For the fifth year, Oglethorpe participated in the annual Atlanta Science Festival, demonstrating interactive science experiments for kids and families. The annual two-week event celebrates world-class learning and STEM career opportunities in metro Atlanta. This year’s festival featured 135 events across 80+ venues in the metro area.
Oglethorpe’s participation in the festival was organized by Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Milana Thomas, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Megan Murphy, and Lecturer of Biology Dr. Zack Deckner.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch this event grow and evolve over the past five years,” says Dr. Thomas. “Events like this are invaluable to our students. Our STEM students collectively dedicated nearly 150 hours to planning, executing and supporting hands-on science activities for the community. That level of engagement builds confidence, teamwork and a strong sense of shared purpose.”
Teams of more than 75 students and faculty led activities exploring elements of the periodic table, introducing young, curious minds to complex scientific principles. Students represented various STEM clubs and organizations, including Phi Delta Epsilon, the Chemistry Club and the Physics Club.
“Through this festival, students share their enthusiasm and scientific training, but they also learn what it means to use their knowledge in service of others – this connects their classroom experiences to meaningful community impact in the spirit of Oglethorpe’s mission,” shared Dr. Thomas.
Listen to biopsychology major Caitlyn Connor ’27 walk through one of the many activities OU students shared with families below.