2026 Lecture Series: Rob Dunn, Ph.D., at Viridian

Cultivating Mutualisms with Other Species: Responding to the Call of the Honeyguide and the Stink of the Bacillus

Across history, humans have gone through many transitions regarding the species with which we partner: fruit trees, honeybees, and gut microbes (to name just a few). Many of the transitions in human partnerships occurred during times of great climate change.

Join Rob Dunn, Ph. D., in an exploration of these partnerships, imagining partnerships of the future and reconsidering current relationships, and discover the impact that ordinary professionals (like architects and chefs) are having on these vital relationships.

This event is free to attend with RSVP. Follow the link below to register. Dr. Dunn will give the same lecture at NHMU the previous day.

About the Speaker

Dr. Robert (Rob) Dunn serves as Senior Vice Provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs at NC State University. In this role, Dunn oversees the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, which includes:
- the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program
- the Data Science, Genetics and Genomics, and Global One Health Academies
- the Biotechnology Program
- the Coastal Resilience and Sustainability Initiative
- NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- the Integrative Sciences Initiative
- the Long View Project
- the Sustainable Futures Initiative
- the Shelton Leadership Center

Dunn received his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Kalamazoo College and his Ph. D. in ecology and evolution from the University of Connecticut. He is an avid writer and has published many popular articles in National Geographic, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, among others, as well as seven books, most recently A Natural History of the Future and Delicious, The Evolution of Flavor and How it Made us Human, with Monica Sanchez.

2026 Lecture Series Sponsors

Founding Underwriter
- R. Harold Burton Foundation

Underwriter
- Cultural Vision 30 Year Endowment Fund

Gold Sponsors
- Karen and Ken Buchi
- Curt and Mary Crowther
- M Lazy M Foundation
- Rio Tinto Kennecott

Silver Sponsors
- The DiFiore Family Foundation
- Diana George
- MSL Foundation
- Paula Swaner Sargetakis and Joe Sargetakis | Frog Bench Farms

Community Partners
- The County Library | Viridian Event Center
- Kingsbury Hall
- Pictureline

Institutional Support
- Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks