The countdown begins: On Sept. 19, culinary icon Alton Brown takes the stage at NC State’s Stewart Theatre to launch The Human Factor – a bold new speaker series from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Known for Good Eats, Iron Chef America, and his signature blend of wit and wisdom, Brown will delve into this year’s theme, “Food and the Future.” Through humor, storytelling and sharp insight, he’ll explore how what we eat connects to culture, identity and the world ahead.

Get ready for an evening of laughs, fresh perspectives and thought-provoking questions such as:

• Why do we eat what we do?
• How do our meals reflect our values and identities?
• What does the future of food reveal about the human experience?

Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply passionate about food and culture, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

The Human Factor is supported in full by private donations.

More Human Factor Events

Service Week | Oct. 16–24
Roll up your sleeves and make a difference during The Human Factor Service Week. Students, faculty and community members will volunteer with a variety of local nonprofits and service organizations focused on addressing hunger and food education. The week kicks off with a hands-on meal-packing event on Oct. 16 — World Food Day — with Rise Against Hunger. 

Sign up for the Rise Against Hunger event to build nutritious meal kits and help fight food insecurity around the globe.

Alumni Food Panel | Nov. 12
Hear from CHASS alumni who are shaping the future of food in media, hospitality, sustainability and beyond. This engaging panel will explore how their humanities and social sciences education fueled their success and inspired careers that blend purpose, creativity, and impact. 

Food as Communication | Dec. 2
Join us for a one-of-a-kind “edible humanities fair” from communication professor Cindy Rosenfeld and her Environmental Communication class. The interactive potluck features a guided food sampling where student teams will present various prepared dishes.  

These events demonstrate how the humanities and social sciences help us address real-world challenges by focusing on people and their experiences. Whether you’re driven by culinary passion, cultural exploration or a desire to serve or make change, The Human Factor invites you to reflect, engage and act.

Get all the details at go.ncsu.edu/HumanFactor.