Bozkurt a Panelist at Science in the Movies

As the mosquitoes retreat with fall’s approach, the NCSU Libraries’ fun and informative “Science in the Movies” series celebrates the many roles played by insects in cinema.

As the mosquitoes retreat with fall’s approach, the NCSU Libraries’ fun and informative “Science in the Movies” series celebrates the many roles played by insects in cinema. In “Bugs: Fear, Fascination, and Fantasy,” on Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in the James B. Hunt Jr. Library Auditorium, a panel of experts, including Dr. Alper Bozkurt from ECE, will show and discuss clips from their favorite insect films, including science fiction thrillers and classics such as The Silence of the Lambs, The Swarm, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Them!

The “Science in the Movies” series is co-presented by the NCSU Libraries and the Science Communicators of North Carolina. Screenings are free and open to the public. Some clips may not be suitable for small children.

Panelists include Bozkurt, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founder of the iBionicS Lab on Centennial Campus, and designer of “cyborg cockroaches;” Dr. Marsha Gordon, a Film Studies professor and a regular contributor to WUNC’s “Movies on the Radio” segment; Dr. Matt Bertone, an entomologist and NCSU Extension Associate, and Dr. Holly Menninger, the Director of Public Science for the College of Sciences. “Science Comedian” Brian Malow will host and moderate the evening.

Bozkurt’s expertise integrating insect and mechanical systems served him well as a consultant on the Disney movie G-Force, from which clips will be screened, and inspired an episode of the television series CSI: Cyber.  A still from the 1954 “Them!” American monster filmHe looks forward to talking about the engineering marvels of the insect world. “Any biological organism-yes, including insects-is beautifully made and has a unique contribution to our ecosystem,” he says.

“Moreover, they may even help us humans to solve complex engineering problems,” he continues. “The cockroach one may easily kill when encountered at home would one day save lives when working for humans as a biobotic roach.” Pioneering research at the iBionicS Lab explores such applications, attracting funding and entrepreneurial attention.

“Bugs: Fear, Fascination, and Fantasy” provides a perfect lead-in to BugFest, a free, all-day event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, September 17. The popular, annual event features over 100 exhibits, crafts, games, and activities such as a beekeeping workshop and an Evening Insectival that concentrates on nocturnal insects. The museum’s restaurant becomes Cafe Insecta, serving special fare with insect ingredients for the adventurous eater.