ECU Voyages Series to feature anthropologist, futurist Sam Rad

ECU Voyages Series to feature anthropologist, futurist Sam Rad

GREENVILLE, N.C. (9/04/2025) - East Carolina University's 2025-26 Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Voyages of Discovery Series will feature two special guests who will speak to the theme of "Exploring our shared humanity: Insights from our past, imagining our future."

Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is an anthropologist, entrepreneur and futurist focused on human connection in the era of artificial intelligence and the changing technological landscape. She will open the 19th season of the series on Sept. 11, by discussing "Thriving in Times of Radical Change."

Dr. Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology, psychology and neuroscience, and a best-selling author, will speak Feb. 5, 2026, on the topic of "Survival of the Friendliest."

Rad is a lifelong student of humanity. She is the founder of RAD Original Creations, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences and media productions that shape a positive future.

Her newest best-selling book, "Radical Next: Reclaiming Your Humanity in a Post-Human World," explores how advances in technologies, extended realities and quantum computing will transform societies - and how humans think about themselves - for decades to come.

Rad was trained in anthropology, engineering and symbolic systems, studying simulated and immersive realities, pushing the bounds of human consciousness and connection through her work. She was among the first anthropologists to conduct ethnographic research living in the virtual world "Second Life" in 2009, and later she was among the earliest AI researchers to virtually clone herself. In 2017, Forbes named Rad to its 30 Under 30 list.

"Rad's visit is so important. She demonstrates that the field of anthropology is dynamic and timely," said Ashley Harzog, Harriot College's director of alumni relations and outreach. "Through an anthropological lens, she will provide not only insights into the shared humanity of our past, but essential context for understanding and preparing for our future. She will share with our audience the importance of maintaining human connection in an increasingly virtual and polarized age, and lessons we can learn from past societies and structures to bravely navigate change."

Her work as a futurist has led Rad on a journey of working with a range of frontier technologies, indigenous and emerging social structures, people, places and practices. She refers to herself as an archaeologist of the future, as Fredric Jameson coined - applying a traditional anthropological ethnographic approach to envisioning and illustrating future possibilities.

Learn more about Rad. Watch a couple of short video clips from Rad, including a reel from a recent speaking engagement and a video where she answers the question, What is an anthropologist?

Special-access receptions with guest speakers are scheduled prior to each public Voyages presentation. Receptions and presentations are in the Main Campus Student Center, Room 249 and the ballrooms, respectively. Tickets to the receptions and discussions are available through the ECU Central Ticket Office.

Each 7 p.m. Voyages presentation is free for ECU faculty, staff and students. Tickets are required. Visit the Voyages website for additional information and options for free access with an ECU 1 Card. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

All event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 252-737-1018 or email [email protected] at least one week before the event.

The series is made possible through contributions from Harriot College's Dean's Advancement Council, university and community organizations, and many additional friends and supporters. For more information or to contribute, visit Support the Series.

Contact: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, 252-328-6249, [email protected]

Event Date: Sept. 11, 2025

Note: Local media with credentials are invited to attend the 7 p.m. public event without a ticket. Rad is open to photographs, recordings and media interviews.

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East Carolina University News Services

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Phone: 252-328-6481