The Universe on Stage

  • Speakers
  • Ruth Angus, Ph.D.Associate Research Scientist, Astrophysical Data and Surveys, CCA, Flatiron Institute
  • Lauren GundersonPlaywright, screenwriter, and short story author
  • Alonso TeruelAssistant director of public programs at the American Museum of Natural History, American Museum of Natural History
Date & Time


About Presents
Presents is a free events series exploring the connections between science, culture and society. Join our scientists and special guests as they discuss the intersections of their work, followed by an evening of conversation over drinks. It’s an opportunity to hear new perspectives that may challenge your assumptions and stoke your curiosity. Meet interesting people who share a passion for ideas and discovery. Come for the conversation, stay for the connections.

Since the beginning of time, humans have found great inspiration in observing celestial objects and phenomena. But how do scientists and artists approach such large concepts as the universe and our place within it?

Computational astrophysicist Ruth Angus is inspired by planets outside our solar system. She uses her expertise to measure the ages of thousands of stars and planets in the Milky Way galaxy.

Playwright Lauren Gunderson draws her creative inspiration from scientists themselves and uses the medium of theater to illuminate the human experience embedded within the pursuit of scientific discovery. Many of her plays explore the stories of women in science, such as “Silent Sky,” which tells the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific and heart-bound discoveries.

Join Angus and Gunderson as they sit down with Alonso Teruel to discuss why theater is a powerful vehicle for science communication and the unique opportunity it creates to reveal the humanity of the people behind science.

To attend this in-person event, you will need to register in advance and provide:

  • Acceptable proof of vaccination
  • Photo ID
  • Eventbrite ticket confirmation email with QR code
  • Simons Foundation Health Screening Questionnaire approval email

Guests are expected to complete these requirements each time they visit the Simons Foundation and entrance will not be granted without this documentation.

On-site registration will not be permitted. Walk-in entry will be denied.

EVENT SCHEDULE

5:30 p.m. – Doors opens

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Talk and Q&A

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Refreshments

Inquiries: [email protected]

Advancing Research in Basic Science and MathematicsSubscribe to our newsletters to receive news & updates