University of Richmond professors frequently share insights with audiences outside the classroom to foster lifelong learning and expand the reach of the University.

Physics professor Jack Singal recently gave a talk — “The Universe: All the Light We Cannot See” — at a TEDx event geared toward youth in Richmond. Singal was struck by how excited audience members were to learn about astrophysics and astronomy.

Psychology professor Janelle Peifer also spoke at the event, TEDx YouthRVA. Her talk focused on “The Freedom to Rest” and offered steps to make restorative rest a form of healing.

Opportunities like these “help get the University’s name out there,” Singal said.

History professor David Routt discovered an enthusiastic crowd for his expertise on medieval political, socioeconomic, and cultural life, as a way to shed light on HBO’s House of the Dragon, the popular Game of Thrones prequel.

Last year, Routt wrote an article, which was republished by Smithsonian Magazine, about how the show was inspired by a real medieval dynastic struggle over a female ruler.

His commentary caught the attention of Peter Schmidt, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and founder of Profs and Pints, an event series that brings college faculty members into off-campus venues like cafes and breweries to share their research on topical subjects.

“It’s a way to learn about stuff without being in college, taking tests, and writing term papers,” Schmidt said. “What we’re talking about is spreading knowledge.”

The series has a national presence in college towns and is active in Virginia (Richmond, Charlottesville, and Newport News) as well as in Maryland, Washington, and Tennessee, among other states.

Routt was invited to speak about the historical events related to the House of the Dragon to packed crowds at events in Richmond and D.C. He was pleased by the questions and interest that followed.

“People want to know the background, and they want it to be accessible,” Routt said. “You’re forced to present your knowledge in the best possible way without jargon to draw the audience in. There’s a thirst for historical knowledge.”

Singal has also participated in the lecture series, as has Kelly Lambert, professor of behavioral neuroscience. Lambert talked about brain sculpting and discussed her research on how to improve and extend cognitive abilities.

“It’s a great idea to go to people where they feel comfortable and make learning fun and engaging,” Lambert said. “It’s good to give professors the opportunity to speak to audiences outside the university, and not just restrict learning to the classroom.”