CENI Newsletter — May 2024

Introduction

As we wrap up the school year, everyone at CENI sends a big Thank You for all you do in support of outreach and education. We hope you all have a great summer!

CENI Spotlight

Kristy Collins, Ph.D., is Director of Education and Outreach Programs at Fralin Life Sciences Institute (FLSI) at Virginia Tech. With over 15 years of experience in her role, she has designed Kids' Tech University (KTU) to inspire kids and parents to ask “Why?” questions as they explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics. KTU starts with ages 9-12 and extends to KTU Graduate School for 13-16-year-olds. 

The newest program is designed for Spanish speakers and English-as-Second-Language families - KTU en Español. Kristy also assists faculty in writing Broader Impacts portions of their grants by either developing new programs or hosting programs faculty can plug into to spread the science "ah ha" moments throughout the Commonwealth. Kristy always volunteers to help lead a booth or hands-on activity for a school group visit at Tech or STEM night on behalf of FLSI. 

Fun Facts: Kristy strives to be a living, breathing Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus. Her life motto is "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" Her office is never tidy. On a personal note, Kristy loves Almond Joy coffee creamer in her coffee, scrapbooking, and making memories with her husband and 7-year-old girls.

Campus Engagement Network Updates

Hokie BugCamp 2024 Registration

Hokie BugCamp 2024 is now open for registration! Registration for this event is free and will offer three exciting insect collecting sessions at Heritage Park in Blacksburg, VA. Each session will be held on the following days and times and are limited to 25 kids per session from the ages of 6 to 13 on a first-come, first-served basis: 

• Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Those who register will be provided with insect collecting and pinning supplies to use during the session and will be assisted by Virginia Tech Department of Entomology members. Every registrant must be accompanied by an adult and supervised by that adult throughout the camp. Hokie BugCamp 2024 registration.

CENI and CENI Partners in the News

Congratulations to Pulaski County Liaison Megan Atkinson for her nomination for the STEM-H Educator Award by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council!

Brain Day

CENI’s networking at work

CENI connected with researchers from the Virginia Tech Department of Psychology and the Department of Neuroscience for a fun Brain Day event for local schools around the county. Students learned about different exciting facts about the brain. Click the link above to watch the video and learn more.

Opening day of the "What's That You [Say] Smell?" Exhibit

Last month, the Science Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke welcomed a new exhibit, “What’s That You [Say] Smell?” as a permanent resident of the Museum. The exhibit focuses on teaching museumgoers how insects use scent to communicate with each other. CENI collaborated with Dorothea Tholl, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, who initiated the project with funding from a National Science Foundation collaborative grant and help from her team.

CENI's contribution allowed for outreach opportunities to share this captivating project with young students for both the grand opening day and the Virginia Tech Science Festival.

Learn more about the “What’s That You [Say] Smell?” exhibit and all of the hard-working people involved.

Liaisons Corner

Floyd County Public Schools

The staff at University Libraries continues to be an asset to Floyd County Public Schools. Jonathan Bradley has connected with Bill Miller and Brandon Williams of the FCPS Technology Department to share insights for planning, designing, and implementing virtual reality (VR) technologies within our schools. 

Many FCPS groups have visited the Virginia Tech campus for various events. This includes students from Nursing, Sports Medicine, and Human Anatomy & Physiology courses who attended National Biomechanics Day. Additionally, students and educators involved in computer science coursework participated in the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Research in Computer Science (VTURCS) Symposium and the Spring 2024 Computer Science Department Showcase.

Lastly, a shoutout to CENI staff and the Geosciences Department for arranging incredible hands-on learning experiences for all Floyd County’s fifth-grade students during Hokie for a Day. Showcasing the potential of university-school collaborations was a fantastic experience for our students.

Interested in sharing opportunities for educators or students or partnering with Floyd County Public Schools? Contact Kim Keith. 

Giles County Public Schools

The Marching Virginians and Moss Center visited Macy McClaugherty in Giles County for a Music Monday event with preschoolers. Narrows High School band and Giles High School band helped with the event. We also had high school volunteers from Teachers of Tomorrow, Early Childhood Development, and Giles High School ambassadors. The event was a great success, and we look forward to next year.

To partner with Giles County Public Schools, email Caitlin Thorn.

Pulaski County Public Schools

To partner with Pulaski County Public Schools, reach out to Megan Atkinson.

Radford City Public Schools

Interested in partnering with Radford City Public Schools? Contact Jamie Little.

Science Museum of Western Virginia

If you want to partner with the Science Museum of Western Virginia, please connect with Phyllis Newbill.

Virginia Tech Roanoke Center

If you are interested in partnering with the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center, contact Don Pizzullo.