On Slow-Looking, Curiosity, and the Art of Trust-Building
The College of Arts and Sciences and IEEE LTU SB invites the Lawrence Technological University community, friends and family to join us for the 16th Annual Harold Hotelling Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Reyhaneh (Rey) Maktoufi, Iranian-American National Geographic Explorer, published researcher, and science communicator.
On Slow-Looking, Curiosity, and the Art of Trust-Building
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Lecture: 5:00 p.m.
Reception: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mary E. Marburger Science and Engineering Auditorium (S100)
Presented by the College of Arts and Sciences
What if slowing down, looking closely, listening carefully, and being willing to say “I might not know the answer” could help us build stronger relationships and navigate misinformation and conflict?
In this engaging lecture, Dr. Maktoufi will explore the science behind slow-looking, curiosity, intellectual humility, empathy, and trust-building. Drawing from her own experiences as a National Geographic Explorer and science communicator, she will share how curiosity and meaningful human connection can change the way we communicate with one another.
Dr. Maktoufi is the co-producer and host of PBS|NOVA’s Sciencing Out and the podcast SciComm Hotline. Her work has included partnerships with National Geographic, MIT, Princeton, Kavli, and BWF, where she develops communication strategies, workshops, and storytelling that help experts and institutions connect with their audiences in authentic and meaningful ways.
Her career spans science communication, research, documentary production, health communication, and hospice work—experiences that have shaped her belief that meaningful communication happens where expertise meets human presence.
Take a deep breath. Slow down. Look and listen. Get curious.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about how these simple practices can help us foster trust, empathy, and more meaningful communication.
This event is free and open to the LTU community, but advance registration is requested.
Please register in advance:
Register for the 16th Annual Harold Hotelling Memorial Lecture
We hope you will join us for this special lecture and reception!
College of Arts and Sciences
Lawrence Technological University
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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Add Event to Calendar
- 21000 West Ten Mile Road
- Southfield, MI, 48075-1058
- Southfield, MI 48075, Michigan
- United States 48075
- Building: S100
- Room Number: S100
- Contact Event Host
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Dr. Manisha Guduri
- Co-sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences
- Starts 22 September 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- Ends 27 October 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Dr. Rey
On Slow-Looking, Curiosity, and the Art of Trust-Building
What if slowing down, looking closely, listening carefully, and being willing to say “I might not know the answer” could help us build stronger relationships and navigate misinformation and conflict?
In this engaging lecture, Dr. Maktoufi will explore the science behind slow-looking, curiosity, intellectual humility, empathy, and trust-building. Drawing from her own experiences as a National Geographic Explorer and science communicator, she will share how curiosity and meaningful human connection can change the way we communicate with one another.
Dr. Maktoufi is the co-producer and host of PBS|NOVA’s Sciencing Out and the podcast SciComm Hotline. Her work has included partnerships with National Geographic, MIT, Princeton, Kavli, and BWF, where she develops communication strategies, workshops, and storytelling that help experts and institutions connect with their audiences in authentic and meaningful ways.
Her career spans science communication, research, documentary production, health communication, and hospice work—experiences that have shaped her belief that meaningful communication happens where expertise meets human presence.
Take a deep breath. Slow down. Look and listen. Get curious.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about how these simple practices can help us foster trust, empathy, and more meaningful communication.
This event is free and open to the LTU community, but advance registration is requested.
Please register in advance:
Register for the 16th Annual Harold Hotelling Memorial Lecture
We hope you will join us for this special lecture and reception!
Biography:
Reyhaneh “Rey” Maktoufi is an Iranian-American social science researcher and science communicator. She obtained her Ph.D. in media, technology and society at Northwestern University, with a focus on science curiosity and trust in scientists. Maktoufi is passionate about communicating the science behind science communication, as evident in her work as the co-producer, host and illustrator of PBS|NOVA's Sciencing Out — a digital mini-series on women in history who have used different strategies to communicate their science — and her comics and videos on science outreach best practices. She is an HHMI fellow in Science Communications at The Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture, where she works on developing science communication curricula, training and programs. Previously, she worked in science media as an outreach and misinformation fellow at Tangled Bank Studios and PBS|NOVA. In these capacities, she has been involved in research and producing media and impact campaigns. Maktoufi was also a visiting researcher at the Adler Planetarium and a producer for The Story Collider podcast. Before coming to the U.S., she worked as a health communication facilitator and cancer preventive/palliative care campaign manager in Tehran, Iran. Currently, she enjoys working with different nonprofits, such as the NEWF and ComSciCon. Maktoufi is a recipient of the 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia.
Address:United States