Sweet 16: Utah State University's Science Unwrapped reaches milestone

LOGAN, UTAH, USA -- About 17 years ago when Utah State University faculty scientists Michelle Larson, Mary Hubbard and Shane Larson put their heads together to plan a public STEM outreach program, they weren’t exactly sure what the venture would look like. But they were crystal-clear on three criteria: 1) It would highlight the process of science, 2) It would be for all ages, and 3) It would be free.

“We’d seen science outreach programs and events at other universities and, learning from what worked and what didn’t work, started forming something new for Utah State,” said physicist Michelle Larson, former USU vice provost, who was named president of New York’s Clarkson University in February 2025. “As a first-generation STEM student myself, Science Unwrapped grew out of my love for discovering the process of science. Our aim was to make science more accessible, to show people that scientists tackle challenges they don’t have solutions for, they stumble as often as they succeed, and anyone can join that exciting, sometimes frustrating, journey of discovery.”

With its 16th season underway, Science Unwrapped, as the program was aptly named, provides monthly events featuring a STEM talk and learning exhibits. The program continues to draw inquiring minds of all ages who are eager to learn about science, enthusiastically jump into hands-on activities and ask oodles of questions.

Science Unwrapped, which takes an annual summer break, resumes Friday, Sept. 19.

“We’re continuing our ‘Celebrate Undergrad Research’ series, which highlights USU’s 2025 ‘Year of Undergraduate Research,’” said Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped Chair, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and mathematics professor. “We’re now part of the newly formed College of Arts and Sciences – ArtSci – but not missing a beat, and welcoming new partners, as we get ready for another exciting year of learning fun.”

The Sept. 19 event features USU anthropologists Sascha Baldauf and Molly Cannon, who’ll present “Mummy Mystery,” detailing a fascinating research project with ancient mummified remains ‘unwrapped’ using scanning technology and expertise provided by USU biologists.

The series continues Friday, Oct. 3, with the presentation “Tackling Tariffs,” featuring USU computer scientists Tanner Helms and Chad Mano, who’ll describe an innovative – and timely – entrepreneurial venture.

USU’s renowned student-led Get Away Special space research team is highlighted Friday, Nov. 14, with the presentation “Countdown to Launch” by USU electrical engineers Ethan Wayland and Reyhan Baktur, who’ll describe the team’s current NASA-funded satellite design project and its upcoming 2026 space launch.

All events begin at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Science Learning Center Emert Auditorium (ESLC 130) on campus, and are followed by hands-on learning activities and refreshments. All are welcome.

Hubbard, Earth Sciences professor emerita at Montana State University and former USU science dean, says the post-presentation learning activities, which have become a Science Unwrapped staple, were initially an afterthought.

“From the very first event in 2009, the planning committee decided to invite several USU departments to offer some learning activities and displays after the talk,” she said. “Those activities were a huge hit with the audience and the committee quickly realized the power of engaging researchers and the public face-to-face. The program has truly lived up to its name of ‘unwrapping’ science. My favorite outcome of the program is how it brings young and old together to have fun learning about science – guests range from preschoolers to senior citizens.”

USU Emeritus Biology Professor Greg Podgorski, retired associate dean who chaired Science Unwrapped from 2019-2023, concurs.

“Leading Science Unwrapped turned out to be one of the most satisfying aspects of my entire career,” Podgorski said. “I loved helping to bring science to a broad audience, especially families, seeing kids and USU students interact, and getting to know and work with wonderful speakers.”

Podgorski guided Science Unwrapped through the uncertain pandemic years, implementing innovative use of live-streaming and USU student-led learning activities on video.

“Science Unwrapped survived the pandemic because speakers, staff, technicians, student and community volunteers and our dedicated audience pulled together,” he said. “It had little to do with me and virtually everything to do with the collaborative strength of the many people who contribute time and expertise to each event.”

Emerita Biology Professor Nancy Huntly, retired director of the USU Ecology Center, who led the program from 2012-2019, says Science Unwrapped provides an ideal training ground for fledgling science communicators.

“When planning Science Unwrapped events, we thought about topics that would inspire and excite our audience, but an equally important part of the program is creating opportunities for USU students – and sometimes high school students – to develop confidence and skill in presenting science to the public,” Huntly said. “Today’s scholars must hone these skills and be able to adeptly describe complex concepts in an understandable way. It was exciting for me to watch USU students blossom as they shared their love of science with people of all ages.”

Program co-founder Shane Larson, physics professor and Director of Integrated Engineering and Applied Science Projects at Clarkson University, says it’s genuinely gratifying to see Science Unwrapped continue to thrive.

“It brings my wife Michelle and I great joy when we see Science Unwrapped photos pop up in our social media stream,” he said. “The enthusiasm and bubbling curiosity among attendees and volunteers are evident every time – every single time!”

Science Unwrapped's schedule is online at artsci.usu.edu/unwrapped.