ECC starts STEM Speaker Series Feb. 18

Posted February 09, 2021 10:00 pm

Submitted by Elgin Community College

For almost two years, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft circled the ancient asteroid Bennu. Last October, the NASA spacecraft briefly touched the asteroid's surface to collect a handful of cosmic rubble for later return to Earth. Learn more about "The Solar System Wanderers" on Thursday, March 18. AP file photo/NASA

For the past two years, Elgin Community College's Health Professions, Math, Science, and Engineering Division hosted a STEM Expo to encourage current and prospective students to consider coursework and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Due to the ongoing challenges with COVID-19, the 2021 STEM Expo will not take place this year. Instead, a virtual STEM speaker series presented by ECC STEM faculty will be offered on Zoom.

"I am excited for this opportunity to continue to find ways to offer STEM programming," said Renee Skrabacz, associate dean of health professions, math, science, and engineering. "We want the community to continue to see ECC as a destination for students pursuing a degree and career in STEM. We have a variety of topics in this speaker series to appeal to everyone. Come Zoom with us!"

All events are free and open to the public and intended for ages 12 and up.

For more information and registration for each presentation, visit elgin.edu/STEMevents.

Spring 2021 STEM Faculty Speaker Series Events:

• "Which Came First, the Virus or the Vaccine?" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Chad Pearion, M.S., an assistant professor of biology, will give a brief history of vaccines, the principle of vaccination, types of modern vaccines, and vaccine safety. He also will discuss viruses and the current vaccines recommended for influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 and why there is currently no vaccine for HIV.

• "What Is Infinity? And Other Perplexing Questions" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.

Kenny Beynon, M.S., an associate professor of mathematics, will offer an introduction to the concept of infinity and how it has led to some amazing mathematical discoveries and quandaries.

• "Mysteries of the Universe" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 4.

Rick Jesik, Ph.D., adjunct faculty of astronomy, will give an overview of our understanding of the universe and address many unanswered questions. Particular emphasis will be given to the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy.

• "A Healthy Diet and Lifestyle to Support Your Immune System" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 11.

Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when supported by a healthy diet and lifestyle. Janet Whitsitt, M.S., associate professor of biology, will discuss evidence-based research on a balanced diet as well as other lifestyle changes to support your health.

• "Asteroids and Comets - The Solar System Wanderers" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 18.

Asteroids and comets have been the focus of superstition and wonder for millennia. In this presentation, Ryan McGuire, M.S., adjunct faculty of astronomy, will discuss the origins and properties of comets and asteroids and what NASA (and the government) can do to prevent Earth from being hit in the future.

With no STEM Expo this year, Elgin Community College will host a virtual STEM Speaker Series starting Feb. 18 with a presentation on viruses and vaccines. Courtesy of ECC

ECC launches a new STEM Faculty Speaker Series on Zoom. Courtesy of Elgin Community College

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