STEM III Event on Health Science and Technology kicks off at North Springs Charter High School

Sandy Springs Education Force 3rdAnnual STEM Event kicks off at North Springs Charter High School on February 6, 2013

This year’s focus: Health Science and Technology!

The Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) in partnership with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is kicking off their 3rdannual STEM event featuring Health Science and Technology at North Springs Charter High School on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.This year’s event begins a month-long focus by SSEF, on inspiring and exposing students to the many fascinating opportunities in the fields of health care and technology where, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 of the top 20 fastest-growing careers will be found.

The event at North Springs begins at 5:30pm with a sneak peek at numerous interactive technology exhibits. At 6pm a special program begins in the school’s theatre. Host Donna Lowry, WXIA Education Reporter, will moderate a Ga Tech student panel; Dr. Marlene MacLeish of Morehouse School of Medicine will be honored for her work in the Sandy Springs public schools; renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Tommy Thomas from Emory University Hospital will give the keynote address. This will be followed by a reception at 7pm and an opportunity to talk with current GA Tech students, several of whom are former NSCHS students doing research in Tech labs; the interactive exhibit area will be open until 8pm. Fulton schools' superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa will be among the guests.

According to Lorie Lewis, SSEF board member and event chair,“what excites me about this event is seeing students’ eye light up when they interact with the exhibits and become aware of the opportunities in STEM, particularly this year in health science and technology. We want them, and the community, to say, Wow!”

“North Springs is the perfect venue for the kick off because of their programs in math and science and health science. Many students are members of HOSA, the national organization for future health care professionals and will be helping throughout the event. Also, several North Springs graduates, will be among the GA Tech students showcasing research they’re doing now. The interactive technology exhibits are cutting-edge and we're pleased to be able to bring them to students and the Sandy Springs community."

According to GTRI’s Principal Research Associate and Division Chief, Leigh Fitzpatrick McCook, “we’ll have exhibits from several GTRI labs here including AVLS, the Automatic Vehicle Location System which can track and direct emergency vehicles in a disaster and Laser Fest, which is very interactive. Kids can learn about lasers by manipulating light. They love it. We’re excited for students to see research as we do it; to see technology move from the lab to the field.”

“The Shepherd Center will have their Eye Gaze technology on display which makes it possible for some people who can’t move or speak to communicate remotely, added Lewis. The Marcus Autism Center and Cisco Systems will also display a ‘Telemedicine’exhibit that helps reach children with autism early. //

More information and to RSVP, the event is free but seating is limited, more information can be found at www.SandySpringsEducationForce.org. North Springs Charter High School is located at 7447 Roswell Rd. in Sandy Springs. More information about the school at www.northspringshigh.com.photo caption: jpg