A Trip to the Museum of Illusions

A trip to the city on November 10th  to the Museum of Illusion was an unforgettable experience for many students.

Monique Clark was one of the many people who worked together to make this trip possible. Clark is the co-director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP). 

“The Museum of Illusion was part of our Neuroscience Behind Illusions Series,” Clark explains, “The first part of the series took place on Thursday, November 9^th with a presentation by Dr. B.  Mukherji, a professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Research Institute.” In this talk, various ways in which the brain works when it comes to magic and illusions were discussed. 

“The trip to the museum was the second part of the series, so that students can explore different illusions and learn more about how and why they  perceive these illusions the way they are,” Clark adds. 

Clark states the importance of having trips like these. “To link what is learned in the classroom to real life experiences and provide opportunities for students to learn about STEM and NYS Licensed Professions.”

Students have gone to Brookhaven National Laboratory,  Queens Botanical Gardens, Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, Old Bethpage Farm, Norman Levy State Park, Jones Beach Environmental and Educational Center, Town of Hempstead Waterways and Conservation, Marine Park Preserve, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, among many other places on the Island and in NYC.  Students also travel to graduate school tours visiting SUNY, CUNY, and Private Institutions to learn about various academic programs within the CSTEP and LSAMP fields. 

But what is CSTEP? According to Clark, “[CSTEP]  is funded by the New York State Education Department, with a goal of increasing the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields.” 

The mission of the program, according to Clark, is  “to foster academic excellence, teach effective long-term career management skills and create meaningful pre-professional experiences for program participants.” She adds that, “the program consists of both summer and academic year components supporting 325 students each year.”

LSAMP, per Clark, “is funded by the National Science Foundation. It seeks to diversify the STEM workforce by significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing high quality degree programs in STEM disciplines.” 

Clark goes on to explain the funding of the program, “The program goals are accomplished through the formation of alliances. The LSAMP program at SUNY Old Westbury is part of SUNY LSAMP, a statewide alliance that consists of fourteen campuses…across a four-hundred-mile area of New York State in urban, suburban and rural settings.” 

The programs have had great success. “since 1996, it has increased the underrepresented minority STEM bachelor’s degrees by 425 %.” Clark explains.

Students definitely had a wonderful time completing the various activities inside the museum and were in awe to learn the mechanics behind them. 

“We plan on doing more events on students in the programs in the spring semester!” Clark states. CSTEP and LSAMP is greatly enriching students’ learning experience. Thank you!