The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County announced a literary and scientific presentation, "Brains and AI: Real Science Beyond Fiction," scheduled for May 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Joan Slonczewski, a microbiologist and award-winning science fiction author, will lead the event. According to the announcement, Slonczewski will discuss how scientific research works, how it informs fiction-writing, and how it shapes lives. The presentation aims to explore the intersection between real science and its portrayal in fiction.
Slonczewski teaches courses in both biology and fiction writing at Kenyon College. Her published works include microbiology textbooks as well as short stories and novels on topics such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, ecological science (and ecological catastrophe), and nanotechnology. The announcement notes that these subjects are increasingly relevant as they move from science fiction into news stories and daily life.
The event will take place in the Multipurpose Room at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, located at 201 N. Mulberry Street in Mount Vernon. Community members interested in sharing their own work or experiences related to local history are encouraged to contact the library for future participation in its Local History Speaker Series.
More information can be found on the organization's website.
