Fall 2026 Lecture Series
Free Admission to All Events
You are invited to join us for intriguing events and engaging discussions.
Masters of Dance
You are invited to attend and participate in our exciting free series of lectures and master classes. See the Dance Department website or call 310-434-3467 for more information. Seating is strictly on a first-arrival basis.
Annette Karim
Dancer Screening and Sensorimotor Integration
Dancers in a workshop led by Azusa Pacific University Professor and Chair of Physical
Therapy Annette Karim will learn dancer-specific screening techniques using standardized
and innovative assessments to examine movement patterns and improve coordination through
breathing, posture, and developmental movement strategies. Dr. Karim, PT, DPT, OCS,
FAAOMPT, is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and former professional
dancer whose research focuses on dancer movement screening, motor control, injury
prevention, and performance. Since 2006, she has conducted dancer screenings with
professional dance companies and Dance/USA in Los Angeles.
Thursday, September 24 | 12:30 p.m. | Free | Core Performance Center (CPC 304)
Josie Walsh
Contemporary Ballet
In a session led by internationally recognized choreographer Josie Walsh, dancers
will explore classical ballet through an approach that emphasizes alignment, groundedness,
fluidity, and contemporary movement pathways, while integrating floorwork and artistic
expression with traditional technique. Walsh is Artistic Director and Choreographer
of BalletRED Contemporary Ballet and Artistic Director of the Joffrey Ballet School’s
West Coast Summer Programs, and a former dancer with The Joffrey Ballet, Oregon Ballet
Theatre, and Zurich Ballet. She is renowned for her choreographic work bridging classical
and contemporary ballet.
Wednesday, October 7 | 10:15 a.m. | Free | Core Performance Center (CPC 304)
Ariel Kasha
Sacred Movement: An Introduction to the Art and Culture of Belly Dance
Dancer and educator Ariel Kasha Celi leads a workshop that explores the foundations
of belly dance through Egyptian, Greek, Lebanese, and American fusion traditions,
while developing fundamental movement skills, rhythmic awareness, and an understanding
of the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped this dance form. Kasha Celi,
with more than 20 years of experience in traditional Raqs Sharqi and fusion belly
dance, has trained and performed throughout the Middle East, studying the dance traditions
of Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Türkiye, and Lebanon.
Wednesday, November 18 | 12:45 p.m. | Free | Core Performance Center (CPC 310)
Sponsored by the SMC Associates and SMC Dance Department.
Distinguished Scientists
Carissa Jones
Science Meets Scale: My Journey to Building a Trusted Biotech Brand
Carissa Jones, a Business Development and Operations leader experienced in driving
revenue growth and market expansion in pharmaceutical research and diagnostics, will
discuss the significant role played by the combination of social capital and scientific
know-how in building a successful U.S. biotech subsidiary from the ground up. Jones
is CCO of Capitainer AB and founder and CEO of Ventus, LLC. She excels at identifying
long-term growth opportunities, executing transformative strategies, and building
high-performing international teams. Her expertise in identifying long-term growth
opportunities, strategic planning, complex contract negotiation, and cultivating client
and partner relationships has consistently generated new revenue streams.
Tuesday, October 20 | 11:20 a.m. | Free | Science 140
Dr. Peter Yingxiao Wang
Ultrasound Control of Genetics and Epigenetics for Disease Treatment
Dr. Peter Yingxiao Wang, Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at USC, will
lead a discussion on revolutionary advancements in precision medicine, exploring emerging
technologies for targeting gene and cell therapies against solid tumors and the aging
processes. He holds the Dwight C. and Hildagarde E. Baum endowed professorship at
USC, and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering
(AIMBE). A pioneer in ultrasound-activated CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Wang has developed
innovative, noninvasive approaches that enable highly personalized interventions.
His work is unlocking new possibilities for treating complex cancers and modifying
the biological mechanisms of aging.
Thursday, November 19 | 11:20 a.m. | Free | Science 140
Sponsored by the SMC Associates and SMC Department of Life Sciences.
All programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
