College of DuPage celebrates STEMCON

The College of DuPage will sponsor a free, interactive event this month called STEMCON that celebrates science, technology, engineering and math.

The gathering, which focuses on family-friendly, hands-on activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math - or STEM - runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Physical Education Arena on the college's Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

STEMCON will feature demonstrations and experiments designed to spark interest in a variety of STEM topics, including cybersecurity; Disney's Youth Enrichment Series; a Lego Rube Goldberg display; modeling protein structures; math and music; nuclear energy; prairie ecology and restoration; the physics of flight, featuring a real airplane; river system development; and robotics.

The event also features keynote speaker Angel Price, attractions engineering services manager at Disney's Hollywood Studios, who will present "Authentically YOU" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Price began her Disney career in 2006, participating in Disney's college, professional internship and mechanical apprenticeship programs. She was the first and only female mechanic for the former "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" and contributes more than 1,000 hours annually toward STEM programs in the Central Florida area.

She is a recent graduate from University of Central Florida, where she earned a master's degree in professional engineering management. She also has a master of engineering degree from Purdue University.

Additional STEMCON stage shows and activities include "Fun with Chemistry," the "Bed of Nails" physics presentation, and guided tours of the college's prairie restoration and natural areas.

Representatives from COD, as well as a STEM-based organizations and institutions, including the American Chemical Society, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab National Laboratory, Morton Arboretum and SciTech Museum, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about education, innovations and careers in the STEM fields.

For details, visit www.cod.edu.