Month: February 2026

David Brewer on the Magic of Literature

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David Brewer, Associate Professor in the Department of English, talks about his research on 18th-century literary culture, the history of the book, and the fantastical and historical functions of magic. He discusses his upcoming book project The Fate of Authors, which challenges conventional literary-historical narratives and emphasizes the impact of reputation on authors in the 18th century. He also speaks on several classes he’s taught, including a book history class that ended with students researching and curating texts from the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library here at Ohio State.

VoE – David BrewerDownload

Chris Coleman: Critical Arts Engineer

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Chris Coleman, Professor of Arts and Director of ACCAD (the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design), describes his identity as a “critical arts engineer,” who translates technology for creative practice. He recounts leaving mechanical engineering for art, and explains how his work in sculpture, animation, creative coding, and interactive installations focuses on complex systems, control, and how people experience space and time. Coleman also discusses several upcoming projects, including his significant work with the Clinic for Open Source Arts along with fellow Ohio State Professor of Art and Technology, Laleh Mehran.

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Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira: Forecasting, Preventing, and Recovering From Genocide

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Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira, Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Sociology, discusses her board range of work in the field of genocide studies. She explains the concept and legal definition of genocide, rooted in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, and shares insights into her research on forecasting and preventing future genocides. Nzitatira has worked with both the US and UK governments to predict regions at risk, and has explored the challenges of midstream interventions during ongoing genocides and the complexities of post-genocide recovery, particularly in Rwanda. Additionally, she highlights her ongoing projects, which include a study abroad program in Rwanda, a forthcoming book on rescue during genocide, and the development of a forecasting initiative centered here at The Ohio State University.

VoE – Hollie NzitatiraDownload

Nathan Whelan: Rediscovering the Extinct

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Nathan Whelan, Associate Professor of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology and Director of the Museum of Biological Diversity, discusses the core mission of the museum. The museum focuses on research rather than public exhibits, emphasizing the importance of understanding and documenting natural history through collections of various organisms such as mollusks, insects, plants, birds, and mammals. He highlights the significance of freshwater mollusks in maintaining healthy ecosystems and outlines his lab’s efforts in using genomic data to understand and conserve these organisms. Whelan shares instances of discovering species thought to be extinct, adding to the conservation initiatives. He also describes plans to expand the museum’s engagement with the community with outreach events, including the Open House on March 28th, 2026.

VoE- Nathan WhelanDownload