lectures 2025 / 2026 Curiosity Unlimited

Randy Royal is the Fire Chief of the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). He has served in various leadership roles within the department for 16 years before becoming Chief. He's been recognized with awards like two Medals of Distinguished Service and the Firefighter of the Year award. In 2024, he was named the Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). 

Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley was appointed Coroner by the Board of County Commissioners on January 1, 2025. She previously served as the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the El Paso County Coroner’s Office from 2019 until her appointment in 2025.

Her career as a medical examiner began in 2012, and since that time she has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the field.

Stephanie Hanenberg has been with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs since August 2005. She started as the Student Health Center director and currently serves as the interim vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. In her role, she oversees 32 departments and programs dedicated to supporting students from their pre-collegiate and recruitment activities through their academic journey and commencement. Stephanie has always been passionate about working with college-aged students, making this interim role deeply rewarding as she connects with them at every stage of their journey.

Jennifer Baldwin grew up in Denver, one of four daughters to teacher parents. Jennifer’s father taught

high school physics, math, and geology. Truly a chip off the old block, she received degrees in geology

and meteorology from the University of Northern Colorado. After (nearly) raising four children, Jennifer

began her dream job at the Garden of the Gods Park in 2012 as a Park Guide. She is the volunteer

coordinator at the Visitor and Nature Center, works with the school Field Trip Programs, and leads walks

and other programs. She is also a coauthor on the Park’s award-winning Junior Ranger booklet.

Currently she is happily working on many rock-related projects, and enthusiastically presenting the

Park’s amazing geology to its many visitors.

John Mohr has more than 20 years of federal service in the U.S. Intelligence Community, including as an Air Force officer deployed to East Africa. In 2015, he completed a rotation as a Director for Africa on the White House's National Security Council staff, during which he helped formulate U.S. foreign policy in Africa. Since 2017, he has taught part-time at UCCS, including courses on intelligence, national security, and Africa. 

Sensory and Movement Ecology Lab at UC Colorado Springs, headed by Dr. Aaron Corcoran. We study how animals sense and move through the environment, and how these abilities influence ecological interactions between predator and prey, social interactions, and mortalities at wind turbines. We are always interested in new collaborations and outreach efforts, so get in touch!