Welcome to Nontechnically Speaking, the official science communication podcast of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College. Through engaging interviews and thoughtful discussions, Nontechnically Speaking helps non-expert yet curious audiences explore the evolving impact of science, technology, and innovation on society. Learn from professionals and students alike as they consider topics ranging from artificial intelligence, climate change, and energy security to food systems, global health, and environmental challenges.
Show, Don't Tell: Using Art to Communicate Ocean Science
The various natural processes that occur within our oceans directly impact our lives. That's what multidisciplinary artist Rebecca Rutstein discovered when she began attending research expeditions on the high seas with scientists such as Dr. Mary Burkitt-Gray. Today, Rebecca's artwork (including her latest exhibition Universal Nature at Ursinus College's Berman Museum) captures the beauty and complexity of ocean science—including observable changes occurring as a result of climate change.
In this discussion, Rebecca and Mary sit down with Parlee Center director Dr. Aubrey Paris to discuss the value of bridging the arts and sciences and the role of artistic expression in communicating scientific data to the public.
The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good or Ursinus College.
28 Oct 2026
Can You Afford the Cost of Climate Change?
What does a warming planet cost, and who pays the bill? Parlee fellows Dan Holub, Ben Kurtz, and Nuaym Zaidi explore the economic impacts of extreme weather, rising temperatures, and disruptions to the agriculture and fishing industries. Plus, they’re putting a monetary value on the financial strain of rebuilding after a severe storm. Through a conversation case-studying real-world disasters, personal stories, and financial statistics, you'll learn how climate change reaches beyond the environment to affect jobs, wallets, and whole communities.
Learn more about changes in global crop production under drought conditions here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377426005901 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377426005901)
This episode of Nontechnically Speaking was co-produced by Dan Holub, Ben Kurtz, and Nuaym Zaidi.
The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good or Ursinus College.
21 Oct 2026
Solar Sensations: Innovations in Solar Energy Production
What’s the deal with solar energy? Dr. Mark Ellison, David Laucks Hain Professor of Chemistry at Ursinus College, visits Nontechnically Speaking to talk all things solar cell efficiency and feasibility to give insight into the future of this crucial energy source. Why are researchers like Dr. Ellison trying to create alternatives to traditional silicon-based solar cells? What's a perovskite, and why might polymer coatings be the key to perovskites' utility in the solar field? Parlee fellows Vera O'Keeffe and LeeLee Sanders are asking the hard-hitting questions, so you don't have to.
This episode of Nontechnically Speaking was co-produced by Vera O'Keeffe, LeeLee Sanders, and Luke Nieman.
The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good or Ursinus College.
7 Oct 2026
Kill the Robots? AI Policy & Regulation in the United States & Worldwide
Tech companies and their representatives have been outspoken about the potential risks of rapidly deploying artificial intelligence. Are their concerns justified? In this Ursinus College faculty panel, speakers explore how AI can and should be regulated, examining the political, economic, and institutional challenges shaping AI governance. Their conversation overviews domestic policy, geopolitical competition with China, and the role of international institutions in developing effective approaches to AI regulation.
Speakers include Drs. Shai Karp, Annie Karreth, and Johannes Karreth (Department of Politics and International Relations), Dr. Bill Mongan (Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics), and Dr. Aubrey Paris (Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good). The conversation is moderated by Dr. Tony Nadler (Department of Media and Communication Studies).
This episode of Nontechnically Speaking archives Ursinus College's "Kill the Robots?" faculty panel, which was convened by the Parlee Center and the Hub for Civic and Global Leadership on September 30, 2026.
The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good or Ursinus College.
23 Sept 2026
Career Pathways in Biotech & the Future of the Life Sciences Industry
How is the life sciences industry evolving, and what does that evolution mean for the future of biotechnology careers? In this conversation, professionals representing the research, manufacturing, quality assurance, entrepreneurship, and sales sides of the industry share their personal journeys and offer advice for preparing for science careers within and outside of the lab.
Speakers include Rob Ott (BioNJ), Dr. Phillip Clayman (formerly GSK, current student at The Wharton School), Dr. Jenna Pellegrino (Merck), Thuy Nguyen (BeOne Medicines), and Jacqueline Smiler (10x Genomics). The conversation is moderated by Dr. Aubrey Paris, director of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good.
This episode of Nontechnically Speaking archives Ursinus College's "Career Pathways in Biotech" event, which was convened by the Parlee Center and the Career and Professional Development Office on September 17, 2026.
The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good or Ursinus College.
24 Aug 2026
TRAILER | Nontechnically Speaking | Perspectives on Science & Society
Welcome to Nontechnically Speaking, the official podcast of the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good at Ursinus College.
Sharing stories and perspectives about the nexus of science, technology, and society, we're demystify how topics in artificial intelligence, climate change, energy, the environment, food security, public health, and more are impacting your day-to-day life...without forcing you to break out your old college textbooks. Join us for in-depth interviews, thoughtful discussions, and guest lectures that will change the way you think about science and technology and its potential to create positive or negative change in our world.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parleecenter
Subscribe to our Substack: https://www.substack.com/@parleecenter
Learn more about the Parlee Center: https://www.ursinus.edu/academics/center-for-science-and-the-common-good/
Perspectives shared in our episodes are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Parlee Center or Ursinus College.
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