Youngsters from several of International Game Technology’s (IGT) After School Advantage (ASA) Centres were introduced to various Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) technology and research during a recent STEM Talk and Interactive Lab Tour event at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
The session was facilitated by the Faculty of Science and Technology through its External Engagement and Outreach Programme, which aims to inspire interest in youth for STEM related disciplines and careers.
Describing the collaborative effort as “a timely and positive response” to boost STEM learning, General Manager of IGT Jamaica, Debbie Green noted that, “IGT is pleased that the faculty’s vision is aligned with our IGT ASA Programme in supporting the cause of bridging the digital divide and making STEM education accessible through outreach activities.”
She added that it is the hope of IGT that the students left the event, “intrigued and motivated” to make their mark in the world of STEM as, “this is the thinking behind our focus and commitment at IGT in supporting greater access to digital learning and to technology in general.”
A total of 33 IGT ASA beneficiaries were in attendance at the specially organised STEM Talk session and tour. The participants were students from the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Kingston and Spanish Town, Mustard Seed Communities – Dare to Care Centre, Jerusalem and Mary’s Child children’s homes, all of which are home to IGT ASA Centres (computer facilities donated and maintained by IGT). The students were highly engaged in the session, taking the initiative to raise points and questions for which they sought clarification from the three main presenters from the Chemistry, Computing and Physics Departments, all of whom were PhD candidates.
The coordinator of the event, Dr. Andre Coy, Associate Dean for External Engagement and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, was pleased to receive IGT’s request to host the students for the enlightening occasion, stating, “We need STEM for national development and we need a lot more young people like you to make that development happen.”
He added, “We are glad that you are here to learn about and see the many opportunities that exist both in the field and through our offerings here at the UWI’s Faculty of Science and Technology. You can take advantage of these opportunities and make your contribution to national development in the near future.”
Illuminating Presentations
Opening the set of illuminating presentations was Crystal Thompson, who shared information about her research focus in coordination chemistry. She shared that she has been analysing mixed-ligand transition metal complexes to develop a single molecule that will, “aid ongoing efforts to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.” She impressed upon the participants the importance of having a, “natural love for mathematics…a passion for problem-solving and dedication,” to enjoy a fulfilling career in the field of chemistry.
Chantal Simmonds, presenter from the Department of Physics, added another layer of wise counsel, telling the youngsters, “Things do not always go as planned and so finding what you truly love to do may take you along many routes. It is important for you to pay attention to what moves you most, seize that thing and maximize on the knowledge.” Simmonds shared with the IGT ASA beneficiaries that she went through a phase where she fell out of love with physics during her secondary schooling, but had refocused and had now completed an extensive body of physics research for her PhD thesis and was also a Tutor and Research Assistant in Physics at UWI. She stated that she is certain of the relevance of physics in our society and has a passion for the discipline.
Capping off the insightful presentations was Alton Bodley from the Department of Computing whose specialization and research centred on Data Support Systems (DSS) and data science. He encouraged the students to consider acquiring relevant computing skills as it will prove vital for their functional coexistence and marketability in future. “The computer has become a very necessary piece of technology in our society…from helping to detect issues and providing solutions to carrying out commands for essential tasks and providing useful insights that have helped with many business decisions,” noted Bodley, who also serves as a Data Controller in the Computing Department.
Lab Tours
The much-anticipated interactive lab tours did not disappoint as the students got to witness the practical side of science research with tours of the Natural Products Institute (NPI) and the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS).
There was much to see – from the observation of microscopic cells through various microscopes at NPI to viewing highly irradiated particles, detailed readings of cadmium levels on spectrometers, and although they were not allowed to take pictures of it, their first-in-a-lifetime witnessing of the SLOWPOKE nuclear reactor (JM-1) at ICENS.
One student, Shanda Oatley* who was already interested in pursuing science studies, said she was, “even more interested,” given all the practical knowledge she obtained. Her colleague, Dajah* who is currently sitting science subjects at the CSEC level, agreed that the STEM Talk and Interactive Lab Tour experience was, “very informative,” and hopes to be exposed to more learning opportunities.
