The Natural History Museum of Utah Announces its 2021 Lecture Series: Trailblazing Women in Science

SALT LAKE CITY—March 25, 2021—In its highly anticipated 2021 Lecture Series, the Natural History Museum of Utah is pleased to spotlight four trailblazing women who are exploring the unknown, offering unimagined ideas, and paving the way for future generations. The first lecture begins Thursday, April 1, and continues with lectures each Thursday until April 22.

This year, lectures will be broadcast live on the web in a new and engaging format that allows for more access than ever. Speakers will speak directly to the audience, followed by a moderated conversation about what it means to be a ‘barrier-breaking woman in science’ with Jason Cryan, executive director of NHMU.

The new virtual format will allow the museum to expand its reach beyond the Salt Lake Valley, providing access to Utahns throughout the state and many others beyond. While all lectures, including the keynote, are free to the public, participants must make online reservations.

Reservations and ticket purchases are now available for all 2020 lectures at https://nhmu.utah.edu/lectureseries

*Please note that even though the talks are virtual this year, participants must watch them live, at the time of broadcast.

“NHMU is thrilled to share our speakers’ insights and experiences with the broadest audience possible,” said Jason Cryan, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. “Our four trailblazers will take us beneath from the ocean, beyond the classroom, deep into the forest, and out into space — all to better understand our environment and our future. I hope you’ll join us!”

In the 2021 series, guests will have the opportunity to hear four lectures from four different extraordinary women who are challenging norms and defying odds to influence our shared history, culture, and society, including the first-ever woman of color in space, Mae Jemison as the keynote speaker. See the complete list of lectures below:

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—The Future of Ocean Conservation

Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 6:30pm

Ayah Bdeir—The Building Blocks of the Future

Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 6:30pm

Nalini Nadkarni—Branching Out: Exploring the Tapestry of the Forest Canopy

Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6:30pm

Mae Jemison—Keynote speaker

April 22, 2021 - 6:30pm

2021 Lecture Series Sponsors

Founding Underwriter
R. Harold Burton Foundation

Underwriter
Cultural Vision Fund

Gold Sponsor
Rio Tinto Kennecott

Silver Sponsors
The Clark Foundation
The DiFiore Family Foundation
The M Lazy M Foundation
The Nature Conservancy in Utah
Ruth Novak
Paula Swaner Sargetakis and Joseph Sargetakis | Frog Bench Farms

Community Partner
Liberty Heights Fresh

Institutional Support
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks