Connected Lives Series. The Biology of Belonging: Why Humans Need Water

Connected Lives Series. The Biology of Belonging: Why Humans Need Water

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

11/10/2026 (one day)
10:00 AM-11:00 AM EDT on Fri
Download iCalendar

Connected Lives Series. The Biology of Belonging: Why Humans Need Water

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

Registration deadline: Nov. 2nd 

Connected Lives is a series of lectures exploring how loneliness and isolation have emerged as the most significant public health challenges of our time. This engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology of human connection. Students may sign up for any or all of the courses as desired. Each session is a standalone course.   

Why do relationships matter so much? This lecture explores the science behind human connection, including findings from neuroscience, psychology, and public health. Participants will discover how supportive relationships influence stress, immunity, cognitive functioning, and longevity. Particular attention will be given to the protective role that families, friendships, mentoring relationships, and community involvement play in promoting lifelong health and resilience.

Participants will learn to:

  • Explain how connection affects the brain and body
  • Understand the relationship between loneliness and stress
  • Recognize the health benefits of meaningful relationships across generations
  • Apply scientific insights to strengthen relationships and community engagement

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.


  

  • About Thasia Awad's Connected Lives Lecture Series

    Connected Lives: Reclaiming the Waters of Human Connection
    The Science and Practice of Human Connection, Finding Community & Purpose in the Age of the Loneliness Epidemic

    Loneliness and isolation has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of
    our time. Drawing on the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and
    Isolation, this engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology
    of human connection. Through research, storytelling, discussion, and practical application,
    participants will examine how loneliness and isolation affects individuals and communities and
    discover evidence-based strategies for creating deeper relationships and stronger communities.
    Using the timeless story of Oshun as a guiding metaphor, the series invites learners to explore
    what happens when the waters of connection run dry and how they can help restore them. 
Thasia Awad

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.