Academy Award-nominated actor, writer and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg will headline the second installment of NC State’s Human Factor Speaker Series.
The series, hosted by NC State’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS), explores how human-centered perspectives can help solve complex societal challenges. The 2026-27 season will focus on the theme of preserving human stories and will kick off with Eisenberg’s premier speaker event on Sept. 18.
A celebrated actor, playwright and author, Eisenberg is widely recognized for roles in The Social Network, Now You See Me, and Zombieland, and most recently wrote, directed, and starred in the acclaimed film A Real Pain. His work is marked by sharp insight, humor and emotional depth in exploring contemporary life.
This year’s event follows the Human Factor series’ inaugural offering in 2025, featuring culinary icon Alton Brown and showcasing the human side of food. The sold-out show was filled with laughs, games and thoughtful insights on food’s power to connect and inspire.
While Eisenberg’s event will anchor the season, The Human Factor will also include a collection of panels, workshops and other companion events throughout the 2026-27 academic year. These events — all connected to the central storytelling theme — provide students, faculty and the public more chances to discover what gives every story its heart.
“Our disciplines highlight the human experience, preserving and elevating the stories that shape how we understand behavior, culture, and history — insights that are essential for creating a better future,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “The Human Factor is our way of showcasing how the humanities and social sciences help us tell those stories and reimagine what’s possible, and we’re thrilled to welcome Jesse to campus to help bring this year’s theme to life.”
The Human Factor is made possible by gifts from private donors who support the college’s vision of a better future, the importance of the humanities and social sciences in that vision, and the power of storytelling to unite people and build connections.
Tickets to The Human Factor will be available this summer. Sign up for updates and get event details at go.ncsu.edu/humanfactor.
This post was originally published in College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Categories:
