NC State’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) is proud to announce The Human Factor, a premier speaker series that explores how human-centered perspectives can help solve today’s most complex societal challenges. The series’ inaugural event will feature acclaimed chef, author and TV personality Alton Brown and take place this fall.
Through thought-provoking talks by influential speakers and subject matter experts from across the country — along with a range of related college events — The Human Factor will highlight the vital role of the humanities and social sciences in reimagining society. This series invites us to engage with fresh ideas, deepen our understanding, and lead change with clarity, creativity and compassion.
The series will debut on Sept. 19, 2025, with Brown as its inaugural guest. Best known for his role in shows like Good Eats and Iron Chef America, Brown is celebrated for making food science both accessible and entertaining. For the inaugural event’s theme, Food and the Future, Brown will explore the human side of food — its ties to culture, sustainability and how we nourish a changing world.
A New Platform for Engagement and Dialogue
The Human Factor goes beyond a traditional speaker series — it is a strategic initiative designed to amplify the impact of the humanities and social sciences at NC State and beyond. It fosters meaningful dialogue and reinforces the college’s role as a hub for community engagement, collaboration and innovation.
By launching The Human Factor, CHASS also affirms its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary conversations and ensuring human-centric viewpoints remain at the forefront of societal progress.
“The Human Factor is our way of spotlighting how the humanities and social sciences can help reimagine what’s possible.”
“Our disciplines illuminate the human experience, offering essential insights into behavior, culture and history that are key to shaping a more just and sustainable future,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “The Human Factor is our way of spotlighting how the humanities and social sciences can help reimagine what’s possible.”
A Series of Engaging Events
On Sept. 19, Alton Brown and members of the CHASS community will delve into how food connects us through culture, sparks creativity, drives sustainability and shapes the human experience. From age-old traditions to cutting-edge culinary practices, they will explore how food impacts many aspects of life and reflect who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
“Alton Brown is an ideal speaker for our inaugural event because he embodies the intersection of food, science and creativity,” said Dannels. “His talent in making complex topics engaging aligns with our goal of fostering meaningful discussions on society’s most pressing issues.”
While Brown’s talk will serve as the centerpiece event, The Human Factor will also feature several complementary college activities throughout fall 2025 and spring 2026, offering students, faculty and the public additional opportunities to engage in discussions related to food. These activities include visits from prominent alumni and initiatives that encourage students and faculty to collaborate and connect with the broader community.
The Human Factor is supported by a generous gift from an alumnus who champions the college’s vision for a better future, the essential role of the humanities and social sciences in realizing that future, and the unique power of food to bring people together and foster global connections.
Tickets to The Human Factor will be available soon. Sign up for updates and get event details at go.ncsu.edu/humanfactor.
- Categories:
