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As part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, join Kathy Farretta for this free Comet Talk.

In many ways we live in the world of science fiction: smart phones, autonomous automobiles, people living in the ISS, plans to send humans back to the moon. Once viewed as a quirky paperback for kids, science fiction is helping us find our way in this new world.

Kathy serves as the Museum Manager of the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff, which is part of the Arizona Historical Society. She enjoys getting people excited about history and science, and strengthening our community by working with volunteers and through collaboration. She holds a Master’s degree in History from Northern Arizona University. She currently serves on the Board of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, and the Selection Committee for the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame. She can often be found kayaking, hiking, or curled up with a good science fiction book.

Ever wonder why you can handle a stressful situation one day but feel overwhelmed by something that normally seems manageable on another? The Window of Tolerance is a simple framework for understanding how stress affects our brains and bodies, and why our ability to think clearly, communicate, make decisions, and cope can change from moment to moment.

In this Comet Talk, Dr. Liv will explore what happens when we move into fight-or-flight mode, shut down, or feel stuck somewhere in between. We’ll discuss how stress responses can show up at any age and in everyday situations, such as navigating school, work, friendships, family, health concerns, life transitions, caregiving, relationships, or changes in routine. Participants will learn how to recognize their own patterns, understand why everyone has a different “window,” and practice practical strategies for returning to a place where thinking, learning, problem-solving, and connecting with others feel more manageable. You’ll leave with a new way to understand your stress responses and tools you can use when your brain and body start to feel overwhelmed or go offline.

Dr. Olivia “Liv” Stull holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and is the founder of Learning with Dr. Liv, LLC. With experience spanning hospitals, classrooms, nonprofits, and college settings, she specializes in translating psychology and neuroscience research into practical tools people can actually use in everyday life. Her work focuses especially on understanding neurodivergence, strengthening executive functioning, supporting motivation, managing stress, and making sense of how the brain works. Through workshops, lectures, and individual coaching, Dr. Liv helps people build strategies that work with their brains rather than against them.

On Beaches and Birthrates: Reflections on Migration, Demographics, and a Heckuva Summer Vacation

Join Dr. Matthew Hernando as he provides an entertaining retrospective on his 2026 summer vacation, and incidentally discusses the nexus between immigration, fertility rates, and international demographic trends.

Matthew Hernando is an instructor in History and Humanities at Coconino Community College. He earned his Ph.D. in history at Louisiana State University, and he has taught history at the collegiate level for over 14 years.