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.
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.
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.
“Women earn over 40 percent of STEM degrees, yet only comprise 26 percent of the STEM workforce. AWIS [Association for Women in Science] research shows that a number of cultural and systemic biases and barriers negatively impact women in STEM. Given that women represent half of the world’s population, the inclusion of women in the STEM talent pool is not just an issue of social justice – it is an economic imperative.”
– Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, AWIS National Governing Board President
This initiative grew out of an impetus here at C2ST to reach communities that were underrepresented in our audiences. We wanted spaces that were established in Chicago neighborhoods where we were not able to reach previously. This is a concerted effort between C2ST and the Chicago Park District to bring free, family-friendly programming to Chicago’s communities and make science more accessible to everyone. Learn with us at the parks!
The Science + Cinema initiative serves to highlight the intersection between film and science as a device for wide dissemination of scientific knowledge and to promote collaboration between film makers and scientists. Movies have helped change the way people view social issues, inspired people in their choice of a profession, helped us understand our rapidly changing world and sparked political reform. We think it’s time to move science and technology into the mainstream of our culture, to the point where we care about scientific breakthroughs almost as much as the outcome of a football game. Movies can help make that happen.
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.