CENI Newsletter — July 2023
June 29, 2023
July 2023 CENI Newsletter
I'm writing outside today enjoying the sunshine and breeze. I hope you are making time for rest and rejuvenation this summer, as well. Check out this month's newsletter for a quick recap of CENI and our partners' appearances in the news, including the Hokie for a Day feature written by graduate student Aanila Kishwar Tarannum. For folks still seeking summer camp experiences, check out the offerings from the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Reynolds Homestead. If you're around on July 26, head over to Rising Silo to learn more about the effect of movement on the mind with Science on Tap - New River Valley. Wishing you many more days of sunshine!
Chelsea Haines
Associate Director of Broader Impacts
Collaboration between Haines, Huggins, and Robbins Highlighted
The work of CENI's Chelsea Haines, Natali Huggins, a research scientist in engineering education, and Claire Robbins, associate professor of higher education, was highlighted in a recent review of A Handbook for Supporting Today’s Graduate Students, edited by David Nguyen and Christina Yao. The review, published in Developments, a quarterly online publication produced by ACPA-College Student Educators International, highlighted their chapter on the hidden curriculum in graduate education.
New Perspective Gallery Exhibit
Be sure to visit The Backyard Stone Carvers sculpture exhibit that started June 20, in the Perspective Gallery. Lisa McNair and Hiromi Okumura, who are collaborating on an ICAT SEAD grant with Julia Basso, both have sculptures in this exhibit. The exhibit is a tribute to Darcy Meeker, who led a community-based informal arts learning experience for 20 years.
CENI and Partners in the News
Hokie for a Day gives about 1,200 elementary students an up-close experience with Virginia Tech each year, offered by ICAT's Center for Educational Networks and Impacts.
Experiential learning model for engineering students evolves
A large group of engineering students, including CENI undergraduate student employee Baibhav Nepal, spent much of the spring working with Virginia Tech’s Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities on various campus projects, gaining real-world experience.
Orchestrating a symphony of connections in community music education
The Virginia Tech String Project is a community enrichment program whose mission is to provide string music education for regional students and prepare future music teachers and educators. Their recent 15th-anniversary concert at Moss Arts Center and performance of the National Anthem at a Salem Red Sox game are examples of several special events to celebrate Virginia Tech's dedication to leadership in string music education in the state.
Amazon grant supports Virginia Tech Innovation Campus Teacher Professional Development Program
The new Teacher Professional Development Program aims to expand STEM and computing knowledge and teaching practices among elementary and middle school teachers.
Sri Lankan dance group engages with the community
Watch members of Sri Lanka's Chitrasena Dance Company visit Springhouse Day School in Floyd to lead a workshop in Kandyan dance. The group also joined Nrityagram Dance Ensemble for a free matinee performance for area students.
Highlights from the Campus Engagement Network
Science on Tap
Where? Rising Silo Brewery
When? Wednesday, July 26 (5:30-7:00 p.m.)
Who? All families and children
Julia Basso and Rachel Rugh: Moving Minds: Dance and Interpersonal Synchrony. How does movement affect the mind? Join us for an interactive research presentation hosted by the Center for Communicating Science and the VT chapter of Sigma Xi. Open to the public free of charge. More information about events in the NRV can be found on Science on Tap's Facebook page.
Wonder Universe - Looking for STEM Saturday Volunteers!
Where? Uptown Christiansburg, 782 New River Rd Ste. 812, Christiansburg, VA 24073
When? Saturdays
Who? Volunteers
Wonder Universe is looking for summer STEM Saturday volunteers! These volunteers host an engaging STEM activity or demonstration for ages 0-10 for 1-2 hours on a Saturday morning. Please email if interested in volunteering, either as an individual or a group.
Wonder Universe - New Exhibits
Wonder Universe is also excited to announce that two new exhibits will be coming to the Museum in 2023. The first is a Freeman Foundation Asian Cultures Exhibit from the Association of Children's Museums focused on play and Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese cultures. The second is a Dragon's Cave Literacy Corner, a collaboration with Roanoke College and the Dragon Research Collaborative group made possible by a Virginia Humanities grant. Stay tuned for updates and grand opening celebrations for each of these unique additions to our regional children's museum.
Reynolds Homestead Summer Camp Information
Theater Camp
Where? Reynolds Homestead
When? July 10 - 13 (daily from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Who? Ages 8 and up ($70 per camper)
Theater Camp Registration
At theater camp, campers will experience all facets of youth theater, including acting technique, improvisation, set and costume design, and connecting with the audience. The camp will conclude with students performing a short show on July 13. Led by Brooke and Kim from Once Upon a Blue Ridge.
Plants are Taking over Art Camp
Where? Reynolds Homestead
When? July 17 - 20 (daily from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Who? Ages 7-12 ($45 per camper)
Art Camp Registration
This hands-on interactive art camp will dive into the world of animals and plants with a focus on invasive species led by Grace Helms. Campers will explore fun, nature-themed projects spanning water color, acrylic painting, and more! This camp has limited spaces and will fill up, pre-registration is required by July 7. A public reception will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 12 pm for friends and family to view the amazing artwork created during camp.
Science in Motion
Where? Reynolds Homestead
When? July 24 - 27 (daily from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Who? Ages 9-13 ($60 per camper)
Science Camp Registration
This camp brings science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts together to encourage campers to design, build, experiment, and play! Science in Motion will challenge campers to prototype vehicles, build kites and balloon courses, and participate in a variety of games. Led by local educator Stephen Biedrycki.
Young Women Trailblazers
Where? Reynolds Homestead
When? July 24 - 28 (daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Who? Grades 10 and beyond (free with a $200 gift card for those that complete all week)
Young Women Trailblazers Registration
We're rounding out the summer July 24 to 28 with Young Women Trailblazers, an opportunity for rising 10th graders and up to explore careers and leadership while developing new skills and relationships. Led by Melanie Gilbert & Sarah Wray.
CENI Educator Liaison Corner
Floyd County Public Schools
Interested in partnering with Floyd County Public Schools? Contact liaison Kim Keith.
Pulaski County Public Schools
Interested in partnering with Pulaski County Public Schools? Contact liaison Megan Atkinson.
Radford City Public Schools
Interested in partnering with Pulaski County Public Schools? Contact liaison Jamie Little.
Science Museum of Western Virginia
2023 Summer Camps at the Science Museum of Western Virginia launched on June 12 with “Sea Explorers” Camp, featuring a guest appearance by Hosein Foroutan, who shared research on the aerosolization of microplastics in the ocean from wave action.
This year’s camps will feature collaborations with the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center, the Virginia Tech MOVIS and ARIES “Virtual Reality Solar System Explorer” teams, visits from the American Society of Civil Engineers, and more.
Registration is still open for our June 26 – August 18 camps. Visit our website to learn more!
Interested in partnering with the Science Museum of Western Virginia? Contact liaison Phyllis Newbill.
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center
Interested in partnering with the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center? Contact liaison Don Pizzullo.
Upcoming Deadlines and Events
- 7/10-7/13: Reynolds Homestead Theater Camp
- 7/17-7/20: Reynolds Homestead Plants are Taking over Art Camp
- 7/24-7/27: Reynolds Homestead Science in Motion
- 7/24-7/28: Reynolds Homestead Young Women Trailblazers
- 7/26: Science on Tap-NRV
- 10/7: Hokie BugFest
- 10/20: Roanoke STEAM Day
- 11/11: Virginia Tech Science Festival