No Coast SciComm

scicomm mark with megaphone

Fun and Games Symposium

September 17th, 2025

Nobody interface of pixel game platform, evening and sunset view, cloudy sky and green grass with bushes, adventure and level, computer graphic vector, pixelated nature for mobile app games

We’re thrilled to announce the No Coast SciComm Fun and Games Symposium, happening Wednesday, September 17 from 1–5 p.m. CDT, with an exciting in-person evening game night to follow. Building on a panel of the same name during the 2024 conference, the SciComm Fun and Games Symposium is all about using games in science communication—interactive science storytelling from tabletop to video games, from virtual reality to live-action roleplay. 

If you want to enrich, enhance, and engage your understanding of how games can be used to engage non-experts with scientific content and thinking, this event is for you.  The symposium will include an afternoon of dynamic virtual talks and hands-on workshops for science communicators, plus an in-person game night on campus for pre-service and in-service teachers.

 

The symposium is virtual; the fun is real!

Featured Speakers and Presenters

Jenny Keshwani

Scientists. Educators. Besties.

Jenny Keshwani

Matt Montrose

Educator. Naturalist. Game Designer.

More about Montrose Biology
Matt Montrose

Ash Smith

Artist. Storyteller. World Builder.

More about Ash
portrait of ash smith

Ryan Tan

Educator. Innovator. Gamer.

More about Ryan
ryan tan

Schedule

All times are in Central Time Zone. Schedule is subject to change. 

Time

Topic

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.   

Keynote

Jenny Keshwani

2:00 – 2:25 p.m.

Concurrent Talks

Ash Smith and Julia McQuillan

Matt Montrose

2:30 – 2:55 p.m.

Concurrent Talks

Ryan Tan

JD Madsen (TBD)

3:00 – 3:25 p.m.

Break

3:30–5:00 p.m.

Workshop
How to Develop a Game

  

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

In-person Game Night

213 Pope Edwards Hall