Micro-Blocks

Homecoming Micro-Blocks with CC Faculty
Friday, Oct. 9 | 2–3 p.m.
Class locations will be available at Homecoming Check In

Seize the opportunity to revisit your student self during the Homecoming Micro-Blocks. Experience the in-depth discussions, riveting intellectual challenges, and thrill of learning something new—bite-sized! Enjoy 60 minutes back in the classroom with CC faculty and fellow Tigers.

 

---

The Air We Breathe: Making the Invisible Visible

Andrea Bruder, Professor and Associate Dean of the Faculty, Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
Although we spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors, indoor air quality remains largely unregulated—a surprising gap that is only just beginning to change, with states like California and Connecticut recently passing legislation aimed at cleaner indoor air in public buildings such as schools. Join us for a closer look at the air we breathe, from Colorado’s growing wildfire smoke challenges to the role indoor air plays in the transmission of airborne infectious diseases, and "see the air" as we collect air quality data live during the session. Learn why clean indoor air is a growing public health concern and what you can do to create healthier indoor spaces.

---

Altering Taste: Miraculin and the Sweet Receptor

Peggy Daugherty, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

We’ll explore some common myths, actions, and features of taste receptors. For the adventurous, we'll carry out a short tasting experiment on how the glycoprotein miraculin modifies the taste of sour substances.  

---

Designing Your Life: A Reunion with Your Future

Lora Louise Broady ’83, Visiting Executive in Residence, Department of Economics & Business
You've built a career and a life since CC—but is it the one you'd design if you started today? In this fast-paced session based on the Stanford bestseller Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, you'll use core Design Thinking tools to take stock of where you are now and identify one meaningful pivot, whether that's a career shift, a passion project, or simply more alignment between your work and your values. 

---

The Double-edged Sword of AI

Dan Johnson, Professor, Department of Economics & Business
Like any powerful tool, AI can be both dangerous and helpful. In true liberal arts fashion, Professor Johnson will explore that complexity with examples from his own economics/policy research, from approaches he uses with students in the classroom, and (perhaps most valuably) in the blending of teaching with research.

---

Ebola 2026

Phoebe Lostroh, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology
Ebola Virus and its relatives have caused several deadly epidemics in the 21st century. Biologists have worked hard to develop a toolkit for limiting any new outbreaks that occur. What is the biology behind Ebola Fever Disease vaccines and treatments? In this class, learn about Ebola viruses and technologies to combat outbreaks. 

---

Narrative Medicine: What is it, and Why Does it Matter?

George Butte, Professor, Department of English
Through narrative medicine, medical professionals read and interpret the stories of patients, their bodies, and their cultural contexts. In addition, patients can better understand and contribute to their care. Narrative skills are essential to equitable, rigorous medical care, diagnosis, and treatment. We'll look at imagery, character types, and subtext through film and TV including Magnificent Obsession (1954) and The Pitt (2025), demonstrating the value of narrative medicine to improve patient outcomes.

---

Nuclear Physics in the Southwest

Chris Monahan, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics
Explore the world of the atom, learn concepts from nuclear physics, and analyze their historical and cultural context in the American Southwest. By combining scientific inquiry with history, ethics, and regional identity, we will contextualize nuclear physics within the landscapes and cultures of the Southwest, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives and the region's complex relationship with nuclear technology.

---

Resistance Training for Health and Wellness at Any Age

Anthony Bull, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Human Biology & Kinesiology
Resistance training, or “weightlifting,” isn’t just beneficial for young athletes who want to get bigger, stronger, and faster. Resistance training of many types can help anyone improve their overall health, increase functional capacity, and yes, get stronger and faster.  Review the research-backed health benefits of resistance training, go over training guidelines, and learn ways you can find someone to help develop a program specifically designed for your goals.

---

The Scientific Story of Creation

Shane Burns, Professor Emeritus, Department of Physics
For thousands of years, humans have told stories to explain the origin of the universe. Today, science offers its own creation story—one that is both awe-inspiring and surprising, and supported by a century of astronomical discoveries. Join us as we explore how modern cosmology has revealed the universe’s origins, evolution, and enduring mysteries.

---

Shove Chapel: History and People

Kate Holbrook, CC Chaplain
Shove Memorial Chapel is a place of hospitality and community for CC. Every day, light filters in through our beautiful windows in new and unexpected ways, inviting space for contemplation, meditation, prayer, music, lectures, community-building and meaningful conversation. Learn about Shove’s history and people as you take a moment to pause in the busyness of the weekend.

---

Thinking About Nature

Susan Ashley, Professor, Department of History
How have people understood their place in the natural world? Do they see themselves as part of nature, or as destined to dominate it? The answer often depends on their assumptions and convictions, and those vary with the place and the time. We'll sample medieval, Renaissance, and modern perspectives on the question, reflecting on what changed and why. Then we'll explore what these shifting ideas tell us about the origins of the modern ecological crisis.

---

Understanding the Declaration of Independence

Tim Fuller, Professor, Department of Political Science
The Declaration of Independence was a pivotal moment in the liberal tradition. We’ll talk about how modern historical context helps us understand the Declaration.

---

What Leonardo da Vinci Can Teach Us About Judging

Doug Edlin, Professor and McHugh Chair, Department of Political Science
What do judges do when they interpret the law? Why is it nonsense to say that judges should not “legislate from the bench”? To answer these questions, we will discuss leading theories of constitutional interpretation and judicial decision-making. We will apply these theories to analyze da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper.” And then we will apply our analysis of the painting to help us understand some recent decisions of the Supreme Court. In our discussion of the Court, we will address (among other things) the majority’s current use of “history and tradition” in its decisions.