The Biology of Love

What does science say about love and long-term relationships? In this Hot Science – Cool Talks event, biologist Dr. Steven Phelps explores the biology of love through the surprising world of prairie voles, one of the few monogamous mammals. By studying how vole brains form lasting bonds, Dr. Phelps reveals what biology, brain chemistry, and evolution can teach us about human connection, trust, and commitment. This engaging talk offers a fresh, science-based look at why we pair up right after Valentines Day!

Arrive early and explore Cool Activities from 5:30 - 6:40! Local organizations will share exciting hands-on activities related to the talk! List of activities coming soon!

Steven Phelps is an Associate Professor of Integrative Biology and the Director and co-founder of the Center for Brain, Behavior and Evolution. His research, funded by NSF, NIH, and National Geographic, focuses on social cognition, brain evolution, neural modeling, gene regulation, and human evolution. Phelps earned his PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of Texas in 1999 and completed predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the NSF Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, supported by the NIH.

About Hot Science - Cool Talks

provides a front-row seat to world-class research. Presented by the Environmental Science Institute (ESI) this nationally recognized series allows leading researchers from The University of Texas and other prominent universities to share their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math with the general public. Events are held six times a year.

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Info: We ask that everyone is checked in and seated in the auditorium by 6:50 p.m. or you will lose your seat to those on the waitlist. Check-in is available starting at 5:30 p.m. or no later than 6:40 p.m. in the main hallway in Welch where Cool Activities will take place. Look for the ORANGE check-in tables & bring your Eventbrite e-ticket.

Info: Explore the evening’s topic through hands-on activities and information from 5:30 – 6:40 p.m. in the hallways of Welch (2nd floor). Closer to the event date, we will share a list of organizations participating in Cool Activities.

Info: The talk starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Welch Auditorium (WEL 2.224) and will include a Q&A session with the speaker. We expect the talk will end by 8:15 p.m. though ending times may vary depending on the speaker.

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Host or Publisher Environmental Science Institute - UT