USU's Science Unwrapped Explores Radioactivity Friday, Nov. 3

Many of us feel a twinge of alarm, when we see an ominous yellow and black trefoil — the international radiation symbol. We may be frightened of radioactivity, though we can’t explain exactly why.

USU chemist Scott Ensign will allay our fears at Utah State University’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program on Friday, Nov. 3. Ensign, professor in USU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, will describe what radioactivity is, why it’s important to our lives, and how we can separate fear from caution-based knowledge when considering this vital form of energy emissions.

Ensign will speak at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow Ensign’s presentation. The talk will also be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website, within a week of the in-person event.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

Ensign’s talk is the third presentation in Science Unwrapped’s 2023-24 “Building on Basics” series, which explores varied scientific principles, with exciting examples and illustrations from diverse disciplines.

“This year’s approach is to examine basic scientific principles, and how they fit into varied scientific disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We have a wonderful group of scientists lined up to speak at this year’s events, and it will be fun to hear their different perspectives.”

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is hosted by USU’s College of Science.

For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the ‘Science Unwrapped at USU’ Facebook page.