From solar observations and chemical tie-dye to interactive robotics and inspiring student research showcases, Worcester State University buzzed with scientific curiosity last week as it marked the annual Massachusetts STEM Week.
Aligned with this year’s statewide theme, “STEM starts now,” the week-long celebration offered a diverse lineup of immersive, hands-on programming designed to make science approachable, engaging, and directly connected to everyday life. Organized by Worcester State’s Aisiku STEM Center with collaboration from departments across campus, the initiative aimed to lower barriers and invite students from all academic backgrounds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Reflecting on the university’s ongoing tradition, Dr. Nabin Malakar, associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics and director of the Aisiku STEM Center, emphasized the important impact of the program on campus culture. “Mass STEM Week is a tradition we are thrilled to continue at Worcester State,” Dr. Malakar said. “It gives our students a dynamic space to participate, present their research, and gain valuable insights into the many student-oriented programs the STEM Center provides – all while celebrating the incredible opportunities of STEM activities on our campus.”
Dr. Malakar said the initiative plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic journeys by dismantling intimidation around technical fields. “STEM Week is vital because it actively makes science accessible, immersive, and personable, essentially bringing the ladder of opportunity directly to the students,” he said. “Its most important role is instilling early confidence, proving to them that science is an approachable field they can participate in right now.”
Throughout the week, events catered to both dedicated STEM majors and non-STEM students looking for an entry point into complex concepts. Highlights included solar telescopes and sun observations where students peered into the cosmos using specialized filters to spot sunspots and prominences, and math origami stations highlighting the surprising intersection of mathematics and art. Additional favorites featured a popular mobile robotics showcase with guest collaboration from WPI, a biotech screening detailing Nobel Prize-winning scientist Phil Sharp’s inspiring journey from a rural Kentucky farm boy battling dyslexia to a pioneer in molecular biology, and hands-on chemistry in action.
Among those enjoying the outdoor activities was chemistry major Marie Ibuos ’29 who stopped by the reverse tie-dye and cyanotyping station while walking across campus. After creating her custom shirt, she shared her thoughts on the experience: “It definitely was fun. I just stopped by here out of the blue as I was walking by, but it was a pretty cool experiment.”
Beyond interactive displays, a major focal point of the week was student-led research presentations in the Ghosh Science and Technology Building Atrium. The showcase created a dynamic environment where undergraduate researchers shared their hard work with peers and faculty alike. Among the presenters was senior Andrew Lucier, a physics minor who is set to graduate this spring, and who shared his findings on constructing density and temperature maps of star-forming galactic clouds. “I’m glad to be able to showcase my work as part of the larger STEM community here on campus,” he said. 
Lucier added that diving into such advanced undergraduate research helped him master complex programming and tackle topics well beyond regular coursework, emphasizing that the problem-solving skills he gained are broadly applicable far beyond physics. “It’s amazing to share all of that hard work and finally see it come together,” he said.
According to Dr. Malakar, feedback from both presenters and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Presenters noted that showcasing their work built immense pride and sharpened their ability to communicate complex ideas to non-expert audiences, while attendees shared that seeing high-level research spearheaded by their fellow classmates demystified the scientific process. For many, witnessing the tangible work done by fellow students served as a direct catalyst for their own interest, encouraging several attendees to take the leap toward getting involved in future campus research. Events rounded out later in the week with career-focused programming, such as the “What’s Your Exit Plan?” workshop hosted by Dr. Laura Reynolds, and dedicated sessions helping students connect with faculty mentors to jumpstart their research journeys.
