The Evergreen State College will host scholar, writer, and podcaster on chemistry, Dr. Stephen Cohen, as our 2026 Willi Unsoeld Seminar Speaker on November 4, 2026 at 5:30 pm. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Book sale and signing by the author to follow the presentation. 

Abstract: Though chemistry is presented in modern textbooks as a static series of facts, chemistry connects to society in unusual ways, co-evolving with societal concerns throughout history. This talk provides examples of how modern chemistry has affected music, art, politics, religion, and literature, or how each of these fields has affected chemistry. Dr. Cohen will discuss vignettes of Alexander Borodin (a chemist and classical composer), William Perkin (a chemist who changed textiles and art forever), Alexander Williamson (a chemist who changed Japanese politics), Tobias Geffen (a rabbi who used chemistry), and Jane Marcet (a writer whose highly popular book changed the face of science).

Sponsored by The Evergreen State College Unsoeld Seminar Series and the American Chemical Society, Puget Sound Section

contact: Dr. Dharshi Bopegedera (bopegedd@evergreen.edu)