4/22/19
NORTH ADAMS, MA—Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the annual Western Massachusetts Regional Science and Engineering Fair from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by MCLA and the Berkshire STEM Pipeline Network for the 13th year, students from Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley will share their science and engineering projects for a chance to move on to the state competition at Worcester Technical High School on May 11. Before the exhibition hall opens to the public from 1-1:45 p.m., a panel of local volunteers will judge student projects. The keynote address and presentation of the awards will begin at 1:45 p.m.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Eric Doucette, a botanist and plant systematist and an assistant professor in MCLA's department of Biology. His research interests include the floristics of vascular plants and bryophytes, as well as lichenology and natural history. Doucette received his bachelor of science degree and his Ph.D. from the University of Maine in Orono, Maine, where he worked on the systematics of the genus Amelanchier (serviceberries).
“This is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate student learning and success in a way that will raise awareness of benefits associated with an increased statewide focus on STEM,” said Shannon Zayac, MCLA’s STEM Program Manager. “MCLA is a lead partner for the Berkshire/Pioneer Valley STEM Pipeline Network, with the goal of increasing the number of Massachusetts students who participate in programs that support careers in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This fair creates a connection between higher education, K-12, local business and nonprofit agencies. It helps build student awareness and interest in the pursuit of post-secondary degrees or careers in STEM areas.”
For more information, contact Shannon Zayac at shannon.zayac@mcla.edu, or 413.662.5222.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the Commonwealth's public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA graduates are prepared to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.
For more information, go to www.mcla.edu.
