E.N. Thompson Forum

This year, we hosted 5 Cooper Conversations with UNL students, including one event open to the public. Each conversation explored our theme, Lessons from the Natural World, by highlighting insights from local individuals passionate about nature. Thank you for your contributions.

In March, we finalized judging and voting for our photography contest. We are excited for our winners! People’s Choice: Logan Trimberger Little Bluestems (K-8): Jaden C. Honeybees (9-12): Sammi Leners Goldenrods (University): Caden Connelly Meadowlarks (Adults): Dakota Altman

As we wrap up the season, we invite you to explore this Nebraska Today article celebrating the highlights of the season—and check out the final opportunities to watch recordings of past events! Check it out here: news.unl.edu/article/thomps…

Check out these opportunities this week. Camille T. Dungy, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts for a Poetry Month Reading. events.unl.edu/2025/04/08/188… Wild Great Plains Conference: plains.unl.edu/events-confere… Morrill Hall Astronomy Night: museum.unl.edu/programs-event…

As we settle into spring, we encourage you to revisit or view the nature journaling workshop with poet AimeeNezhukumatathil from last fall. This video is only available for 10 more days! Don't miss out: mediahub.unl.edu/media/23330

A week ago, Ed Yong joined us in exploring the concept of Umwelt and the fascinating world of animal senses. We discussed how humans perceive life differently from various species. Watch the talk until April 24th here: mediahub.unl.edu/media/24353

Join Ed Yong in taking a look at the difference between how we experience our world compared to various animals in this Big Think video: youtube.com/watch?v=Pzsjw-… Get your free ticket here: liedcenter.org/event/ed-yong-…

Check out the public vote from the E.N. Thompson Forum Photo Contest and support your favorites here: pollunit.com/polls/on8dtjay…

In this eye-opening video, Ed Yong challenges this misconception by exploring the fascinating—and sometimes unsettling—world of mind-controlling parasites. Check out the TedTalk here: youtu.be/CfqO1U6lfDs?si… Get tickets to see Ed Yong here: liedcenter.org/event/ed-yong-…

Our next speaker, Ed Yong, was recently featured on “The Interview” with The New York Times! Listen to the podcast, or read the article here: nytimes.com/2025/02/22/mag…

Submissions for the photography contest close this Friday, February 28th! Make sure to submit your nature photos for a chance to win two tickets to Neil deGrasse Tyson, or share this opportunity with other budding photographers! enthompson.unl.edu/photo-contest/

Learn more about what Ed Yong does by looking through the lens of one of your favorite household pets- dogs! Explore how dogs use their nose to do incredible things in this Big Think video: youtu.be/5LpaVYxTedE?si… Get tickets here: liedcenter.org/event/ed-yong-…

As we prepare for Ed Yong to take us through the hidden realms of animal senses, we invite you to check out his book “An Immense World.” This book will guide you into an exploration of the sensory world of animals.  Get tickets here: liedcenter.org/event/ed-yong-…

On March 25th, 2025, we will be welcoming British-American science journalist, Pulitzer winner, and author of two best-selling books, Ed Yong. Learn more about Ed Yong here: edyong.me Excited to hear more? Get tickets here: liedcenter.org/event/ed-yong-…

Join us today at 3:30 PM at the Global Education Center in Louise Pound Hall. We hope to see you there! honors.unl.edu/cooper-convers…

Our Lessons from the Natural World Photo Contest is accepting submissions! Students from elementary school through undergrad, as well as adults, are encouraged to submit by February 28th. Winners receive prizes! Submit up to three photos here: enthompson.unl.edu/photo-contest/

We are excited to welcome our three panelists from Platte Basin Timelapse! Learn more about conservation photography in our region and around the world this Monday at 3:30 pm. We hope to see you there. RSVP today: honors.unl.edu/cooper-convers…

We are thrilled to offer two opportunities this month focused on photography and nature! The Cooper Conversation on February 10th will highlight conservation photography. The photo contest is open now through February 28th. Learn more and RSVP/enter here: news.unl.edu/article/thomps…

Check out the ongoing impact of last year’s Forum Youth Panel moderator, Karla Hernandez Torrijos, through her project Dear Great Plains, running through May. Discover what inspired her to create the project and how her vision has come to life here: news.unl.edu/article/with-l…

We’re thrilled to congratulate our previous guest, Amy Tan, on her book The Backyard Bird Chronicles being named Barnes & Noble’s Gift Book of the Year! If you’re searching for a last-minute gift for a nature enthusiast in your life, this captivating book is a perfect choice.