Students work collaboratively in small teams to address a problem focused on a specific challenge. Connor Slamowitz, a third-year materials science graduate student in Professor Scott Warren’s lab, explains that the theme for 2023 is upcycling. “We are tasked with creating a solution to turn trash into something sustainable,” he says.

Throughout the two-day Sci-athon, participants engage in various activities such as brainstorming sessions and networking opportunities with a career panel of industry scientists and local STEM professionals. At the end of the event, each team presents their proposal to the panel that determines an event winner.

“Evidence demonstrates the value of teamwork and communication skills for post-graduate careers,” Knight agrees. “It is rewarding to see students work collaboratively with people they may have just met to share in the accomplishment of generating an idea in a short time.”

In addition to participating in this year’s Sci-athon, Slamowitz is performing marketing, recruiting, and outreach efforts to spread awareness. “I’m working to promote this year’s Sci-athon and ultimately get more students involved,” he says, noting the value of participating and exploring different aspects of STEM. “Graduate school gives you the platform to learn technical skills, but hands-on learning experiences like Sci-athon that are geared toward collaboration and networking provide valuable insight into career paths,” he adds.

Slamowitz concludes with an invitation for his peers to participate. “Between collaboration, teamwork, communication, networking, and presentation skills, Sci-athon combines everything you could ask for in one 48-hour event,” he says. “This truly is a great opportunity to strengthen professional skills while tackling a real-world problem.”

Register and learn more here.