Science outreach at the Kennedy Academy

On Wednesday evening, the Biology-Chemistry Club hosted a booth at the Kennedy Academy for their Family STEAM night to showcase science, engineering, and arts at a level that kids can appreciate. The Kennedy Academy teaches elementary and middle school aged children about midway between downtown South Bend and the airport. Club members Zahra Aljuboori, Morgan Blank, Guillermo Cardenas, Carlos Lopez Chavez, Zulema Lopez, and Jennifer Ngoumape all helped Professor Shahir Rizk demonstrate the excitement of biology and chemistry. While the youngest students at the academy might not be able to distinguish a professor from an undergraduate student, the older students can certainly tell the difference and interacting with someone who could be an older sister or brother is much more impactful than another parent or teacher figure. So thanks very much to all of the students who volunteered their time to this event.  

Students present their summer research in Chicago

Professors Muna (Chemistry) and Nair (Biology and Informatics) accompanied our students to the annual Louis Stokes Midwest Regional Center of Excellence (LSMRCE) research conference. These same students had previously presented their summer 2023 research to fellow students and faculty on our campus, but this weekend they presented to a much broader audience in Chicago. From left to right in the photo above we have Erik Vardanian (Computer Science BS), Nathanael Smith (Biochemistry BS), Hannah Gregor (Biochemistry BS), Ashley Rojas Romero (Biological Sciences BS), Allyce Rogers (Biological Sciences BS), Professor Nair, Zahra Aljuboori (Biochemistry BS), Professor Muna, and Abigael Ngoumape (Biochemistry BS). It looks like they had a great time at this three-day even from November 3rd to 5th. Thanks to all the students for representing IU South Bend at the conference - and thanks also to Professors Muna and Nair for their support.