FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific organization, has presented its “Outstanding Continuing Public Relations Program” award to its Indiana members for assisting Celebrate Science Indiana, announced Robert Yost, the science event’s executive director and a faculty member at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Diane Grob Schmidt, president of the society, presented the ChemLuminary award Aug. 18 at a national meeting, said Yost, a senior biology lecturer in the School of Science. Presented in connection with the 2014 Celebrate Science Indiana, the award recognizes the extraordinary work in promoting chemistry and the chemical sciences. The Indiana Section of the society assisted with the planning of the Celebrate Science Indiana festival.
The event is produced by an organizing committee whose members are currently working in or are in some way involved with a STEM discipline.
Celebrate Science Indiana, which offers the public interactive activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate Science Indiana takes place this year from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Among this year’s activities: exploring computer gaming, drone flying, the analysis of art works, the taste of popcorn, the growth of plants, and the marvels of skeletons.
Several IUPUI departments will participate in the event, including anthropology, biology, chemistry and chemical biology, and earth sciences. The Purdue School of Engineering and the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program will also be represented.
Andy Harris, an IUPUI computer science lecturer and author of “Game Programming for Dummies,” will present two seminars, illustrating ways to build Web and mobile games using free tools.
Celebrate Science Indiana demonstrates the importance of studying science and the joy of discovery, the economic value of science and its significance to society, Yost said. “For all age groups and for individuals from all walks of life, science impacts our daily lives, and the event aims to encourage young Hoosiers to pursue exciting, rewarding careers in science.”