Seriously Funny: Using Humor and Storytelling for Science Communication
September 18
Penn State College of Medicine and the Office of Graduate Education is pleased to host Sarah Adelman, MPH, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and research scientist in-person on Friday, September 18th, 2026.
Registration is required for the Keynote and Joke Writing Workshops. Graduate students, postdocs, and faculty will receive registration information via email. Email Jessica Kirkwood with any questions.
Keynote: 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Lecture Room C (C6616)
Sarah Adelman, MPH, will bring her hit keynote, Seriously Funny: Using Humor and Storytelling for Science Communication, to Penn State College of Medicine this fall! Sarah is an award-winning comedian, published research scientist, and nationally touring speaker who combines the principles of stand-up comedy with evidence-based communication strategies to help researchers communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Through real-world examples and practical techniques, this lecture explores how humor can build trust, make complex ideas memorable. This is a great event for anyone who loves science and wants to find new and engaging ways to connect with audiences both inside and outside academia.
Joke-Writing Workshops: 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (same workshop, two different times), Room will be shared with those confirmed for a workshop (spaces are limited).
Following the keynote, invited graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and fellows, and faculty can put these skills into practice during an interactive workshop where they’ll apply humor and storytelling techniques to their own research, presentations, and science communication.
Stand-Up Comedy Show: 7:30 p.m., Savory Café and Savory Occasions Catering Inc. (565 Park Ave. Hershey)
Join Sarah Adelman for a night of laugher, food, drinks, and snacks in Hershey, PA! BYOB! Sarah Adelman is an award-winning writer and stand-up comic based in NYC. She’s the creator and host of Blow My Mind, a hit social media series about science with over 65 million views. She’s created two short films and is currently on a national stand-up comedy tour, stopping in Hershey, PA, on September 18! You can learn more about Sarah on her Instagram.
Tickets are $5.00 with promo code “STEM” when checking out. There is a $15 minimum purchase required for food/beverage/snacks in addition to the ticket purchase. BYOB. Please support Savory Café.
NOTE: The comedy show is an independent event coordinated by Sarah Adelman and the venue, Savory Café.
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