Diverse ways of thinking can drive extraordinary innovation. In this special lecture, Keivan Stassun, Ph.D., Founding Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, explores how embracing neurodiversity—recognizing and valuing neurological differences such as autism—can accelerate scientific discovery.

“Southern Indigenous Waters” is the first event in the “Rising Waters: Writing Place and Environment” Thomas Howerton lecture series, a series that puts humanities scholars in conversation with natural sciences scholars about issues affecting us all. On October 30, 2025, Duke hydrologist Ryan Emanuel and East Carolina University literary scholar Kirstin Squint will discuss the centrality of place and water for southern Indigenous people.

Discover what makes UNC Asheville a truly unique public liberal arts university at our Open House! Spend the day exploring campus, meeting current students and faculty, and learning about our distinctive academic programs.