FAMU hosts second Annual STEM Day

Florida A&M University College of Science and Technology held its second annual STEM Day on Saturday March 28th, in the Perry-Paige Auditorium on the campus of FAMU.

Middle and high school students registered for the event and were served breakfast.

The students met  STEM professionals in various disciplines during workshop sessions, to get a further insight to what career they might want to go into.

Donovan Blot, a third year Mathematics student from Miami, Florida said its a good idea to start developing the students for these careers now.   ,.

Blot,  a STEM Day student committee member, went  on to say that this event is great for the advancement of these students and how it interests them in the STEM, making them appreciate it for all of what it has to offer.

He mentioned how his involvement in this event has made others passionate about STEM, and that they have grown to enjoy it just as much as he does.

“This has made me realize how I make others show affection to what I feel,” Blot said.

Among many, one of the STEM Day speakers was Mark Branch, an Aerospace Engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As an Aerospace Engineer, Branch plays a vital role in sending rockets and satellites into space.

During Branch’s workshop session titled STEM – A Pathway to Success, he talks about how STEM is all around us in our everyday lives and encouraged the students to take advantage of their talents and skillsets to have a successful life and career.

“This day meant a lot to me,” Branch said. “After twenty four years of working at NASA and after two decades of outreach, I’m finding that I love this, more so, than I love my job. I still love my job, but I love giving back,” Branch said .

Branch stated that STEM Day was a great opportunity for him to give back, motivate and inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers.

“Trying to inspire these kids to do great things touches my heart,” Branch said.

Following the numerous career workshop sessions the students could participate in solving a mock crime scene investigation.  

Using tips and given information, the students had the opportunity to work  as  Forensic Scientists for a day to solve a case.

STEM Day ended with a Panel Discussion for the students’ parent  participants. STEM Day speakers informed parents on  how STEM and its various disciplines can benefit their children’s lives.

“The workshop speakers were quite dynamic,”said  Shanalee Gallimore, M.S., STEM Day Chairperson.

There was an increase in the percentage of participants in this years’ STEM Day, Gallimore is looking forward to the events success in the future.

“Thus far, we can only hope for the best for years to come,” Gallimore said.

For more information on FAMU’s 2nd Annual STEM Day, contact the College of Science and Technology at (850)412-5978 or visit www.famu.edu/stemday.