“Be Smart” has amassed more than 4.7 million subscribers and earned almost half a billion views on YouTube. He’s the creator and host of “Be Smart,” an award-winning science education show from PBS Digital Studios that celebrates curiosity and the pleasure of finding things out. His quest is to explore ways that digital storytelling can help people think more deeply about the universe they live in. Joe Hanson, Ph.D., is a science writer, biologist, host, video producer and educator. Boyer Chair and Mary Ann Rankin Leadership Chair in Natural Sciences Most of all, I hope you will take pride in becoming a graduate of the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Have a wonderful commencement celebration, and enjoy time with the people who supported you along the way.

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I wish you all the best for the next chapter in your journey. Welcome to the rich, diverse network of College of Natural Sciences alumni! And today, as you leave our campus, you get to join this select group of people. They are innovators, professionals, change-makers, scientists and leaders. Our graduates go out and change the world. You will find that the time you spent here in the College of Natural Sciences puts you in a strong position to navigate changes ahead and be a leader for years to come. There has never been a more important moment for science and for education than the one we are living through now. “Tongue Tied,” Grouplove (3:30 PM ceremony)Ĭongratulations on all of your accomplishments that have led you to this point! You would not be here, were it not for a lot of hard work, dedicated effort and considerable determination, amid the many challenges in recent years. “Applause,” Lady Gaga (11:30 AM ceremony) Tepera Holman, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Student ProgramsįACULTY RECESSIONAL – “Recognition March,” John Philip Sousa Steve Vokes, Associate Professor, Molecular Biosciences Ruth Shear, Professor of Practice, Freshman Research Initiative African and African Diaspora Studies, Dean’s Honored Graduate, Distinctions in Research & in Service and Leadership (3:30 PM ceremony)Īnneke Chy, Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Support Neuroscience, Honors, Dean’s Honored Graduate, Distinctions in Research & in Service and Leadership (11:30 AM ceremony)Īyotoluwafunmi Osunsade, B.S. Michael Drew, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education WELCOME, OPENING REMARKS AND Alumni SPEAKER INTRODUCTION

PROCESSIONAL – “Pomp and Circumstance,” Sir Edward Elgar Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Medical Laboratory Science, NeuroscienceĪstronomy, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Human Ecology, Human Development and Family Sciences, Nutrition, Public Health, Textiles and Apparel

The Gulf by Jack Emerson Davis