Last month was the first time IHSI participated in the Beckman Institute Open House, a lively gathering of K-12 students, community members, and our campus to highlight and explore the science, technology, innovation, and discovery happening at Beckman. This was part of an even larger and historical tradition of Engineering Open House, that began back in 1920. Before sharing why I think this is such a fantastic event, I first want to offer a big “thank you!” to the IHSI and Beckman teams, and my congratulations on another exciting and successful year!
IHSI’s Beckman Open House exhibit, “Building Healthier Communities through Research,” encouraged participants to explore the many stages of health research that happen before it even gets to the lab (whether that lab is a space at Beckman, a computer, a community space, etc.). We wanted to show that there are many ways we work together to support research and create a healthier future. Participants worked their way through the research cycle by completing a hands-on activity representing each phase of research, and received a prize at the end with a reminder that you don’t have to be a researcher to make a difference – you can participate in studies, share research-based information, dream up new ideas, donate money to support research, or advocate for initiatives that promote health and well-being.
Additionally, the experience created several benefits for our whole team:
- Many IHSI staff members, some who frequently work together and others who don’t, came together to brainstorm exhibit ideas, create activities, order and collect materials, engage students, and interact with exhibit visitors. It was exactly how I would imagine our IHSI staff would approach a new project – with enthusiasm, collaboration, creativity, and connection.
- It provided a new opportunity to engage our Community-Academic Scholars, a group of passionate undergraduate students who have experienced first-hand what it means to conduct research that benefits our community.
- It helped us think about how we can be better research supporters, educators, and connectors – where else and how else can we be showing up to meet people where they are and help them see themselves and their families, companies, organizations, and/or groups in health research?
We are all members of this community, whether we are employed or enrolled at the university or not. It’s our desire and responsibility to keep each other informed, learn from one another, and build a healthier future together.
Sincerely,
Stephen Boppart, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute