ESP Biography

Matcha has gone from a centuries-old Japanese tea to a global wellness trend, but what actually happens in your body when you drink it? In this class, we’ll explore the biology behind matcha’s most famous compounds, including caffeine, L-theanine, and catechins like EGCG. We’ll discuss how these molecules affect the brain, how matcha produces a unique combination of calm and focus, and why scientists are studying green tea compounds for their potential roles in neurodegenerative disease and cancer prevention. During class, students will enjoy ceremonial-grade matcha lattes while thinking about its real-time biological effects.

Remember the last time a friend told you they were stressed—did you really know how to respond, or did you just hope your words helped? When we think we’re listening, we often miss more than we realize. In this class, you’ll uncover how attention works in conversation, why people sometimes leave interactions feeling unheard even when advice was offered, and what psychology reveals about the hidden signals that build or break trust. Through interactive activities in which you can get to know your peers, you’ll test these ideas yourself and leave with insights into how a single response can change the course of a conversation. By practicing these skills, you can become the person someone trusts enough to call when it matters most, and what you say in those moment can leave lasting marks on others' lives.