A pioneer in the Philosophy of Neuroscience and Philosophy of Neuro-ethics, Pat Churchland (Philosophy) continues to enjoy an exemplary international reputation.

“As someone who grew up listening to the music of Bach and Brahms, I’m now listening to the music of belugas in the Arctic,” said Lei Liang (Music).

Speculative fiction writers and alumni: Kim Stanley Robinson ‘74 and Ph.D. ‘82 (Literature), Aimee Bender ‘91 (Literature), and Catherynne Valente ‘02 (History), whose first writing class was with Rae Armantrout (Literature).

“Whether they were marches for immigrant rights or Black Lives Matter protests, there were always Aztec dancers participating,” Rubén Ortiz-Torres (Visual Arts) said. “I see that solidarity as something that is very uplifting.”

Buried secrets, political prisoners and long-lost family members were just a few of the unexpected twists and turns Lois Yu ’93, MS ’95, uncovered while working on her undergraduate research thesis in History.

Incoming first-year student Katie Canard is enthusiastic about diving into the Theatre and Dance program, and said her ultimate goal is to become a film actor.

“When you view the arts academic spaces on campus as a whole … the amphitheater adds yet another way students can apply their training to real-world situations,” said School of Arts and Humanities Dean Cristina Della Coletta.