Students Faculty Kick Off STEM Research Week
Celebrating the work of students and faculty and advancing the cause of higher education is what Elizabeth City State University’s STEM Research Week is all about. The event kicked off Monday morning Feb. 6 with introductions and a brief overview encouraging students to seek graduate level education to further their advantages in the professional world.
Inside the Jenkins Science building Dr. Linda Hayden and ECSU Provost Dr. Vann Newkirk welcomed more than 60 students and faculty members.
“Imagine ask investigate and execute” said Hayden imploring students to get out and get involved in research.
Hayden outlined a week of events that includes presentations by students and faculty as well as opportunities for fun. The week will culminate in an event Friday Feb. 10 at noon in the Burnim Fine Arts Center. Representing 17 schools 10 of which are high schools more than 500 students from around the region will join ECSU students to hear a presentation by WVEC Channel 13 meteorologist Iisha Scott.
Newkirk made the case that STEM education is like learning “a second language” that should serve to excite students about their futures.
“It’s becoming aware of how we can advance science” said Newkirk.
Aside from research presentations and informational sessions students are being encouraged to get involved through social media. Social media team member Tatyana Matthews explained that students will have an opportunity to win prizes each day by engaging on Twitter.
By using the hash tag #ECSURW17 and following the week’s activities by going to @ECSU_RW students will have a chance to win prizes for using the most hashtags in postings best pictures of events guessing pictures of events and naming the best posters.
On Tuesday Feb. 7 if you spot students dashing across campus in a mad rush to win a race you have likely come across The Amazing STEM Race. According to Sheryl Bradford research operations manager with the Department of Natural Sciences the race is based on the popular television show The Amazing Race. Students will have a chance to compete for prizes by racing to learn about research opportunities at ECSU discover what exciting technology and instruments each department has to offer and being challenged to use creativity critical thinking communication and collaboration.
The race kicks off in the lobby of the Pharmacy Complex at 3:30 p.m.
Each day throughout the week there will be a number of sessions aimed at students and faculty. One of the highlights this week will be sessions focusing on African Americans in STEM fields.
For a complete list of events and times go online to http://www.ecsu.edu/about/experience-ecsu/annual-events/research-week/index.html .