(Photo Provided) Mary Roach

The Esbenshade Series and Marietta College will welcome New York Times bestselling author Mary Roach to the Alma McDonough Auditorium at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, for an evening blending humor and science.

The event is free and open to the public through support from the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event continues the Esbenshade Series’ tradition of bringing world-class speakers and performers to campus and the community.

Roach, author of eight books including “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers,” “Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal,” “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void,” and “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,” is celebrated for turning complex scientific topics into entertaining, accessible stories.

Her ninth book, “Replaceable You,” was released in September.

Drawing from “Fuzz,” Roach’s presentation will explore the humorous and surprising interactions between humans and the natural world — from bears breaking into homes to “danger trees” that defy human order.

“Only Mary Roach can make you laugh out loud while learning something you never expected to care about — and then wonder how you ever lived without knowing it,” said Todd Burge, Esbenshade Series director. “We are honored to welcome her as part of the Esbenshade Series’ 45th season.”

Roach’s work has been translated into 21 languages. Her second book, “Spook,” was named a New York Times Notable Book. She has written for National Geographic, Wired, The New York Times Magazine and the Journal of Clinical Anatomy, and served as guest editor for the Best American Science and Nature Writing series. She was also an Osher Fellow at the San Francisco Exploratorium and currently advises Orion and Undark magazines.

Established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr. in memory of Frederica G. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the fund supports lectures, performances, and diverse cultural programs for the Marietta College campus and broader community.

More information about the 2025-26 Esbenshade Series is available at marietta.edu/esbenshade-series