Bat research by Patricia Freeman will be featured in the next Sunday with a Scientist program at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History. The family-friendly event is 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Morrill Hall.

Freeman is a curator of zoology and professor of natural resources and biological sciences. With the help of several students, Freeman will introduce visitors to the diversity of bats in Nebraska and around the world. The Sunday with a Scientist event will include information on bat behavior and the myths surrounding the mysterious mammals.

Live bats and specimens used for research in the museum’s zoology collection will be on display.

Bats are the only winged mammals. With nearly 1,100 species, bats are the most abundant group of mammals after rodents. These elusive creatures fly at night, making them difficult to study. Many of them send sonar pulses with their mouths or noses, which partly explains why they have bizarre face structures.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of events that highlight the work of UNL researchers while educating children and families on topics related to science and nature.

For more information on the program, including upcoming topics, go to http://www.museum.unl.edu.