On September 19 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, SUNY Old Westbury held an event in the Campus Center’s Recital Hall to launch their brand-new Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) research program.
With this new program comes a newly developed space equipped with technology such as 3D printers, laser cutter, and more to help students create and advance to the next level of learning. Students will also be assisted by faculty members as mentors in this inquiry-based experience to further support them on their path to future STEAM careers.
Mike Kavic
introducing the new OW Steam program on September 19, 2024.
Mike Kavic, Associate Provost in the Chemistry and Physics department, said that the program is one that strives to create a more immersive and exciting science experience for students where they can have more hands-on experiments. Kavic said, “You will feel that thrill.”
Kavic said that OW STEAM had been in the works for approximately one academic year after receiving a federal grant of 1.9 million dollars sponsored by Senator Charles Schumer.
Kavic emphasized that everyone who was in attendance were pioneers for this program because it’s new and here to stay.
“I think it’s a great addition to the school,” media major Deborah Flanenbaun. “By adding this hopefully we get more students for the science program,” she continued.
The event concluded by having the students take part in a challenge where they were told to work together in small groups to build the tallest structure, using only marshmallows and toothpicks in 10 minutes. Kavic said that this activity would give them a sneak peak of the kind of inquiry-based learning that the program offers.
