By The Keystone Newspaper Prospective students and their families had opportunities to engage with faculty, explore state-of-the-art laboratories, and discover wide range of STEM programs offered at KU during event.
By Katelynn Humbles
On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, prospective students and their families came to KU for the Fall STEM Open House at the Boehm Science Center. Students attended from all over Pennsylvania and Maryland. The event highlighted a range of programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics available at KU and engaged visitors in academic programs across a wide variety.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
The open house began at 8 a.m. The day started with registration, where families arrived to be greeted by an array of refreshments like coffee, pastries, and snacks.
The open house then transitioned into the STEM Marketplace, where current students and faculty of multiple programs were in attendance to answer questions and share insights into their respective field. The visitors learn about programs like Allied Health, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, including Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, and Pre-Dental tracks, Data Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Engineering Physics, Environmental Science, Game Development, Geography, Geology, Information Technology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Physics and Regenerative Organic Agriculture.
By Katelynn Humbles
At 9:00 a.m., Dean Dr. Laurie McMillian, joined by Admissions representatives, welcomed the participants. They presented an overview of the STEM programs at KU, underlining the supportive academic community and hands-on experiences one gets during their study for a STEM degree.
The presentation set the scene for the day, emphasizing the KU’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
Immediately after the welcome session, from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m., prospective students toured the laboratories and classrooms. Students had a chance to explore their specific area of interest through serious discussion on curriculum, research opportunities, and career pathways with the faculty staff and students currently attending.
The open house gave students the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities in certain disciplines. Students in the marine science lab were able to view the marine wildlife under microscopes while biology pre-med students experimented through interactive activities. Engineering students observed demonstrations featuring 3D printers, some of the technology they would be working with on campus.
Students then had the option to take a campus tour at 10:15 a.m, 10:45 a.m or 11:00 a.m. in order to become familiar with KU’s campus and its other facilities. Many of the high points of the tour included the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center, the Fred and Martha Hafer Scanning Electron Microscope Lab, the Digital Imaging Microscope Lab, the Carlson R. Chambliss Astronomical Observatory and the Technology and Prototyping Lab. Each of these facilities showcased the KU’s commitment to provide new and innovative resources for students and enhance their academic experience.
Photo Credit: Katelynn Humbles
The Fall STEM Open House created an environment where prospective students could visualize their futures within the broad disciplines of STEM. The event underscored not only the academic offerings at KU but also brought together prospective students, current students and faculty.
If interested students missed the event and are interested in learning more about KU’s STEM programs, they can find further information at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. They can also reach out via email at stem@kutztown.edu or call the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office at (610) 683-4305.