Rotary Int’l Hosting “STEAM: Changing the World” Inaugural Event

Research Triangle Park, NC – WEBWIRE – Monday, April 2, 2018

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Research Triangle Park Rotary Club (www.rtprotary.org) announces its inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) day of education and recognition. Students and their parents will be hosted by scientific and industry leaders.

Uniquely positioned in the Research Triangle Park, the RTP Rotary is a convener of innovators, influencers, and regional community leaders who serve “The Park” and the region through community building, supporting Ethical Leadership and STEAM education, and curating amazing speakers who share first hand, the discoveries, insights, and triumphs that make RTP the “Heart of North Carolina.”

“We are truly grateful to the companies and organizations participating in this inaugural STEAM Changing the World program. We are humbled by the overwhelming response to this initiative which will offer STEAM insights to our youth about career choices and to recognize STEAM leaders in the community” said Michael Waters, PhD., Rotary’s event leader. Mike also added “We invite community members to join us for the program and learn about Rotary’s Service above Self guiding principle.”

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 20, 2018
Where: North Carolina Biotechnology Center and multiple sites around Research Triangle Park
Hosted by: RTP Rotary and sponsored by major Research Triangle businesses.

Partnering with the NC Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle High School, the Kramden Institute, Sigma Xi, STEM in the Park, and others, the RTP Rotary will host multiple STEAM activities to help get local middle and high school students excited about science and technology opportunities. Other events will highlight innovative RTP companies, large and small, changing the world. A program celebrating the past, present and future of RTP will honor past and present RTP leaders who have made major contributions to their respective fields.

For more info and tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steam-changing-the-world-events-company-tours-and-the-innovation-showcase-tickets-44087524974

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rtp-community-past-present-and-future-panel-discussion-networking-reception-tickets-43817631716

EVENTS:
Research Triangle High School
9 a.m.-noon
High school students visit with large RTP companies including Biogen, Cisco Systems, Genworth, GlaxoSmithKline, NetApp, and Underwriters Laboratories.

Lowe’s Grove Middle School
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Middle schoolers learn about physics and science with hands-on learning experiences by Sigma Xi and Kramden Institute.

Starting at 9 a.m., the public can enjoy guided tours of Syngenta, Toshiba, Red Hat, US EPA, Bayer CropScience and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to learn more about what happens in the Park.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Visit an Innovation Showcase highlighting new technologies by small companies in RTP that are Changing the World.

RTP Science Leaders Honored

Hamner Conference Center at the NC Biotechnology Center
1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Program: Recognizing Past and Present RTP sciences leaders and small RTP companies that are Changing the World.

The Honorees:

Fred Brooks, Ph.D., Kenan Professor and founder of the UNC Department of Computer Science, known for managing the development of IBM’s System/360 family of computers and OS/360 software.
F. Ivy Carroll, RTI Distinguished Fellow for Medicinal Chemistry, whose contributions to anti-cancer, anti-radiation and anti-malarial research are unparalleled.
Mary-Dell Chilton, known for her extensive contributions to plant biotechnology and the production of the first transgenic plants.
Charles Hamner, DVM, Ph.D., former CEO of the NC Biotechnology Center and one of the creators of the life sciences industry of North Carolina.
Mansukh C. Wani, Ph.D., Principal Scientist Emeritus with RTI International, who discovered the widely used anti-cancer agents Camptothecin and Taxol.

Following the recognition ceremony, new Research Triangle Foundation President/CEO Scott Levitan will present his vision for the future of RTP.

A panel discussion on “The Future of STEAM” will be moderated by Richard Kouri, Ph.D., CIMS, NCSU, and include panelists Kelly Witter, EPA STEM Outreach Program, Andy Taylor, MEDIC, Stephanie Mixon-Byrd, Young Women in Biotechnology, and Rick Smyre, Center for Communities of the Future.

A networking wine and cheese reception follows.

The RTP Rotary gratefully acknowledges the companies and organizations participating in the STEAM Changing the World program including – Bayer CropScience, Biogen, Cisco Systems, Genworth, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM Corporation, NetApp, Novogene, Syngenta, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Red Hat, RTI International, Underwriters Laboratories. Brentwood 401k LLC, Best Life Global, Rotary Partner Organizations: Research Triangle High School, Sigma Xi, Kramden Institute, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, National Humanities Center, Triangle Global Health Consortium, STEM in the Park, Research Triangle Foundation. Federal Government: NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

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