Festival Archive

For 37 years, the Flagstaff Festival of Science has built a lasting legacy as a cornerstone of community engagement, education, and discovery in Northern Arizona. As the nation’s longest-running free science festival, it has reached generations of residents—sparking curiosity, expanding access to science, and strengthening connections between the public and the region’s rich network of scientists, educators, and institutions. Its sustained impact is reflected in a more scientifically engaged community, increased visibility of local research and environmental issues, and countless young people who first discovered their interest in STEM through Festival programs. By consistently removing barriers to participation and delivering high-quality, inspiring experiences year after year, the Festival has helped shape a culture where science is accessible, valued, and woven into the identity of the Flagstaff community. Check out themes and content from year’s past.

Flagstaff Festival of Science Past Keynote Speakers and Themes

2025

Indigenous Food Systems Science, Mariah Gladstone “Harvesting Knowledge”

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2024

Artificial Intelligence Expert, Jana Eggers “Accelerating Innovation”

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2023

Evolutionary Biologist, Beth Shapiro “The Mammoth World of Science”

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2022

Egyptologist, Zahi Hawass “Pyramids to The Peaks”

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2021

Belizean Archeologist, Jaime Awe “Stories in Stone”

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2020

Earth Science Educator and Explorer, Christa Sadler “Superpowers of Science”

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2019

Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot, General Charlie Duke “to the Moon and Beyond”

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2018

Autonomous Vehicle Expert, Raj Rajkumar “Accelerating into the Future”

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2017

Mountaineer, Kyle Maynard “Engineering Solutions”

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2016

Polar Explorer, Will Steger “The Science of Change”

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2015

New Horizons Mission Principal Investigator, Alan Stern “Exploring New Horizons”

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2014

DNA Expert, Paul Keim “A Grand Adventure”

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2013

Mars Exploration Rover Principal Investigator, Steve Squyres “Life in the Extreme”

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2012

National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Alexandra Cousteau “Making Waves”

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2011

Space Shuttle Astronaut, John Grunsfeld “Illuminating Science”

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2010

Biospherian, Jane Poynter “Livin’ Science”

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2009

Apollo Astronaut, Alan Bean “Launch Into Science”

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2008

Author, Richard Preston “Zoom Into Science”

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2007

Paleontologist, David Gillette “Dig Science”

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2006

Maritime Archaeologist, James Delgado “Dive Into Science”

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2005

Treetop Biologist, Margaret ‘Canopy Meg’ Lowman “Swing Into Science”

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2004

Paleontologist/”Lucy” Discoverer, Donald Johanson “Life Forms”

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2003

Volcanologist, Wendell Duffield “Science Erupts”

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2002

Astronomer/Comet Discoverer, Carolyn Shoemaker “Stellar Science”

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2001

X-Files Consultant/Plant Virologist, Anne Simon “Extreme Science”

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2000

Paleontologist, Jack Horner “Huge Impacts”

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1999

Aerospace Engineer, Donna Shirley “Science Rocks”

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1998

Storm Chaser, Warren Faidley “Forces at Work”

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1997

Futurist, B. Gentry Lee “Science the Ultimate Voyage”

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1996

Ethnobotanist, Mark Plotkin “Discover Science”

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1995

Space Shuttle Astronaut, Bonnie Dunbar “Envisioning the Future”

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1994

Space Shuttle Astronaut, Linda Godwin “The History of Science in Flagstaff”

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1993

Paleontologist, Walter Alvarez “Science and the Future”

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1992

Geophysicist, Larry Soderblom “Our Changing Planet”

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1991

Apollo Astronaut, Jack Schmitt “Science at its Peak”

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1990

Arctic Explorer, Will Steger “Science from the Ground Up”

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1989

Marine Biologist, Sylvia Earle “Exploring Ocean Depths”

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