Each year we strive to reach a wider and more diverse audience to make sure that we are fulfilling our mission of raising scientific literacy and appreciation for science and technology in the general public. With this goal in mind, we have implemented several initiatives that speak to our commitment to change and innovate our practices to better serve the public.
2020 has been a tough year for more reasons than we care to count. But we at C2ST, being glass-half-full kinds of folks, think that there’s no reason we can’t try and make the best out of what’s left of it. So as we gear up for a new season of eye-opening, thought-provoking digital content for the Chicago Community and beyond, we’re also going to be reaching out to the community for contributions to our organization. Continue reading “A Time for Change”
The last few months have been challenging for Chicagoans, Americans, and citizens of the world. Now would usually be the time for many of us to head out to the beach, meet with friends, and enjoy some well earned R&R. Summer is a great time for outdoor science events, like our Urban Nature Walk. While we may not get the summer we planned for, that doesn’t mean we can’t figure out new ways to have fun in the sun.
C2ST is proud to present “Unity in Curiosity,” our Summer 2020 initiative. By contributing to and supporting our previous initiative, “Science from the Frontlines,” donors and attendees provided us with a platform to organize and host a slew of new virtual programs to engage and educate Chicago residents. This summer, we’d like to make Unity in Curiosity an even bigger success.
The goal of the Chicago Science Journalism initiative is to enhance C2ST’s online presence through its blog and to stimulate more coverage of Chicago science and technology activities. This recent collection of articles was produced in partnership with Medill Journalism, IIT, and board member and Senior Counsel at Mayer Brown LLP, Bob Kriss. Happy Reading!
Read the rest of our blog posts here.
C2ST works with Chicago-area artists to create new content and develop creative ideas to fulfill our mission. The residency includes programs and content planned in conjunction with C2ST and our Artists in Residence aiming to explore themes of art, science, and their intersection, in whatever form is the artists’ preferred medium.
Jordan “Dxtr Spits” Holmes was raised in Prince George’s county Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C. His curious mind led him to become a jack of all trades as a scientist/engineer, musician, spoken word artist, and entrepreneur. Holmes relocated to Chicago in 2014 after graduating from Virginia Tech where he got his degree as a Materials Science Engineer and met his mentor Dr. Nikki Giovanni.
He began the pursuit of his music career as Dxtr Spits, a witty, impactful, and energized lyricist. Holmes is the Founder and CEO of “Onli Packs,” an apparel and backpack brand that utilizes art from local artists. He prioritizes community reinvestment and creates community support initiatives utilizing his company and brands. His versatility and hustle have landed him attention locally and nationally including NPR, The Chicago Tribune, Vocalo Radio, Voyage Chicago, & These Days News.
Shonna Pryor is a nationally exhibiting artist, art programs producer, and an educator at the esteemed School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her multidisciplinary art practice is inspired by references to food theory and its peripheral objects and concepts as a sociocultural lens through which to examine the politics of identity, memory, power, and play. Through these lens, the influence of STEM –ologies are also apparent in the visual/conceptual aesthetic of her work. Pryor’s participation in the fields of art, culture and science is enhanced by her award-winning art-based broadcast media work that has sought to create equitable space and expanded reach through a cross-disciplinary approach in the advancement of these fields collectively. She is a 2018-2019 Emmy Award, Midwest winner and was shortlisted for the 2017 Harvard University Knight Visiting Neiman Fellowship Award. Shonna’s visual art has been exhibited in major cities such as Chicago, Detroit and New York, with esteemed artist residencies at Hyde Park Art Center and High Concept Labs, respectively. Her community engagement and outreach collaboration with organizations and institutions such as AT&T Community Youth Development; Carole Robertson Community Center west Chicago; and Baker College Prep High School class curriculum have been instrumental in employing visual art to encourage young people toward Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math futures. https://www.shonnapryor.com/
Science is for everyone! C2ST wants to ensure our programs embody that message. C2ST is committed to the advancement of STEM inclusivity and is actively working to embrace programs, speakers, and venues that are more reflective of our local and national communities. Regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or ability, we want everyone to feel welcome and safe in the learning environment we facilitate. With this goal in mind, we have started offering our programs in a wider range of communities than ever before. We make every effort to make our content available online. We seek to host speakers that are representative of our community. We partner with a variety of organizations that can help guide our inclusiveness efforts. And lastly, we hope to engage everyone and help to achieve a more inclusive and dynamic STEM culture.
C2ST is a proud advocate of science and technology both in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Here we compile all information, programs, fellowships, and events that may be helpful or interesting to our community. Check this page occasionally for internship opportunities.
