COVID Cancels Some Well-Loved STEM Events, Others Adapt

Over the past year, we have all become too well acquainted with the canceling of beloved traditions and celebrations. The STEM College, too, has been dealt some difficult blows. While some events were able to adapt to the virtual landscape to continue their operations, others were cancelled because of a very important element that simply can’t be replicated by virtual means.

The Women in STEM Career Day was one of the first events to fall victim to COVID last year, it was scheduled the very weekend before the university shut down completely. Sadly, the decision was made to cancel WiSTEM again this year. Although the first half of the program involving keynote speakers and panels can be done online, the second half must be done in person, as it is based on hands-on activities and demonstrations in our campus labs.. And, it is also what the girls look forward to the most in the workshop. Diana Fagan is hopeful that she will be able to offer the workshop as an in-person activity again next year.

After 43 successful years, the 2021 Physics Olympics has also been cancelled due to the inability to ensure the competitors, coaches, judges, and chaperones safely comply with State and campus Covid-19 regulations. The competition would have required students to be in close proximity to one another. The hallways and areas where the competition is usually held in Stambaugh are not large enough to accommodate the competitors safely. Another factor that contributed to the cancellation was the inability to fairly judge the competition in a virtual environment. Coordinator Mary Janek tried every way possible to make it work but, in the end, it was safer for all to put off the competition until next year.

One of the events making a successful virtual transition is MATHCOUNTS.The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a non-profit organization that reaches students in grades 6-8 in all US states and territories with 3 extracurricular math programs. The MATHCOUNTS event will be held virtually this year, students will have computer-based competitions to take place locally at the participating schools. Unfortunately, this means that YSU and the MVSPE won't be involved in hosting the event this year, which also means that students will not get to participate in a live event and meet with their peers. However,MATHCOUNTS will return to normal in Spring 2022, with improved systems for grading the exams!

Lake-to-River-Science Fair is another event that will go virtual this year. Actually, the science fair made the transition in time to go on-line last year. With a year’s planning this time, the event will look a little different, and unfortunately YSU will not be as involved in hosting the Regional competition. However, we are so glad that students in 5th-12th grade will still have the science fair experience with the opportunity to compete for big prizes and scholarships at the virtual State competition.

We pride ourselves in the STEM College on our hands-on approach to engaging our local community and promoting STEM and STEM careers to area students. We are looking eagerly forward to a return to normal when we can all gather safely again and take part in friendly competition and interactive learning!