The College of Applied Science and Technology is proud to present the 2021 Science and Technology Week, celebrating advancements in science and technology and the hardworking, dedicated students and professionals who make those advancements possible. This year’s Science and Technology Week is scheduled to run from April 12-16. Check out the schedule of events below:
Please note that all events are subject to change due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19)—the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and attendees is our top priority. Please check the website and social media for updates.
Monday, April 12: Midwest Food Bank CAST Impact Day
The College of Applied Science and Technology is pleased to partner with the Center for Civic Engagement and the Midwest Food Bank to provide a volunteer opportunity for students, faculty, and staff. Registration will be available on the CAST website March 1-April 1 (or until filled); register early as spots are limited!
This volunteer opportunity is open to the entire campus community, not just limited to CAST students, staff, and faculty.
- Date: Monday, April 12
- Venue: Midwest Food Bank— 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal
- Time: 9–11 a.m.; find registration information here
Tuesday, April 13: Margot Lee Shetterly Virtual Keynote Address
Writer, researcher, and entrepreneur Margot Lee Shetterly is the author of Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, which was a top book of 2016 for both TIME and Publisher’s Weekly, a USA Today bestseller, and a #1 (instant) New York Times bestseller.
Shetterly’s Hidden Figures—a #1 NYT bestseller and inspiration for a #1 movie in America—is the true story of the black women mathematicians at NASA who helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. In talks, Shetterly celebrates these unsung heroes, teasing out issues of race, gender, science, and innovation against the backdrop of WWII and the Civil Rights Era.
The film adaptation of her book—which became the number one movie in America—stars Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, and Octavia Spencer was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. To The New York Times, the film introduces viewers to “real people you might wish you had known more about earlier … [who] can fill you with outrage at the persistence of injustice and gratitude toward those who had the grit to stand up against it.” A television show is also in the works.
Shetterly is also the founder of the Human Computer Project, a digital archive telling the stories all of NASA’s “Human Computers,” women from all backgrounds whose work tipped the balance in favor of the United States in WWII, the Cold War, and the Space Race. Shetterly’s father was among the early generation of black NASA engineers and scientists, and she had direct access to NASA executives and the women featured in the book. She grew up around the historically black Hampton University, where some of the women in Hidden Figures studied. Her research has been supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. She is currently a scholar-in-residence at the University of Virginia, with joint appointments at the McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering.
- Date: Tuesday, April 13
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Venue: This event will be held virtually; registration info can be found here
Thursday, April 15: Academy of Achievement Induction Ceremony
Celebrate CAST alumni during their induction to the Academy of Achievement. The Academy brings together alumni who are “thought leaders” in their fields and who serve as an inspiration to others with similar career paths.
- Date: Thursday, April 15
- Venue: Bone Student Center (room information to follow); note—this event is invitation only
- Time: 9:00 a.m. induction ceremony; 10:00 a.m. brunch
Friday, April 16: Women in Leadership Conference
Did you know that seven out of eight CAST departments graduate female students into male-dominated fields? Join us to have conversations about career success with successful CAST alumni. Keynote speaker is Dr. Cara Rabe-Hemp, associate dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology. There is no cost to attend this event, but preregistration is required by Friday, April 9, 2021
- Date: Friday, April 16
- Time: 8:45 a.m.–noon with breaks in between sessions; view full schedule here.
- Venue: Zoom
Contact: Kara Snyder at kepool@ilstu.edu with any questions or requests for accommodations. Check out CAST.IllinoisState.edu for more information about each event.
