Middlesex College STEM Day Sparks Curiosity and Inspiration

The Middlesex College Natural Sciences Department hosted its first annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Day on Thursday, November 13. This event was designed to trigger curiosity and inspire students across all disciplines to explore STEM in action.

“At Middlesex College, STEM isn’t just a field of study—it’s a community of thinkers, builders, and collaborators shaping the future,” said Professor of natural sciences Claire Condie. “STEM Day is our open invitation to students and faculty in all disciplines to join in the discovery, ask questions, and see how science can spark creativity in every field.”

“STEM is more than just school subjects – it is everything around us,” said Dean of business, STEM, and health professions Nurdan Duzgoren-Aydin in her opening remarks to the crowd.

The signature feature of the event was Celebrating the Many Faces of STEM – an exhibit which aims to broaden perspectives and celebrate the diversity that drives innovation in STEM fields. The exhibition was created by Visual, Performing, & Media Arts chair Annie Hogan and Natural Sciences professor Mekhala Girish, and showcases portraits of under-represented contributors who have shaped the field of STEM in various ways.

“For too long, the visual narrative of science has been narrowed; images of STEM practitioners in textbooks, lecture halls, and the framed portraits in academy corridors have largely shown one kind of scientist,” said Hogan. “However, the true story of discovery is much broader, far more complex, and profoundly more diverse.”

“Recognizing the achievements of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial to creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific community,” said Girish. “These unsung heroes have faced numerous challenges, and their perseverance is truly inspiring.”

The gallery was created with the hope that students are able to see themselves in these stories – and potentially take up an interest in STEM. The exhibit will remain on permanent display in South Hall for those interested to visit.

Student display project displays and interactive demonstrations were present throughout South Hall, led by faculty and various student STEM clubs including Math Society, STEM Club, Computer Science Club, Middlesex Makers Engineering Design Club, Earth Science and Sustainability Club, and the Honors Program. Some of the main attractions were controllable robots, physical forensics evidence, a solar telescope, and more.