Author: Dr. Dave Cassie, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
The School of Sciences, Technology & Allied Health (STAH) recently hosted the University’s first ever virtual Science day. In the past, it has usually been the custom to showcase the work of students, faculty and staff of the various departments of STAH around a particular theme during the annual event. However, due to the prevailing pandemic conditions last year the event was cancelled. This year each department thoroughly immersed students of Forms 3 to 6 from a wide cross-section of secondary schools as well as the general public from Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean into a fascinating digital showcase on the evening of March 6 2022.
The theme, “ you, Science & the pandemic” was very aptly chosen and the organizers were congratulated for this by each of the administrators who brought greetings and remarks including Dean Antwi, Provost Chesney and President Wilson during the formal segment of the program. The theme capitalized on the pervasive power of Science to connect the individual and the pandemic and the society as a whole. There were lively and engaging presentations from the Departments of Nursing Education, Biological Sciences, Computing, Mathematics & Technology and Family & Consumer Science. The event lasted over three hours and included dramatizations on COVID-19 respiratory care, virtual lab simulations, cooking competition, mask wearing and making demonstrations, and how technology has changed the workplace. Each department was well represented by faculty, staff and students as well as alumni as there was a ‘STAH VOICE’ feature that highlighted the personal experiences of alumni who were Science and Allied Health program graduates from each department. Certainly there was a mix of excitement, information and entertainment for the audience that joined via Zoom, we look forward to the next instalment of Science Day in 2023!