Have you felt political tensions in the US rising? Many report feeling overwhelmed, divided, and, sometimes, threatened when discussing politics. American elected officials have expressed increased concern about their exposure to threats and violence. Has political violence actually increased? If so, what is causing it? How does it affect the country’s public servants? And how does the public respond? Join us as we hear from Dr. Alexandra Filindra, Professor of Political Science and Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, as we address such questions, using data from recent surveys conducted among public officials and citizens, and infuse a neuroscience perspective to tackle why folks might react the way they do to political tensions.
Interested in the brain science behind political reactions? Here’s a helpful sheet on the brain regions responsible for how we process and integrate political information and the theories that explain our behaviors.
Event Details
Date and Time: June 3rd, 2026
Doors: 5:30 pm; Talk starts at 6:00 pm
Location: McGowan South, Room 105 and the lobby
1110 West Belden Ave, Chicago IL
Snacks and N/A beverages will be provided in the lobby.
Street parking can be found near McGowan South on nearby streets. There’s metered parking also nearby on Fullerton, Sheffield, and Racine. There is paid parking at the Clifton Parking Deck at 2330 N. Clifton Ave.
We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Please respect diversity in individuals and in cultures.
Notice: As a guest of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST), you agree to be photographed, videotaped, or filmed and grant C2ST permission to put the finished footage/photography to any uses that it may deem proper, including marketing, advertising (print, radio, and television), and PR-related activities.
