The Science of Superman with Shane Campbell-Staton and Arien Darby

Join the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for a thrilling evening where science and superheroes collide!

Shane Campbell-Staton, an evolutionary biologist and host of the PBS series Human Footprint, and Arien Darby, pop-culture enthusiast and Shane’s co-host on The Biology of Superheroes podcast, will explore how real science could make superhero abilities a reality. Don't miss this captivating journey into the possibilities of science—designed to inspire and amaze you.

This program is part of the Linda and Les Vinney Know Your World Lecture Series.

Museum doors open at 6:30pm; the discussion will begin at 7pm. Beverages and grab-and-go items will be available for purchase in Origins Café before the program.

Tickets & Parking

Leadership Circle: $20*
Members: $25
Nonmembers: $30

Members: Please log in to your online Museum account to ensure access to discounted tickets. Your member discount will be reflected in your shopping cart.

Tickets limited to four per order.

Parking is available in the Museum's attached garage. Standard rates apply.

*To learn more about joining the Leadership Circle, please contact Kelly Federico, Annual Fund Manager, at 216.231.4600 x3360 or kfederico@cmnh.org.

About Shane Campbell-Staton & Arien Darby

Shane Campbell-Staton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. His research focuses on how humans drive rapid evolutionary change in other species globally. Towards this end, his research spans many species and human actions—including lizards adapting to cities, wolves enduring radiation in Chernobyl, and the evolution of tusk loss in elephants in response to poaching, among other subjects. Additionally, he is a 2x Emmy-nominated science communicator. His most recent work includes hosting the science/travel series Human Footprint and narrating the nature documentary series Evolution Earth, both on PBS.

Arien Darby is a 15-year entertainment industry professional and lifelong pop-culture enthusiast. Over the course of his career, he has helped bring to life experiences in some of the world’s most iconic franchises, including Marvel, DC Comics, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and more. With a passion for the intersection of geek culture and mainstream storytelling, Arien believes in the universal power of great narratives to inspire, entertain, and connect audiences across generations. His love of superheroes began in the 90s with X-Men #25—a formative moment that sparked a lifelong fascination with comic books and the imaginative worlds they share. Arien currently lives in the Los Angeles area, where his ever-growing comic collection serves as both inspiration and reminder of the stories that first ignited his imagination.

Shane and Arien first met as undergraduates at the University of Rochester, forging a friendship that would eventually evolve into a creative partnership. Together, Arien and Shane co-host The Biology of Superheroes Podcast, blending science and storytelling to explore the biological underpinnings of superpowers and the cultural significance of superheroes.