Sewanee Faculty on Ideas that Inspire

Musician. Aviator. Philosopher. Actor. Active in their fields of expertise outside of the classroom, our faculty bring a wide array of perspectives to their work as educators.

We asked them to tell us about their passions—the ideas that intrigue them, that stoke the fires of their creativity, that they could talk about forever. Here’s what they told us.

The Mathematics of Aviation

Professor Catherine Cavagnaro discusses the many intersections between mathematics and aviation—and how, no matter how well-versed you are in the science behind it, flying still feels like magic.

What Does a Conductor Actually Do?

Why does an orchestra need a conductor? Professor Mario Alejandro Torres discusses the role of a conductor, how he blends the different sounds of an orchestra's sections into one, and how sometimes the most powerful moment in music is when there is no sound at all.

Reading Fiction in Unprecedented Times

Can reading fantasy ground us in unprecedented times? Professor Britt Threatt reflects on how reading about monsters, magic, and the apocalypse can lead us to new perspectives on real-world challenges—and names her top five fantasy book recommendations.

Listening to Nature

What if we listened to nature like it was a concert we’d bought a $100 ticket to? Professor David Haskell explores how the songs of insects and birds reveal deep connections between us, our evolution, and the more-than-human world. Watch the full video to discover what listening to nature’s symphony can teach us.

Why Amphibians are Superheroes

Among the most abundant creatures in the ecosystems of the Southeast United States, amphibians and their unique powers are often overlooked. From salamanders that can regrow limbs to a frog that can break its own bones to use as weapons, Professor Kristen Cecala discusses the many ways that amphibians are nature's superheroes.

COMING MAY 21

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