

PMA 10.176 

We will investigate the mathematical principles underlying many examples of games and puzzles, including “obviously" mathematical constructions as well as popular games and puzzles that you might not think of as mathematical at all. Each student will have the opportunity to lead a discussion of the logic behind a different game that they enjoy. Join if you are interested in math, logic, and strategy. 

Cortni Oluleye 

Unique: 47695 

Monday 11 am – noon 

PAI 5.42 

This course aims to equip college students with the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate healthy habits and lead a productive lifestyle while navigating the demands of academia. Drawing from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," students will explore strategies for habit formation, behavior change, and goal achievement, tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities of college life. 

Enamul Huq 

Unique: 47690 

Thursdays 3-4 pm 

PAI 5.42 

How is biology connected to real world problems? Biology education is not only intricately connected to human health, but also day to day life. This course will emphasize on broad overview of various topics related to our daily life and how those are connected to biology. Each week, a pair of students will present on a topic of their choice. Other students will interrupt and ask questions followed by discussion on the topic.