Our Approach
The Visiting Scientist Series (VSS) was established to inspire and educate young people and the public about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). VSS showcases scientists working in a variety of fields, with the intent to reach a diverse audience and to inspire local students to consider careers in science. Events provide resources for educators, educate members of technical organizations, and inform the community on science and technical issues.
Visiting Scientist Series Partners
The Visiting Scientist Series is a partnership of Bismarck State College, Bismarck Public Schools, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, ND Society of Professional Engineers, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, State Historical Society of North Dakota, and University of Mary.
Stay Informed
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Upcoming Presentations
If you have ideas about an upcoming series you’d like to see offered to the community or are a professional in the industry and would like to partner with us in this program, let us know by emailing hope@gscience.org.
Past Presenters
Our past events cover a broad range of topics and include a wealth of information from professionals in the industry.
| Presenter | Title | Year | Presentation Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clint Boyd | North Dakota Geological Survey | 2026 | Insights into the Fossilization of Dinosaurian "Mummies" |
| Br. Guy Consolmagno | Director of the Vatican Observatory | 2026 | Faith, Science, and the Common Good |
| Counted Out Film | Film Series | 2025 | Counted Out |
| Jeff Wheatcraft | The Wheatcraft Project | 2024 | Project-based Learning with Jeff Wheatcraft |
| John Paul (JP) Martin | US National Weather Service Bismarck ND | 2024 | SKYWARN: Severe Weather & Safety Training |
| Dr. Magan Lewis | Bayer Crop Science | 2024 | Coffee Chat with Dr. Magan Lewis |
| Becky Simmons | University of North Dakota | 2024 | Buzzing Love: Unveiling the Mysterious World of Insect Sex |
| Clint Boyd | North Dakota Geological Survey | 2024 | Insight into the Evolution & Lifestyle of Early Bears Based on a New Species from ND |
| Tim Reed & Andrew Clark | State Historical Society of North Dakota | 2023 | An Eye in the Sky for Preservation - Drones in Archeology |
| Edward Gonzales | Goddard Space Flight Center | 2022 | My Path to NASA |
| Dr. Jack Bacon, PhD, PE | Safety Lead, NASA Orbital Debris Program Office | 2021 | Engineering Better Worlds |
| James A. Peliska, Ph.D. Catherine Brissette, Ph.D. Joshua Wynn, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H | 2020 | Covid-19 Pandemic Discussion Panel | |
| Sam Van Aken | 2020 | The Tree of 40 Fruit and The Open Orchard | |
| Dr. Gurijot Dhaliwal | Research Faculty in the Intertribal Research and Resource Center at UTTC | 2020 | Developing Spray Foam Insulation from Soybean Oil |
| Becky Barnes | Paleontologist, ND State Historical Society | 2019 | Paleontological Digs Across North Dakota |