on
campus
Spring Lectures Focus on Science and the Written Word
Campus and the surrounding community had the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers this spring. These voices highlighted their expertise in areas including literature, journalism, creative writing, the sciences and healthcare.
Nicholas Kristof, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, visited campus for the 43rd annual Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities. Kristof’s lecture, “Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life and Solving Today’s Problems,” touched on insights collected in his travels to more than 150 countries. In his time with more than 425 guests, Kristof shared tales of his commitment to advocate for human rights and give a voice to the voiceless through his storytelling. Despite challenges around the globe, Kristof balanced his concerns with hope and encouraged audience members to make a difference in their own corner of the world. “Anybody can make a small dent,” Kristof said. “I’m a big believer in drops in the bucket. Take it from me. Drops in the bucket? That’s how you fill buckets.”
Henderson “Jim” Cleaves, professor and chair of the chemistry department at Howard University in Washington, D.C., delivered the 2025 Henry J. and Linda C. Pownall Lecture in Chemistry. Cleaves’ research focuses on prebiotic chemistry, life-detection technologies, self-assembly processes and chemoinformatics. His talk, “Understanding the Chemical Origins of Life,” explored the notions of life’s beginnings on Earth and the likelihood of life beyond our planet.
Hazel Barton, Loper professor of geological sciences at the University of Alabama, presented this year’s Grace Kimball Memorial Lecture. Barton’s research focuses on microbial interactions and processes in cave environments. In her lecture, “Cave Microbiology: It’s Wild Down There,” Barton shared her fascination with caves, as well as their varied microbial communities and novel biotechnical properties that may offer clues to life on other planets or around other stars.
Abas Sabouni, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Wilkes, was selected to deliver the 2025 Paul A. O’Hop Final Word Lecture. His presentation, “Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Imaging Using Advanced Artificial Intelligence,” shed light on the innovative use of AI in healthcare and the potential for lifesaving early detection.
Juliette Wells, professor of literary studies at Goucher College, was the keynote speaker at an early celebration of novelist Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. The event also included remarks from Helen Davis, professor of English, Amy Sopcak-Joseph, associate professor of history, and Stefan Zubal, director of dance, as well as a period dance demonstration and lesson, along with tea and cake.
Nicholas Kristof delivers the 43rd annual Rosenn Lecture.
Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a Scandal, joined Wilkes students for a virtual session courtesy of the Title IX Department and It’s On Us Club. Vaughan shared a brief reading and discussed sexual assault, power and privilege through the lens of her novel.
The Wilkes University English Department also treated the campus and community to visits from three guest artists courtesy of the Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series. The writers each offered public readings and spent time with Wilkes students in workshop sessions.
Idra Novey, novelist, poet and translator, opened the series. Novey teaches in Princeton University’s creative writing program. Her books include Take What You Need, Ways to Disappear and Soon and Wholly.
Helena D. Lewis, award-winning actress, poet and playwright, also appeared on campus. Lewis holds a doctorate in social work and is currently a substance abuse treatment director. Her one-person show, Call Me Crazy: Diary of A Mad Social Worker, features 25 characters and chronicles her work in social services.
George Saunders wrapped up this year’s series. Saunders has taught creative writing at Syracuse University for more than 20 years. His diverse professional pursuits include positions as a geophysical prospector, a roofer, a doorman and a technical writer. Saunders is the author of 12 books including Lincoln in the Bardo, winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize.
Learn more about lectures at Wilkes: wilkes.edu/lectures.