Top scientists head bill at inaugural conference
(CNS): Two astrophysicists and a mathematician will be headlining Cayman’s first ever science, technology, engineering and mathematics conference which will take place at the UCCI later this month. Edward Guinan, Ph.D (left), a Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Villanova University was one of a three-man team that discovered Neptune’s ring system in 1968. Dr Shirin Haque is the first woman to ever head the Department of Physics at UWI and Dr Claude Packer is considered an icon of science, technology and innovation in the Caribbean because of his love of and commitment to the development of an understanding of mathematics in the wider society.
The three science heavyweights will be headlining the STEM Carib 2012, Cayman's first ever Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics which opens on Wednesday 17 October. The three day conference will include e other local and international experts who will be discussing a plethora of topics such as Math Phobia, Cloud Computing, Caribbean Hurricanes, Alternative Energy Sources, Mosquito Research, Engineering Turtles and Architecture, officials from UCCI said in a release about the inaugural conference.
Dr Bill Hrudey, Steering Committee Chair, said that there is a need for the educational systems to place renewed focus on STEM teaching and learning, and to spark interest in these subject areas from an early age.
"We are featuring some of the most sought-after experts in the field of STEM, and we are honoured that they share our vision in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning within and beyond the classroom," he added.
Considered an icon of science, technology and innovation in the Caribbean, Dr Shirin Haque is the first woman to ever head the Department of Physics at UWI ( St. Augustine), advancing the study of astronomy and inspiring many students, especially young women, to pursue careers in science. She has a number of stellar accomplishments under her belt, including her involvement in cutting edge research in Astrobiology, which is the interdisciplinary study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.
Edward Guinan, Ph.D., is a Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Villanova University. He and two colleagues discovered Neptune’s ring system in 1968. His research interests include binary star systems, black holes, evolution of the sun and solar-like stars, pulsating stars, astrobiology, exoplanets and the suitability of exoplanets for life. He is a Guest Investigator on a number of NASA Astronomy space observatories including the Hubble Space Telescope, among others.
Because of his love of and commitment to the development of an understanding of mathematics in the wider society, Dr Claude Packer’s name has become synonymous with Mathematics education in Jamaica. His contribution to the field spans several years and generations. Many persons, young and old, owe their success in the area of mathematics to Dr Packer’s teaching and research. His involvement in all sectors of the educational system demonstrates his desire to demystify Mathematics, from the Early Childhood level to the Post Graduate level.
Ahead of the conference UCCI President Roy Bodden said he believed that advancement of STEM education is key. "We need to equip our students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to compete in the global arena and to confront the challenges of the 21st century."
STEM Carib 2012 is being presented by the University College of the Cayman Islands in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment, UWI (St Augustine), the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy (CARINA) and the Cayman Islands Astronomical Society (CIAS). The conference is directed at teachers, parents, students, professionals in related industries the general public, with particular encouragement to the youth. The Opening Night on October 17, 5:30 pm is free and open to the public. Conference fees are $50 and $25. To register and for further information, please visit http://stem.ucciconference.ky
Category: Science and Nature
I wonder what would happend if all the money used to build churches or went to tithes was used to invest in non-religous community centers with sports and educational facilities that promoted science. It would be the death of churches and thier stake on how they "help" those not as "blessed" as others.
Yeah, it's called income tax and it hasn't worked out so well in other countries.
When are people going to learn that religion and associated religious leaders have manipulated for thousands of years humans greatest fears, like death, or humans greatest curiosities, like the"heavens" to create false senses of hope.
How many incompetent leaders use the fact that they are "christian" when they are suspect of corruption or misappropriating funds. How many incompetent managers have thier position because they simply belong to the same faith as thier colleagues.
I'll put all my money on a group of scientists to provide solid solutions to modern day problems, you can throw away all your money on an archaic delusion used to scam a countless number of people over thousands of years.
Well written, couldn't have said it any better
I hope this is a annual event that leads students away from dogma and partisan religions and into learning about facts and reason, but I already know several UCCI faculty that are at the top of the food chain that have ridiculed the event at public attended forums. For those, this is a token gesture not taken seriously so they can really get back to thinking of UCCI as a place that they can conquer politically to give favor to thier church going colleagues.
Luckily for science that facts eventually win out, even if that takes centuries and causes unwarranted hardship for scientist along the way.
Prove it. Name them (with dates and events, so we can check other attendees to test your claim). Otherwise you're just a troll. (And a few other things CNS probably wouldn't like me to postulate.)
Do you think while they're here they could explain to the deputy premier that the moon is older than 2,000 years?
I don't think anyone including the deputy premier believes the moon is only 2,000 years old. Were you trying to make a point about religion? If so, you failed miserably.
It is no less credible a proposition that creationism, or as it can be referred “magic”.
Obviously it is far less credible. Human civilisation is much older than 2,000 years. Heck, the bible is older than that.
I think your statement proves that those who WERE in denial that religion can not be scientifically justified, are NOW the same people in denial that they believed such crack-pot thoeries in the first place.
Isnt it getting exhausting trying to support biblical myths that are against scientific facts or is your denial unbounded.
I don't think religion was ever in search of any scientific justification, nor should it be.
http://caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=10384829
lol. OK you got me re the Deputy Premier. I don't know what she was smoking since you cannot arrive at that conclusion even if you are biblical fundamentalist.
Probably not burdening impressionable children with fundamentalist religion would be the best start to improving science among our youth so that self-evident science like evolution and the big bang can be taught without inane and ill-founded controversy.
Strangely, the most controversy I've ever encountered is from anti-religous zealots trying to manufacture religous anti-science controversy.
You have never been to the fly-over states then.
Are they allowed to do that on a Sunday?
Well said.
So you would have no objection to the teaching of the Big Bang and evolution and the acceptance in schools that Genesis is no more than a creation myth?
Not the anon you are currently discussing the importance of fairy tales over fact with but just want my accidental thumbs up to your post back, but now I am here I will answer anyway
Yes
I'm sure trying to expose mass organized lies is very strange to your manufactured consent imprinted at an ealry age of such beliefs, especially when those organized lies help to promote false after-life hopes,
While they represent current scientific thinking and may be correct Evolution and Big Bang are not "self-evident".
You are so right! It is obvious everything was made by a man-like God in six days 6,000 years ago and that his son died and became a zombie for our sins and to test us so that if we do not believe this we will invite ourselves to be tortured forever after we die because God loves us!
Err.. I think you need to re-read my post.
Evolution is pretty self evident to anyone who takes a look at the facts.
$100 they start the conference with a long winded prayer…….and then end it with one.
"Our Father, who art an anthropological construct to assist regularisation of a perceived preferred morality at times of communal stress, please use your fictional powers to assist us this day in discussing science which, despite the best efforts of many, explains the truth about the creation of the universe and humans in a manner which is inconsistent with a Bronze Age middle eastern creation myth"
You know you will burn in hell for this. My pastor said he will attend and make sure we uphold Christian values by requiring a prayer to our heavenly father before the meeting.
Only in Cayman would I want the comfort of the sarcasm font for a post like this. Because only in Cayman would someone say this and really mean it.
I would give almost anything to be a participant in this conference — what a wonderto listen to each of these amazing people share their thoughts. I will be there if I can.
What an unexpected treat! These are the fuels that spark our minds and our lives, if we let them.
Look up! There is a lot going on just above you that you might not be aware of. Look to http://www.heavens-above.com for schedule sightings of known terrestrial craft — ISS, irridium flares, satellites and more. We are [often] blessed with some of the best visibility in the continent.