Campus Currents

More than two dozen virtual presentations covering topics ranging from dinosaurs, to climate change and nuclear waste management, are on tap for the 2021 Science on State Street festival held between April 12th and April 24th, 2021.

Science on State Street is an annual collaboration between Framingham State’s Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning and the MetroWest STEM Education Network.

This year organizers are bringing their virtual presentations to a new level in order to offer hands-on activities and interactive events for all ages, as well as thought-provoking discussions with scholars and climate activists especially suited for young adults and lifelong learners.

“We are truly excited about this year’s lineup of events, which features a diverse group of presenters,” says McAuliffe Center Director Dr. Irene Porro. “The theme of ‘Planet Earth’ allows participants to explore the wonders and beauty of nature, while also examining pressing topics such as climate change, toxic chemicals and nuclear waste.”

Topics include:

• "Global Warming Demystified: The Science, The Consequences, And The Solutions" by Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, this year’s keynote speaker.
  
  
• "Nuclear Waste Management and its Impact on Energy, Security, and Safety" by Dr. Katlyn Turner, research scientist with the MIT Media Lab.
  
  
• "Bees in our Backyard: An Introduction to Local Wild Pollinators" led by Framingham State faculty
  
  
• "The Unraveling of the World: What Climate Change Has to Teach Us" with Dr. Vandana Singh, Physics Professor at Framingham State.
  
  
• "Regenerative Agricultural Business Practices to Domestic Plants for Responsible Products" with Mario Garcia Quesada, Thrive Natural Care

Events are organized into three categories: “Children and Families,” “Older Youth and Adults,” and “For the Classroom.” The last category are events designed for full elementary and middle school classes to engage with.

A full list of events, as well as instructions on registering, can be found at: https://cm-center.org/soss-age

April 12 at 7 p.m. - today!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kcuqorTovHNDzaBdIOBFG-ws2qaEIc8YV

Woman at War (2018) is an Icelandic gem. No one suspects that Halla, a mild-mannered choir-leader, is the eco-terrorist battling corporate greed and government lies. Fueled by her fierce convictions, Halla displays extraordinary ingenuity as a solo crusader for the environment. This is cinematic artistry at its best!

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDA) Movie Discussion Aoki

April 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Google sign-up: rb.gy/4oc3be

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDA) Faculty Panel Noon

April 16 at Noon
Google sign-up: rb.gy/01xfqc

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDA) Alumni Panel

April 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Google sign-up: rb.gy/bgnzba

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDA) discussion with Lisa McBee Collab with ASL

April 29 at 7 p.m.
Google sign-up: rb.gy/tmeets

April 15 at 7 p.m.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctc-6gqTwsE9EvUdjCE44RawCTIr57Xtol

Self-Production is a creative, community-based urban planning tool. It involves no prior planning, but an effective and spontaneous communication and self-organization system that responds to needs. In Latin America, it has become the most efficient form of housing construction. Cardona will speak about Self-Produced Neighborhoods and analytical research of self-production.

By Soren Colstrup, publications intern

Dr. Lorgia Garcia Pena, author of The Borders of Dominicanidad: Race, Nations, and Archives of Contradictions, shared stories from her own life experiences with students and staff at FSU.

Her lecture, titled “From Theory to Practice: Ethnic Studies to Make a More Just World,” discussed the structure of higher education and the challenges it provides to various racial backgrounds, which greatly influenced her passion for ethnic studies.

According to Pena, Ethnic studies is a critical, anti-colonial source of knowledge production, learning and teaching that includes Black, Latinx, Asian Arab and Native Studies. It also provides context to the experiences and histories of minoritized, racial groups.

Pena shared some of her experiences and thoughts on what students, teachers and administrators can do to promote a more just way of being part of a professional setting.

“We all have an opinion and a lens, from which we learn in the world. That is what we call subject position. Our subject position shapes how we read, learn and write,” said Peña.

Most individuals have learned through a biased lens, which has been perceived as the “norm” or as “objective” according to Pena.

“As a student, I took classes after classes and I found that nothing reflected my experience and my history. I became more and more aware of the gap and the distance between academia and my community,” said Pena.

“That distance became more obvious as I entered graduate school as my socioeconomic status, race, gender and the fact that I was a second language learner, defined me as different,” Pena added.

Ethnic studies is charged with filling in the immense gap left by the Eurocentric education system, which dominate all institutions, according to Pena.

“What has not made it into the textbooks is subjugated knowledge. I teach my students to question everything they read and to identify the silences and absence in my lectures,” said Pena.

The classroom and, in particular, the Latinx studies classroom have both become a space where students of color can build alliances which help them confront biases and racism when they encounter them, according to Pena.

“Education should be transformative, otherwise what is the point of teaching and studying, if it is not for something better,” said Pena.

April 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrd-uhqTIvG93YOjtpDm4ZJRidaJdoBXKN

Jeff Sparr is an advocate, a teacher, and a self-taught artist. Believing in the healing power of creating, Jeff founded PeaceLove to spread peace of mind through expressive arts workshops. Jeff travels the world sharing his story of hope and his vision for a world where every person has the tools to care for their mental health.

April 26, 4:30 p.m.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsd-6hrT4rHtPZYvzAWkMW0FCn-F5Q91a5

Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Hudes will read from her new book, My Broken Language, a coming of age memoir about language and sacred practice in North Philadelphia — aka el barrio — in the 1990s.

What can study abroad mean to your college education and beyond?

Come and hear your faculty who have studied/worked abroad and how it has impacted their lives!

Business
Tuesday April 13th at 1:30 PM
Dr. Bill Davis.
Dr. Werner Krings
Dr. Luis Rosero

STEM
Wednesday, April 14th at 4:30 pm
Dr. Andrea Kozol
Dr. Brandi Van Roo
Dr. Mathew Moynihan

Register here for Zoom links: https://forms.gle/cEp2ymu9fh7HhHRLA

If your area/department will be honoring students for their achievements, Campus Engagement is pleased to announce a special opportunity to support you.

More than ever we need to pause and acknowledge that our students have navigated a very challenging academic year – especially students who are graduating, accomplished academic honors, received awards … and much more.

On May 7 during the annual Sandbox program, we will be hosting a booth designated for Unprecedented Achievements. We will work with you to coordinate the pick-up of certificates, cords, etc. and/or provide a photo spot for student recognition. Our goal is to create a low maintenance way to celebrate and give our students a moment in the spotlight. The photos from the booth will (hopefully) be used for a special celebratory video shared at the end of the academic year. All you need to do is provide us with information – you do not need to be present at the booth.

Interested? Please complete this form to get on our list for more information and how to participate. Submissions DUE Friday, April 23.

(We are in the preliminary stages and ask for your patience while the actual Sandbox event details get COVID safety details ironed out.) Thank you!

For more information, visit: https://www.framingham.edu/the-fsu-difference/career-services/

Virtual Employer Showcase featuring the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, 4/7, on Zoom, 1:30-2:30pm - Register in Handshake or Ramlink
The CSER Office’s traditional Wednesday Employer Showcase is currently a “virtual networking” platform on Zoom. As we are socially distancing, networking has never been more important. This week’s Virtual Employer Showcase will give students an opportunity to informally network with the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce President Jim Giammarinaro, and a few Chamber businesses who may be hiring for full-time and/or internship opportunities. The MWCC Virtual Employer Showcase will also highlight the mission of the Chamber, its services, and will share insight on trends in the MetroWest job market and its industries. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/963892238. Log onto Handshake or Ramlink to get the required password.

Career Services and Employer Relations Virtual Spring Career and Internship Fair 2021, Wednesday, April 21, 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Handshake

Connect Virtually With Diverse Employers!
Expand your professional network by participating!
Register in Handshake

All students, in every major, are welcome to network with our partnering employers to further explore career & internship opportunities. Join us at this virtual fair and treat it just like a live event. Participate in virtual group sessions and one-on-one sessions hosted by our partnering employers. Visit as many employers as you desire. Learn about organizations and their recruitment needs, as well as best application practices. Review this guide to help you prepare for the Fair: Student Virtual Fair Preparation Guide. For questions or more information contact: careerservices@framingham.edu.

Virtual Job Fairs and Information Sessions Not Hosted by FSU

Please note that these programs/events are being externally hosted by an outside employer or agency, and are not affiliated with Framingham State University. They are being shared because they may be of interest to members of our FSU community. Advertisement of these programs/events does not indicate Framingham State University’s sponsorship or endorsement. All participants should exercise caution when participating.

April

Disney College Program Information Session
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
3 pm
RSVP to Giselle Frechette, WSU Disney Program Advisor

Somerville Public Schools Diversity Recruitment Fair
April 10, 2021
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Come meet representatives from the Somerville Public Schools and explore open job opportunities! Please visit our virtual recruitment fair website page at: www.somerville.k12.ma.us/sps-career-fair To view all current vacancies, please visit us online at: https://www.schoolspring.com/jobs/?employer=16902

Westfield State University "Get Hired" Career Fair
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Register in Handshake

The New England Center for Children
Wednesday, April 14th 2021
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
https://necc.zoom.us/j/93194195328

At The New England Center for Children, we train and educate the next generation of autism educators. You will gain experience, expertise, professional development, and the opportunity to grow from an internationally recognized center for the treatment and study of autism. Meet a NECC representative who will tell you all about open opportunities in autism education and will answer any questions you may have! Learn more about The New England Center for Children here.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 to Friday, April 23, 2021
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
https://jpmc.fa.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/210071276

Join our LatinX program and hear from senior leaders with diverse backgrounds from a variety of teams as they take you on a deep dive into Commercial Banking, as well as highlight the diverse and inclusive environment at JPMorgan Chase. For your chance to join us, make sure you apply by Monday April 5th using the link below. To be considered, you must apply using our external link NOT via handshake! To learn more about our programs, be sure to select Commercial Banking when filling out your application! https://jpmc.fa.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/210071276

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
http://bit.ly/ORISE-Monthly-Info-Session

Looking for an Internship or Fellowship in 2021? Learn more about the HUNDREDS of STEM, Policy, and Technical Internship and Fellowship Opportunities for all academic levels at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)!

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 to Friday, April 23, 2021
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
https://jpmc.fa.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/210073163/?keyword=Advancing+Black+Pathways+Undergraduate+Experience

Join our Advancing Black Pathways program and hear from senior leaders with diverse backgrounds from a variety of teams as they take you on a deep dive into Commercial Banking, as well as highlight the diverse and inclusive environment here at JPMorgan Chase. For your chance to join us, make sure you apply by Monday April 5th using the link below.

MERC Career Fair
Thursday, April 22, 2021
10 am - 1 pm

The largest education fair in New England, this annual recruiting event brings together teaching candidates and school systems from across the country for networking and job opportunities in public/private schools. This fair is free to students and alumni. Pre-registration is required at:
http://bit.ly/merc21register

J.B. Hunt Virtual Series: ERGs of J.B. Hunt - Supportive Spaces That Drive Inclusion
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
1 pm – 2 pm

DHL Supply Chain
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
https://dpdhl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvcuuhrTgsGtzdZKq_P3Uvc-fiVPzMzLZc
Any Handshake student with a link to this event can view and RSVP
This two-hour event will provide an exclusive look into who we are, what we do, our 2022 Summer Internship opportunities, and tips to be successful as a young professional in the supply chain industry. Hear from our leadership on the future of supply chain, and leave with a better understanding of the career pathways within DHL Supply Chain.

AAEE/Kappa Delta Pi Teacher Job Fair
Thursday, April 29, 2021
1:00 - 5:00 PM

American Association for Employment in Education
Thursday, April 29th 2021
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
https://aaee.org/virtual-career-fair#candidate

A great opportunity to build employment connections and prepare for your teaching career! Learn about available positions in districts from all over and speak to a district representatives. Enjoy all the benefits of attending a career fair from wherever you are. See which school districts are attending the job fair: Visit https://aaee.org/virtual-career-fair#candidate Register today (for FREE) to attend this virtual event.

June

AAEE/Kappa Delta Pi Teacher Job Fair
Thursday, June 10, 2021
1:00 - 5:00 PM