Join us for an evening that uncovers the dangers, truths, and meanings that often remain just out of sight. Through science, art, history, and personal reflection, this program invites you to look beneath the surface—at the hidden risks, overlooked details, and subtle forces that shape how we move through the world.
You’ll hear about efforts to detect threats earlier and more precisely, alongside stories that explore how a simple shift in perspective can alter our understanding of safety, meaning, and connection. Whether buried in the ground, embedded in memory, or woven into the fabric of daily life, the unseen has a profound impact on what we believe and how we act.
Come discover how looking closer—and looking differently—can transform what we think we know about the world and our place within it.
Refreshments & cocktails from 10 Torr Distillery and Brewery will be provided.
$15 – General Admission
$10 – Discounted Tickets for Students and Educators
Storytellers:
Justin Toller is a geophysicist at the Desert Research Institute, where he leads and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on Department of Defense projects focused on detecting landmines and characterizing environments that challenge mobility and communication. Their work applies advanced geophysical techniques to address complex, real-world problems.
Justin holds a Masters of Science in Geophysics, a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Astronomy from Northern Arizona University, with minors in Philosophy and Mathematics. During his studies, he worked at Lowell Observatory as both an educator and research assistant, balancing research with delivering engaging science lectures to diverse audiences. This experience sparked a lasting passion for science communication, which he hoped to continue alongside his research. At the core of his work is a drive to learn, grow, and create positive change through science, education, and meaningful collaboration.
Dr. Kendra Isable is a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno’s department of Anthropology. Her research investigates how socially constructed labels impact the distribution and quality of care and the ways in which that manifests in the human skeletal remains of African and African American individuals. As a first generation college student, Kendra has traversed academia for nearly a decade and a half, earning four degrees from three other academic institutions in southern California prior to her doctorate. As of late, Kendra works as the Assistant Academic Director at a local non-profit where she teaches English as a second language and assists with various administrative tasks to support the director and the institution as a whole. She remains committed to educating and supporting people in reaching their academic and professional goals while continuing her own learning journey in life.
Ryland Gower was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He started playing the cello at 9 years old and has a passion for music. He is the principal cellist in the Reno Philharmonic Youth Strings Symphonia, the Reno High School String Quartet, and the Reno High School Chamber Orchestra. He recently attended the Villa Sinfonia Zephyr Point Chamber Music Camp at Lake Tahoe and the Oracle Music Festival in Arizona. This summer, Ryland will be attending the Lutheran Music Festival at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, the Sun Valley Chamber Music Festival in Idaho, and the Ruth Lenz and Amy Au Chamber Music Invitational in Reno. Dr. Luciana Gallo is Ryland’s instructor and mentor. When not playing the cello, Ryland enjoys serving as the incoming Sophomore Class President, playing pickleball, and listening to recordings of his favorite cellist, Jacqueline du Pré, perform the Elgar Cello Concerto.
Ryland will be performing Tarantella for Cello by William Henry Squire. Squire composed it in 1896. It is arguably Squire’s most popular piece.
Thank you to our community partners Nevada Humanities
and our beverage sponsor 10 Torr Distillery and Brewery.
