CORE: Undergraduate Research Experience
Dr. Johnasha Stuart, Assistant Professor of Biology
CORE Scholars: Alana Freeman, Yumiko Onohara, and Fariha Yesmin Raisa
WEBEX: 10 – 11 a.m.

One of the many missions of the Center for Outreach and Research (CORE) is to increase the number of underrepresented students engaged in research. Participants of the CORE program will discuss knowledge and skills acquired during their enrollment in the CORE program and share findings from their research summer research projects. We welcome you to support them and hear about the amazing work they have accomplished.

Physics Discovery Booth: Where Wows turn into Aha! Moments
Hosts: Taha Mzoughi, Associate Professor of Physics
Physics 2211 students of Alpharetta Campus with Dr. Taha Mzoughi as Instructor/Advisor
Alpharetta Campus AB Lobby: 10 – 2 p.m.

Come to the Physics Discovery Booth for brainteasing hands-on activities. You will pick an activity at random from the provided list. You will get a short description of the setup and will be asked to predict the outcome. You can then try it out. Peer experts will help you demystify your findings.

Creating a Pollinator Garden
Hosts: Dr. Jewels Morgan, Assistant Professor of Biology, Native Plant Botanical Garden
Dr. Jewels Morgan
Dunwoody Campus by the pond: 10 – 2 p.m.

We will be creating and planting a Native Plant Pollinator Garden.

Chemical Reactivity
Hosts: Dr. Luise Strange de Soria, Professor of Chemistry
Presenter: Pre-Professional Chemistry Club
Clarkston Campus, Outside CN Bldg: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Students will be able to watch a few demonstrations involving chemicals reacting (Exothermically) 🙂

Why I Relay
Hosts: Mary Beth Davison, Associate Professor Biology
Presenter: Newton Campus – Relay for Life Team
1N Atrium, Newton Campus: Noon – 3 p.m.

Come to the 1N Atrium, Newton Campus, for activities, treats, decorating a luminary and fundraising events to honor, boost, remember, and memorialize family, friends, and loved ones who battle CANCER.

From Benchtop Scientist To Corporate Scientist: My Journey
Hosts: Dr. Ilse Rickets, Professor of Biology, and Dr. Maher Atteya, Professor of Chemistry
Presenter: Dr. Stacy White Thompson, Director, Medical Relations Global Marketing Department at L’Oréal Group
WEBEX  1 – 2 p.m.

Dr. Stacy White will share her journey from growing up in rural Oklahoma among nature and being inquisitive propelled her into the world of science, where she travels the world, providing evidence-based medicine to healthcare professionals.

Obstacle Avoiding Robot Construction Lab
Host: Clarkston Computing and Engineering Club (CLACEC)
Presenter: Min Khant Zaw, CLACEC President
STEM Lab at Clarkston Campus, CC1180: 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Students will build an obstacle-avoiding robot using Arduino, motors, and ultrasonic sensors.

Shields Up: How Planetary Magnetic Fields Protect Us and Help Solve the Mysteries of the Solar System
Host: Dr. Marjorie Lewkowicz and Dr. Brooke Skelton
Presenter: Dr. Joe Caggiano, Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and former PC student
WEBEX: 3 – 4 p.m.

Earth and many planets in the Solar System are shielded from devastating Solar storms thanks to the presence of planetary magnetic fields. What generates these magnetic fields, how do they protect us and why are they critical for planetary exploration?

Diamond in the Rough: Cutting and Polishing Gemstones
Hosts: Dion Stewart, Professor of Geology
Presenter: Dion Stewart, Professor of Geology
Alpharetta, AB-216:  3 – 4 p.m.

Learn the steps of cutting and polishing gemstones at this live demonstration. A variety of semi-precious stones will be showcased in various states of manufacture.

Dekalb County Medical Examination Education
Hosts: Dr. Kimberly Grimes, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Presenter: Marquel Johnson (forensic autopsy tech), Marcel Cator (forensic pathologist), Lauren Bucci (public education coordinator), Brittany Godfrey (public outreach)
Decatur campus, SB1170:  4 – 5 p.m.

Members will explain the responsibilities of the medical examiner’s office, highlight the various departments within the office, and how course materials are implemented in their work.

Navigating the Path to Medical School
Hosts: Dr. Vivian Mativo, Professor of Chemistry
Presenter: Jadah Keith, Emory Medical School Student
WEBEX 7– 8 p.m.

Jadah will be sharing about her journey to and in medical school. There will be a Q&A session after her remarks.

Physics Discovery Booth: Where Wows turn into Aha! Moments
Hosts: Dr.Taha Mzoughi, Associate Professor of Physics, Dr. Ananta Acharya, Assistant Professor of Physics
Presenter: Physics 2211 students of Alpharetta Campus with Drs. Ananta Acharya & Taha Mzoughi as Instructors/Advisors
Alpharetta Campus AB Lobby: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come to the Physics Discovery Booth for brainteasing hands-on activities. You will pick an activity at random from the provided list. You will get a short description of the setup and will be asked to predict the outcome. You can then try it out. Peer experts will help you demystify your findings.

Petfinder, Find your Best Match. Are You The Match?
Hosts: Mary Beth Davison, Associate Professor of Biology
Presenter: Cindy Wiemann, Director, Newton County Animal Services
2N Auditorium / Atrium and Quad Lawn Newton Campus: 10 – 11 a.m.

Services provided: Field and Enforcement Services, shelter services, adoptions, intake of animals, implantation of microchips, spaying or neutering in an in-house surgical suite for adopted animals. Animals looking for their forever home will be present. What services can our students provide to help?

Pharmacy Day Event
Hosts: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology; Dr. Luise Strange De Soria, Professor of Chemistry
Clarkston CN Quad or CN1300 (Cafeteria area): 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Meet pharmacy school admissions counselors, learn about pharmacy careers, have one-on-one Q&A sessions about Pharmacy school program requirements, and learn helpful interview tips.

Invisible Walls: Birds vs. Buildings
Hosts: Online Science Department
Presenter: Diane M. Lahaise, Associate Professor of Biology
WEBEX: 11 a.m. – Noon

Millions of birds are killed each year when they collide with windows in buildings. Learn about why this happens and what can be done about it.

Community Garden Work Day
Hosts: Susannah Lomant, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Presenter: Susannah Lomant, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Community Garden (Decatur Campus) by SF: 11 a.m. – Noon

Learn how pollinators are beneficial for community gardens. Volunteer work. Wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Solar Viewing
Hosts: Bayard Stringer, Associate Professor of Physics
Presenter: Bayard Stringer, Associate Professor of Physics
In front of the ‘B’ building (Alpharetta Campus): 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

During the 2024 solar maximum, magnetically-driven solar atmospheric features are more numerous. Come look through our ‘hydrogen alpha’ filter that protects the eye and draws out detail in the Sun’s atmosphere. See the sunspots, prominences, and solar granulation!

Science Fun Day Event – Get Ready to Graduate!
Hosts: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology
Clarkston CN Quad or CN1300 (Cafeteria area) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come and decorate your graduation cap – cap decoration supplies will be provided. Bring your own cap!

Why I Relay
Hosts: Mary Beth Davison, Associate Professor Biology
Presenter: Newton Campus Relay for Life Team
1N Atrium, Newton Campus Noon – 3 p.m.

Come to the 1N atrium, Newton Campus, for activities, treats, decorating a luminary and fundraising events to honor, boost, remember and memorialize family, friends and loved ones who battle cancer.

Global Resilience Initiative (GRIT) Virtual Workshop
Host: Dr. Claudia Vargas, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenters:  Dr.Claudia Vargas, Assistant Professor of Biology & Dr. Michael Baker, Assistant Professor of Psychology
WEBEX 1 – 2 p.m.

Resilience is a skill set that can be learned. This workshop focuses on resilience practices, rooted in neuroscience, to empower you to overcome challenges in your academic, personal, and professional lives. Topics include self-directed neuroplasticity, stress management, and mindfulness.

Showcasing the NEW Environmental Science Major
Hosts: Dr. Jonathan Lochamy, Professor of Biology
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Lochamy, Professor of Biology
Come learn about the newest degree pathway to be added to the STEM fields, Environmental Science! With no Algebra or Chemistry required, this degree is ideal for anyone interested in science who doesn’t want to take advanced Math or majors sciences.
WEBEX 1:30 – 2 p.m.

Resilience is a skill set that can be learned. This workshop focuses on resilience practices, rooted in neuroscience, to empower you to overcome challenges in your academic, personal, and professional lives. Topics include self-directed neuroplasticity, stress management, and mindfulness.

Make a Fossil Cast
Hosts: Dr. Mengist Teklay, Assistant Professor of Geology
Presenter: Dr. Mengist Teklay, Assistant Professor of Geology
STEM Resource Center, SC 2140, Decatur Campus: 2 – 4 p.m.

Students (visitors) will reproduce fossil replicas of their own choice using a plaster mixture.

How To Get Started in Game Development
Hosts: Dr. Cynthia Foote, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Nathan Foote Computer Programmer
WEBEX: 3 – 4 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to create a video game but didn’t know where to begin? Learn about how to plan your project and some important tips for game development from a Georgia Tech Alum and software developer.

Agar Art Competition Judging
Host:  Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Johnasha Stuart, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Mr. Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology; Lisa Alembik, Associate Professor, Fine Arts Department; Zachariah M. Degon, Lab Coordinator; Stephanie Dentler, Administrative Specialist – Ad; Johnasha Stuart, Assistant Professor of Biology
Clarkston Campus, CC 2100: 10 – 11 a.m.

Come see all the Agar art and vote for the winners. First, second and third place Agar art will receive a prize.

Physics Discovery Booth: Where Wows turn into Aha! Moments
Host: Taha Mzoughi, Associate Professor of Physics
Presenter: Physics 2211 students of Alpharetta Campus with Dr. Taha Mzoughi as Instructor/Advisor
Alpharetta Campus AB Lobby: 10 – 11 a.m.

Come to the Physics Discovery Booth for brainteasing hands-on activities. You will pick an activity at random from the provided list. You will get a short description of the setup and will be asked to predict the outcome. You can then try it out. Peer experts will help you demystify your findings.

Creating a Pollinator Garden
Host: Dr. Jewels Morgan, Assistant Professor of Biology, Native Plant Botanical Garden
Presenter: Dr. Jewels Morgan
Newton Campus by the vegetable garden: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

We will be creating and planting a Native Plant Pollinator Garden.

Solar Viewing
Host: Bayard Stringer, Associate Professor of Physics
Presenter: Bayard Stringer, Associate Professor of Physics
In front of the ‘B’ building (Alpharetta Campus): 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

During the 2024 solar maximum, magnetically-driven solar atmospheric features are more numerous. Come look through our ‘hydrogen alpha’ filter that protects the eye and draws out detail in the Sun’s atmosphere. See the sunspots, prominences, and solar granulation!

Career AIMs
Host: Dr. Romney Norwood, Associate Professor of Sociology, Faculty Associate – Decatur Task Force
Presenter: Rande Allen, VP Sales, Polytron, Inc.; Afia Davis, Surgical Neurophysiology Specialist; Nati Fekade, Research Assistant; Lisa Puckett, RN, BSN; Louis Simmons, COO, Whitefoord, Inc.
Decatur Campus, SB 1170: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m

Guest speakers from various industries will discuss their career paths and share opportunities for internships and employment.

Tech Talk: Navigating Through the Latest Trends in Technology
Host: Vaishnavi Adepu, Women in Tech, President
Presenter: Professor Forough Ansari, and Vaishnavi Adepu
WEBEX: Noon-1 p.m.

Join us for a wonderful time filled with an intriguing presentation about AI (ChatGPT) and how it will impact the tech industry in the foreseeable future.

Why I Relay
Host: Mary Beth Davison, Associate Professor Biology
Presenter: Newton Campus Relay for Life Team
1N Atrium, Newton Campus: Noon – 3 p.m.

Come to the 1N Atrium, Newton campus, for activities, treats, decorating a luminary, and fundraising events to honor, boost, remember, and memorialize family, friends, and loved ones who battle cancer.

Showcasing the NEW Environmental Science Major
Host: Dr. Jonathan Lochamy, Professor of Biology
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Lochamy, Professor of Biology
WEBEX: 1:30 – 2 p.m.

Learn about the newest degree pathway to be added to the STEM fields, Environmental Science! With no Algebra or Chemistry required, this degree is ideal for anyone interested in science who doesn’t want to take advanced Math or majors in sciences.

The Geology of Carlsbad Caverns
Host: Online Science Department
Presenter: Steve Fitzpatrick, Senior Lecturer, Geology
WEBEX & Newton, 1N-3400: 2 – 3 p.m.

Carlsbad Caverns is a World Heritage Site and a unique example of the carbonate dissolution of a marine paleoenvironment exposed by tectonic uplift. We’ll explore this amazing place in this presentation.

STEM Careers in Government Career Panel
Host: Women in STEM Experience (WiSE)
Presenter: WiSE industry Panelists
Clarkston Campus, CN 2240: 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Three speakers from positions in the government or who work closely with the government will share their career experiences and paths so students can learn from their experiences and ask questions.

Illuminate – Science of Light in Natural Products
Host: Avinash Sukhu (Lab Technician)
Presenter: Avinash Sukhu
Clarkston Campus, CC2170: 4 – 5 p.m.

Come experience the science behind bioluminescence and how natural products emit these properties.

Physics Discovery Booth: Where Wows turn into Aha! Moments
Host: Dr. Ananta Acharya, Assistant Professor of Physics
Presenter: Physics 2211 students of Alpharetta Campus with Dr. Ananta Acharya as Instructor/Advisor
Alpharetta Campus AB Lobby: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come to the Physics Discovery Booth for brainteasing hands-on activities. You will pick an activity at random from the provided list. You will get a short description of the setup and will be asked to predict the outcome. You can then try it out. Peer experts will help you demystify your findings.

STEM Poster Presentations
Host: Brandi Childress, Senior Lecturer of Biology
Presenter: Brandi Childress & BIOL 2251 Students
WEBEX: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Students present STEM posters on the life of an under-represented minority in STEM (and medicine). Posters will be displayed on the 1st and 2nd floor walls of the SB building on the Decatur campus.

Sunspot Observation
Host: Susannah Lomant, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Presenter: Susannah Lomant, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Decatur Campus Quad between SA & SC: 10 a.m. – Noon

Look at sunspots and other solar features (safely) through a solar telescope with a special solar filter. The event will be canceled if it is cloudy or rainy.

The Tiny World of Microbes
Host: Corinne Summerill, Lecturer in Biology
Presenter: Corinne Summerill, Lecturer in Biology
Alpharetta Campus, AB-130: 10:30 a.m. – Noon 

See the world of microbes under a microscope! Learn how to use a microscope, prepare samples for viewing, and identify microorganisms from water samples collected around Atlanta.

Spring Planting for Everyone
Host: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Mark Graves, Assistant Professor of Biology; Zachariah Degon, Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator
Clarkston Campus CN Quad (outside): 11 a.m.- Noon

Plant a few seeds (native and vegetable) and learn about growing mushrooms!
If weather permits – we’ll plant!

Math Trick or Clickbait?
Host: Michelle Chung, Instructor of Mathematics
Presenter: Michelle Chung, Instructor of Mathematics
WEBEX: Noon – 1 p.m.

We can find all the cool math tricks on social media. However, are these cool tricks or clickbait? Let’s figure it out!

Why I Relay
Host: Mary Beth Davison, Associate Professor Biology
Presenter: Newton Campus Relay for Life Team
Newton Campus, 1N Atrium: Noon – 3 p.m.

Come to the 1N Atrium, Newton Campus, for activities, treats, decorating a luminary, and fundraising events to honor, boost, remember, and memorialize family, friends, and loved ones who battle cancer.

Understanding Organic Molecules with SPARTAN
Host: Dr. Antara Dutta, Professor of Chemistry
Presenter: Santiago Balbin, PC Student
Dunwoody Campus, NE 0140: 2 – 3 p.m.

Student research presentation about the structure and properties of Organic molecules like stereochemistry of Cyclohexane, properties of nicotine, indigo, and natural products, simple Carbohydrates, Sn2 reaction mechanism, and energy diagram using SPARTAN chemical computational program.

Native Southeastern Plants
Host: Dr. April Bostian, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Pablo Fernandez, PC Student
Pollinator Garden, Behind AB Building, Alpharetta Campus: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Student presentation featuring facts about the native plants featured in Alpharetta’s new pollinator garden. Topics will include their ecological role, common pollinators, and more.

STEM Scholars Award Program
Host: Office of Associate Dean for Research and STEM
Jim Cherry LRC CL1100: 10 a.m. – Noon

PC STEM Scholars Award Ceremony

Underground Adventures: Subterranean Biology in the South Eastern USA, the Caribbean, and Hawaii
Host: Dr. Charles Stephen, Assistant Professor of Biology
Presenter: Dr. Charles Stephen, Assistant Professor of Biology
WEBEX: Noon – 1 p.m.

Introduction to cave biology and some highlights of ongoing conservation and species discovery research in the limestone caves of the southeastern USA and two Caribbean islands, and in the lava tubes of Hawaii.

What do microbes have to do with me?
Host: Dallas Akins, Lecturer of Biology
Presenter: Dallas Akins, Lecturer of Biology
WEBEX: 1 – 2 p.m.

Discuss the relevance of microbes, their relation to human health and wellness (the microbiome), and the growing antibiotic resistance problem.