Sign up to show off at fall StarScapes

By Sophia Potter
Editor in Chief

StarScapes, which will be held in the Gannon Highway and Commons on Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., has been both a feat and celebration of innovation since it was created over a decade ago.

“(StarScapes) is a great opportunity for faculty to develop more projects, and to have students present those projects,” said Mindy Wilson, one of the co-founders of StarScapes.

The original idea for StarScapes came from a meeting amongst teachers exploring the Vision and Change initiative – a concept that stresses the best way to learn science is to experience it.

“StarScapes is value added,” Wilson said. “That’s something I’m always looking for – how do we give our students a competitive edge in the workplace?”

Presentation formats range from posters, which can be printed for free in the Technology Lab of the TLC building, to performances, flash mob dances and science experiments. If they can imagine it, the StarScapes committee wants to help students to achieve it. 

“We wanted to create the venue and let everyone decide how they want to participate,” Wilson said. “You can do whatever you want, and we will support you in however you want to do it.”

Over the years the event has continued to evolve to meet students’ needs and ensure the program itself is in place to stay.

“A lot of times there’s some kind of initiative or project that will start,” Wilson said. “That person retires, and the thing goes away. So, we’ve got a steering committee. We’re institutionalized now. We have a cookie budget!”

Another sign of the ever-adapting nature of StarScapes is the recent addition of a digital component during COVID-19 to keep the tradition alive, according to Web Services Librarian Suzanne Bernsten.

“If you participate in the virtual event, the work you share on the StarScapes website will be available on the web after the event is over,” Bernsten said. “You can link to it on a resume or job application.

“You don’t need to present to participate in StarScapes. Take a few minutes to stop by the event and talk to other students, or visit the StarScapes website to view and add comments on presentations.”

Students from all degree paths are encouraged to sign up on the official website by this Friday, Nov. 22, to have their work showcased this fall.