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Learn from Keith Chan and Irene Gonzalez about the use of masks in Mesoamerica as a case study of cultural contact and change. They will discuss the archaeology masks as ritual and funerary items in societies such as Teotihuacan, as well as explore the community role of masks and mask makers in present day danzas. Keith and Irene will also describe their methodology and experiences in generating 3D models of a mask collection at San Diego State University and their progress in incorporating them in education. Meet your lecturers: Keith Chan is a local anthropology instructor at Grossmont College, MiraCosta College, and San Diego State University. He is especially interested in using immersive technology in his teaching to bring students face-to-face with culture and biology. He created the virtual anthropology museum AnVRopomotron, which won the first Poly Award for Best Educational Experience, and is working on PaleoCalifornia, which turns the Pleistocene into a virtual reality theme park ride. He was also a recent research fellow at SDSU's Virtual Immersive Learning and Teaching center, in which he launched the current project on masks. Irene Gonzalez received her M.A. in Latin American Studies from San Diego State University, where her research focused on cultural preservation. Her work has explored the importance of community museums, specifically in Mexico, where she conducted field research in Oaxaca. She is currently the Collections Coordinator for the Mesoamerican Mask Collection at SDSU’s Center for Latin American Studies. Irene is passionate about bridging technology and cultural heritage in ways that are equitable and grounded in deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. Visit: Archaeology Lecture: Modeling Mesoamerican Masks San Diego Archaeological Center on Instagram and Facebook

Sean Kurth serves as the director of membership at KPBS. Sean’s role is central to the station’s ability to serve members by leading a division that includes audience services, engagement, administration, acquisition and on-air fundraising for TV, radio and digital. Since he joined KPBS in March 2024, the station has experienced a significant increase in membership and local financial support – which Sean attributes to the spirit of generosity from San Diegans as well as the excellence of his team and partners.

Discover how a 3D modeling project at San Diego State University is bringing a historic collection of Mesoamerican masks into the digital age. This lecture will explore how these digital models are enhancing teaching and public interpretation while tracing the deep history of masks as ritual, funerary, and ceremonial objects in ancient societies like Teotihuacan. The presentation will also examine how these traditions endure today in community practices such as danzas, offering a look at the ongoing cultural significance of masks across centuries of change. Meet your lecturers: Keith Chan is a local anthropology instructor at Grossmont College, MiraCosta College, and San Diego State University. He is especially interested in using immersive technology in his teaching to bring students face-to-face with culture and biology. He created the virtual anthropology museum AnVRopomotron, which won the first Poly Award for Best Educational Experience, and is working on PaleoCalifornia, which turns the Pleistocene into a virtual reality theme park ride. He was also a recent research fellow at SDSU's Virtual Immersive Learning and Teaching center, in which he launched the current project on masks. Irene Gonzalez received her M.A. in Latin American Studies from San Diego State University, where her research focused on cultural preservation. Her work has explored the importance of community museums, specifically in Mexico, where she conducted field research in Oaxaca. She is currently the Collections Coordinator for the Mesoamerican Mask Collection at SDSU’s Center for Latin American Studies. Irene is passionate about bridging technology and cultural heritage in ways that are equitable and grounded in deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. Visit: Archaeology Lecture: Modeling Mesoamerican Masks San Diego Archaeological Center on Instagram and Facebook

We look forward to seeing you at USD's annual Wine Classic presented by U.S. Bank! This special event raises needed funds for the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund supporting scholarships for USD students. Each ticket includes sample tastings from over 20 wineries, as well as unlimited gourmet food options, access to the silent auction, and a custom engraved wine tasting glass! Visit: https://usdwineclassic.com/

After receiving a letter from the California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the police department has vowed to stop sharing information gleaned from it’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program.

Researcher Danny Muñoz Lopez studies the connection between media use and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. While the focus often centers on mental harms from technologies like social media, Lopez notes that social media can also provide connection for young people, especially for those from historically marginalized groups. She also emphasizes the need to include young people in discussions around children and technology. Resources mentioned: Social media test drive https://socialmediatestdrive.org/ Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship

As AI connects and shapes our world, is it also giving rise to a planetary consciousness? In "Gaia Wakes," peace scholar Topher McDougal explores how humanity’s global technologies, from artificial intelligence to climate networks, are giving rise to an emergent planetary consciousness. Join McDougal for an engaging talk as he traces the thrilling, unsettling, and ultimately hopeful implications of this awakening. Admission is free and open to the public. The first 50 attendees will receive a free signed copy of "Gaia Wakes." Following the talk, we will spotlight innovative research and initiatives from Kroc School faculty, rounding out an evening that looks boldly toward a future of planetary peace, technological creativity, and social renewal. Visit: https://krocresources.sandiego.edu/peace/gaiawakes University of San Diego: Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies on Facebook / Instagram

The TRUST Coalition and others are renewing calls for the city to defund its automated license plate reader (ALPR) system due to fears that the San Diego Police Department is unlawfully sharing data from that system with federal agencies.

The Trump administration has launched a $500 million project to develop a universal flu vaccine that won't need yearly updates. But vaccine experts are mystified by its focus on a dated technology.

To measure the long-lasting impacts screen time use may be having on our kids, major long-running science-based research is needed. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study is looking to help by following the brain development of over ten thousand children over multiple years, tracking many aspects of children's lives, including screens. A psychologist and principal investigator of the ABCD Study in San Diego shares some of the study’s findings on technology use and childhood development. Research: https://abcdstudy.org/