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Outreach

A Look Back at State of the Sciences 2023

The event returned to the James B. Hunt Jr. Library for the first time since 2018. See the night in photos.

A child wears a virtual reality headset

Science plays an important — and fun — role in our everyday lives. And the College of Sciences is here to show you how. On April 14, the college brought back State of the Sciences — its premier public science and outreach event — to James B. Hunt Jr. Library for the first time since 2018. 

Around 750 attendees made their way around the library’s five floors, stopping at the 40-plus interactive activities put on by the college’s scientists and student organizations. From creating art with artificial intelligence to stargazing with the NC State Student Astronomy Club and Raleigh Astronomy Club — not to mention food and live jazz music — there was something for everyone.

Featured Speaker Sean M. Carroll

Theoretical physicist Sean M. Carroll kicked off the event with a special presentation at the Duke Energy Hall. He touched on the principles of physics, the intersection of physics and philosophy, and more.

Sean M. Carroll speaks at the 2023 State of the Sciences event.
Sean M. Carroll speaks at the 2023 State of the Sciences event.

Science in Action

State of the Sciences attendees got an up-close look at the many ways in which science impacts our lives and surroundings. They stained their own jeans. They tested the health of natural waters using samples from Walnut Creek and Lake Raleigh. They held a real human brain. They learned about personalized nanomedicine. And much, much more.

People wear virtual reality headsets
A person with latex gloves holds a brain
A man and a child complete an educations coloring book activity about weather.
A child looks through a microscope
Three people blow bubbles at the 2023 State of the Sciences event

Arts and Sciences in Harmony

Math matters in dance and music — and State of the Sciences celebrated this overlap in arts and sciences. NC State’s Paul Rudolph performed an original choreographed piece in which he explored how the concept of entropy creation applies to qualitative experiences in students’ academic careers. 

The Triangle Youth Ensemble — one of 15 bands in the nation selected to participate in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival finals at New York City’s Lincoln Center from May 11-13 — entertained attendees throughout the night. 

A performer presents an original choreographed piece at the 2023 State of the Sciences event
The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble playing at the 2023 State of the Sciences

State of the Sciences was presented by the College of Sciences in partnership with the NC State University Libraries, and generously sponsored by Joseph L. Bridger ’65.

To learn about future events and keep up with the College of Sciences, follow us @NCStateSciences on social media.