The first-ever CAA STEM Day, held on June 12, showcased the best of Columbia innovations, faculty, and ideas in science, technology, engineering, and math to more than 350 alumni—spanning 15 schools and seven decades—and their families. For many alumni, it was their first time attending a Columbia event post-graduation.
Attendees had the chance to hold human and animal brains, conduct hands-on science experiments, and enjoy food, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Interactive booths about sea levels, hover crafts, neuroscience, and robots were led by faculty, alumni, and current Columbia students.
Janna Levin, Barnard College professor and author of Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space gave an informative lecture, and Columbia researchers from the award-winning documentary Antarctic Edge: 70 Degrees South spoke about their fascinating work exploring the fastest warming place on Earth, the West Antarctic Peninsula.
Families captured the fun in photos and videos posted to social media with the hashtag #CAASTEMDay, which were highlighted in a Tagboard for everyone to view and enjoy.
The event was an effort by many University schools and programs, including Barnard, Columbia College, Columbia Entrepreneurship, Columbia School of General Studies, Columbia Science Initiative, Columbia Engineering, Columbia Neuroscience Outreach, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, Earth Institute, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Hollingworth Science Camp, and Teachers College. More than 60 faculty, staff, student, and alumni volunteers from the Morningside, Medical, Manhattanville, and Palisades campuses volunteered at STEM Day.