To celebrate “A Year of Science,” the College of Arts and Sciences will host a talk about how the brain processes the feelings of love and attraction, from 6-7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Secret Cellar jazz club and wine bar.

“Attraction: Is it just a Chemical Reaction?” is being presented by professor and neurobiologist Heather Caldwell. This is the first in a series of talks planned by the college.

Caldwell works in the KSU Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, where she looks at how hormones like oxytocin, commonly known as the “love” hormone, can affect our brains.

“We’re hoping to bring together Kent State researchers and the Kent community in a social setting and encourage discussions around a variety of fun, interesting scientific topics,” said Jim Maxwell, marketing and PR specialist with the college.

Caldwell will discuss how neurotransmitters and hormones, like oxytocin, interact to shape how people feel love and affection.

The Secret Cellar, a 1920’s-inspired speakeasy, is located at 176 E. Main St. in downtown Kent.

“We want to engage the public out in the community in a less formal way, and we think a downtown Kent establishment is the ideal place,” said Maxwell.

The event is free and open to the public and is meant to be scientific, but not to feel like a lecture.

For more information, visit the link www.kent.edu/einside/event/attraction-it-just-chemical-reaction

Ariel Reid is the sciences reporter for The Kent Stater, contact her at [email protected]