by Margaret Schell

G eorgia College & State University joined around 100 other organizations from across the state for the Atlanta Science Festival on Saturday, March 22. The event was estimated to bring in nearly 50,000 participants.

Georgia College Academic Outreach, the Science Education Center, the Department Biological and Environmental Sciences, and the Chemistry and Physics programs all participated in the event. Science faculty members Drs. Kasey Karen, Catrena Lisse, Kalina Manoylov and Sam Mutiti were joined by several of their students, who led science-based activities

Lisse ran the “Magic of Chemistry” booth and hosted more than 200 children.

Mutiti coordinated the water activities on behalf of the Aquatic Sciences Center, Aquatic Science Club and the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department. His students led the experiments and demonstrations.

Georgia College students and event goers participated in making tornadoes, identifying macroinvertebrates, testing the properties of water and observing groundwater and contaminant flow in a model.

Mutiti’s students had algae diversity displays of 12 algal groups. They showed algae from polluted and pristine environments with macroscopically visible differences in colors and connection to water quality analyses as part of completed Georgia College research for state and federal projects.

Hasari Bermudezsoto (’25) is a first-year graduate student majoring in biology and who has an environmental sciences degree. He rotated between demonstrations, but primarily facilitated the groundwater contamination model, showing the importance of reducing pollution and ways to remediate affected areas.

“Students learned how to communicate science to a non-science audience by conducting experiments and demonstrations,” Mutiti said. 

“I learned new ways to explain scientific concepts to various age groups,” Bermudezsoto said. “The best part of this event was interacting with families and explaining the science behind everyday things in our environment. I attended these kinds of events growing up, so it was satisfying to be on the other side of the demonstration, explaining these concepts.”

“It's a great way to extend learning beyond the classroom through continuing education by recruiting and showcasing the work faculty, staff and students do at Georgia College,” said Angela Criscoe, executive director of the Georgia College School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Criscoe coordinated GCSU's participation in the event.

She sees the event as a win-win for Georgia College students and Pre-K through 12th grade students.

“GCSU students showcased their skills, shared what they learned and connected with faculty beyond the classroom,” Criscoe said. “For young students, we hope they see GCSU as a great educational institution where learning science and technology can be fun, engaging and rewarding.”

“I hope these students go on to be great, successful scientists who will effectively engage with the community,” Mutiti said.

Bermudezsoto aspires to work in environmental remediation and conservation.

“The environmental problems we face now won't be fixed within my lifetime,” he said, “But I want to do what I can to help build momentum toward that goal alongside other scientists.”

Header Images: GCSU faculty, staff and students volunteered to bring science to life for the thousands of people who attended the Atlanta Science Festival on March 22. (Photos by Angela Criscoe.)