Beer from wasps! Chocolatey microbes! Body yogurt!

Mmmm, microbes!

Bet you never thought you’d say that. But you will at “Never Home Alone: A Gala of Stories, Foods, and Insights from the Study of the Life in Homes,” a special event to celebrate Dr. Rob Dunn’s new book and a decade of public science efforts by dozens of scientists on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. in the Hunt Library Auditorium.

In addition to the gala event, the Libraries hosts “Redefining Beauty,” a special drawing/painting workshop with Jennifer M. Landin is a biologist and illustrator who teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences. Register now for the workshop, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 4:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. in the Hunt Library Creativity Studio.

Dunn, professor of applied ecology at NC State and founder of the Rob Dunn Lab, explains how people have increasingly become indoor creatures and shows how little we know about the hidden relationships we have with all the other creatures we share our kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms with. His book, Never Home Alone: From Microbes to Millipedes, Camel Crickets, and Honeybees, the Natural History of Where We Live, addresses some of the tens of thousands of species discovered in homes and why, as often as not, more biodiversity in one’s home ends up being better than less (even, as it turns out, when it comes to your showerhead).

“We do not know the stories of most of the species in our homes, but we know some of them, and what we do know will surprise you,” Dunn writes in his prologue. “When it comes to the species mating, eating, and thriving alongside us, nothing is quite what it seems.”

Following Dunn’s talk, join us in the Duke Energy Hall to hear live music, sample beer made from wasp yeast, yogurt made from body microbes, bread made from heritage sourdough starters, chocolates topped with salts alive with rare halophile microbes, as well as cheese, coffee, and more. Mingle with dozens of scientists to discuss their work exploring the biodiversity of belly buttons, bedrooms, backyards, showerheads, and food.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is requested through Eventbrite. Copies of Dunn’s book will be available for on-site purchase from Quail Ridge Books.