Everything Nac

A limited number of students can still enroll in a weeklong science, technology, engineering and mathematics camp hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s STEM Research and Learning Center aimed at engaging East Texas students entering the seventh or eighth grade in hands-on STEM activities.

“The goal is to expose students to STEM disciplines in a way that excites them about the many possibilities in math and science,” said Dr. Jana Redfield, assistant director of the SFA STEM Research and Learning Center, which is part of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Each module is about two hours and 45 minutes of hands-on learning, allowing students to not only be exposed to math and science concepts, but to create a spark of interest in a possible future STEM career.”

What math concepts go into the construction of a rollercoaster? Who is the criminal behind a messy crime scene? Investigations in Math and Science, or iMAS, Academy answers these and similar questions during the course of five days. The camp consists of modules that cover chemistry, biology, nursing, engineering, mathematics and physics basics.

In one module, students engage in a crime scene investigation lab designed to simulate activities that take place in a forensic laboratory setting, including DNA glass fragment and chemical analyses. In another, students are exposed to the high-energy bustle of a hospital emergency room and learn four of many skills—blood loss estimation, aseptic techniques, cardiovascular and respiratory assessments, and virtual intravenous infusion. Students also will investigate effects of acid on eggshells using flat and carbonated root beer during the “Acid Attacks!” activity.

“So much goes in to the development of the curriculum for iMAS. The iMAS modules are designed to be student centered, hands-on and fun. They are initially written by STEM faculty members and area master teachers,” Redfield said. “Once written, modules are reviewed for accuracy and science/math appropriateness for the grade level, then piloted during the school year to insure student engagement. Several of the modules created for this year’s iMAS are brand new, such as the 3-D printing/engineering and rollercoasters. Others have been proven successful in past summer iMAS Academies.”

New to iMAS camp is a rollercoaster module inviting participants to explore mathematical concepts as they design and build paper rollercoasters from cardstock. The science of motion and the financial literacy component of budgeting and cost analysis also will be explored.

A second new module will utilize state-of-the-art 3D printers acquired by the College of Sciences and Mathematics. In the module, students will create and build a pair of interlocking rings using a computer-aided design program.

The 2016 iMAS Academy will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, June 20-24, on the SFA campus. The cost is $100 per attendee and includes the price of materials, snacks, prizes and a T-shirt. Visit cosm.sfasu.edu/stem/imas-academy to register.

Nacogdoches junior Josh Welch has been awarded the first Gary Parker Art Scholarship at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts established the scholarship last year in honor of retired SFA School of Art faculty member Gary Parker, who was employed for 31 years in the School of Art where he not only taught courses but also directed the school’s Summer Art Academy program for children and served as the gallery preparator.

The FVA has established scholarships in the name of retiring SFA School of Art professors who were employed in the School of Art for minimum of 10 years before retirement and who contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Friends of the Visual Arts board and its fundraising activities, such as consistently donating art for fundraisers, by providing monetary assistance, or by serving on FVA committees or board.

Jeff Brewer, assistant professor of sculpture and drawing in the School of Art, nominated Welch for the award. Among the Parker scholarship criteria is the expectation that the recipient “must have demonstrated promise in the field of art by using their hands and minds to create art.”

“Josh has a passion for sculpture, a genuine excitement for knowledge and the drive to make a difference,” Brewer wrote in his recommendation. “He is more than deserving of this scholarship in that he embodies all the ideals that Gary Parker champions. He makes (art) not only with his hands but with his head and heart.”

Brewer said he has watched Welch “push” himself, his fellow students and others, including his teachers, toward excellence, and he is always willing to go the extra mile.

“When I need a hand, he is there without prompting and is the last one to leave the studios at night, he said. “Be it Art Alliance, Showcase Saturday, Art Day or keeping me on task, Josh is my ‘go-to.'”

Welch will attend a residency this summer in Germany.

“He has what it takes to make it in the art world, and this scholarship will only help propel him faster in that direction,” Brewer said.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts is made up of community members who support the arts in East Texas and provide monetary assistance to students enrolling in the School of Art by conducting fundraisers, such as the annual 12 X 12 event every July.

Katy senior Victoria Sturm has been selected as this year’s Charles D. Jones Art Scholarship recipient at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Jones scholarship, established by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, is awarded on an annual basis to a junior, senior or graduate level student with drawing or printmaking as his/her major study area. Students must show initiative and a broad appreciation of all of the fine arts with a concentration on printmaking, according to the eligibility criteria established by Jones.

Neal Cox, associate professor in the SFA School of Art and printmaking coordinator, nominated Sturm for the award, giving her “my highest recommendation based upon my observations of her work ethic, enthusiasm, development and temperament,” he said.

“Ms. Sturm’s enthusiasm energizes her peers and creates a positive learning environment,” Cox wrote in is nomination letter. “Not only does she take her standard educational expectations seriously, she is also an honors student. Ms. Sturm is 100-percent on time with her assigned work. She has never been late to class, and, to my memory, has perfect attendance.

Sturm is currently working on a body of work questioning cosmetic culture, Cox said.

“Her consideration of societal norms has led her to make some pretty profound work,” he wrote. “I am looking forward to seeing her work come together in her final show next year, and am happy to throw my support behind her so she can really excel. The Jones scholarship would be a great boon to her toward that end. There is not a more deserving, qualified student in my program.”

The FVA has established scholarships in the name of retiring SFA School of Art professors who were employed in the School of Art for a minimum of 10 years before retirement and who contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Friends of the Visual Arts board and its fundraising activities, such as consistently donating art for fundraisers, by providing monetary assistance, or by serving on FVA committees or board.

Jones is professor emeritus in the SFA School of Art where he taught printmaking, drawing, Mexican art history and the “Art of The Book” from 1971 to 2011. During that time, he was named a Regents Professor and received a Distinguished Professor Award from the Alumni Association and a Teaching Excellence Award from the university. He is now the director and master printer for the LaNana Creek Press in the College of Fine Arts and has had exhibitions of his work worldwide.

The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts is made up of community members who support the arts in East Texas and provide monetary assistance to students enrolled in the School of Art by conducting fundraisers, such as the upcoming annual 12 x 12 event in July.