2026 Krost Symposium: The Science of Learning
The 2026 Krost Symposium, which takes place September 30–October 2, will focus on “The Science of Learning.” This year’s event features keynote speaker Dr. Arturo Hernandez, professor of psychology at the University of Houston, winner of the Wilhelm Bessel Research Award and a Fulbright Global Scholar award, and author of Mastery: How Learning Transforms Our Brains, Minds, and Bodies. The keynote address will take place at Jackson Auditorium on Wednesday, September 30, at 7 p.m., and will be followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing. This event is free and open to the public. For a full listing of symposium events, refer to the schedule.
2026 Events
Wednesday, September 30
- 10 a.m. Chapel Talk with Dr. Luigi Penaranda- Metanoia
- Location: Chapel of Abiding Presence & Livestream
- 12 p.m. Flash Talks on Study Strategies
- Location: Dunne Conference Room in Tschoepe & Livestream
- Faculty speakers: Barnett, Helbig, Penaranda, Malone, and Wines
- 4:30 p.m. Learn Faster, Perform Better with Dr. Molly Gebrian
- Location: Band Hall at Weston Center & Zoom
- 7 p.m. Keynote with Dr. Arturo Hernandez
- Location: Jackson Auditorium & Livestream
Thursday, October 1
- 9:30 a.m. Panel Discussion with Dr. Arturo Hernandez, Dr. Veronica Yan, McKay Bloxham, Dr. Sandy Kimbrough, and Sherry Weaver-Morales
- Location: Wupperman Little Theatre & Livestream
- 10:30 a.m. Dr. Arturo Hernandez meets with classes
- Location: Ayers Recital Hall
- 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch and Learn with Dr. Veronica Yan- The Science of Successful Learning
- Location: Student Activity Center & Livestream
- 1:00 p.m.- Motor Learning Speaker
- Meets with Dr. Helbig’s class
- 7 p.m. Film with McKay Bloxham and Casi Helbig
- Location: Wupperman Little Theatre
Friday, October 2
- 2:30 p.m. Anti-Masterclass with Dr. Molly Gebrian
- Location: Orchestra at Weston Hall & Zoom
Friday, October 9 at 2:30 (Off-Campus Event- RSVP and Waivers Required, transportation on your own)
In the past few decades, research on animal learning and the study of animal brains has deeply informed the field of animal training. Rather than devising strategies to ensure compliance with behavioral demands, training animals has become cross-species teaching and learning. After exploring the role of Learning Theory in humans’ pursuit of mastery in the main sessions of the Krost Symposium, this session offers a brief excursion into application of learning theory in the training of animals, particularly horses, mules, and donkeys, and provides some additional food for thought.
This session will introduce our current understanding of the equine brain and the broad spectrum of learning theories a well-educated animal trainer puts to work when teaching horses, mules, and donkeys (really, any animal, Dr. Bisha just happens to work with horses, donkeys, and mules). The influence of our greater understanding of how mammals learn has transformed the ethics of animal training, shifting to include overall welfare and cognitive enrichment along with learning behaviors.
The resident herd of five have been training in ways that prioritize their physical and emotional wellbeing and attempt to engage their intrinsic motivation in an enriched environment.
Dr. Bisha will demonstrate training that is rooted in classical and operant conditioning expressed primarily through positive reinforcement. She and the herd will demonstrate systematic desensitization and counterconditioning. Equines have relied on fear responses for survival for millennia. Working with them thus provides important insights into the importance of managing fear to provide optimal conditions for learning.
Participants who attend the session will have an opportunity to lead the animals using the foundational skill of targeting. All five animals are expert at targeting and have experience teaching humans about this training method that makes walking with us a fun choice for the animals. (Participants who prefer to watch are not required to engage with the animals directly.)
The session will take place at Dr. Bisha’s farm in Kingsbury, about 25 minutes east of the TLU Seguin campus off Highway 90. Participants should plan getting to the farm in their own transportation. There may be some limited opportunity to establish carpooling.
RSVP to Dr. Bisha at rbisha@tlu.edu to hold your space in this session. The number of participants is limited to provide meaningful opportunities for interaction with the animals. When you RSVP you will receive instructions on what to wear and bring with you, the address, and directions.
For Future Educators
In conjunction with this year’s Krost Symposium, the TLU Student Education Association presents “Growing Together: Inspiring Future Educators,” a one-day free conference for future educators.