Festival of Science, Scholarship, and Creativity 2023
From examining global human rights issues and analyzing Adirondack waterways to utilizing 3-D printers, writing fantasy fiction, and showcasing their talents on stage, students' curiosity and creativity were on display at the Festival of Science, Scholarship, and Creativity held on Friday, April 28.
A campus-wide tradition that began in 2014, this year’s Festival Day featured 112 oral and visual poster presentations on a wide range of topics including well-being and mental health, environmental issues, identity and social justice, and professional and collegiate athletics.
Following their curiosity around the globe, 11 students presented research conducted during off-campus study trips in Jamaica, Italy, Armenia, Ghana, and Denmark while several students shared their discoveries from research conducted right here in the North Country.
“It was a neat experience to see the unique wildlife that surrounds St. Lawrence. It shows how many opportunities there are for local research,” said Nathan Rosahac ’23, a biology major who conducted a genomic analysis of bacteria in an Adirondack bog under the guidance of his faculty mentors. “The best thing about St. Lawrence is the professors. They have an ‘open-door policy,’ are super friendly, and it’s easy to communicate with them and ask questions.”
A testament to St. Lawrence students’ diverse passions and interests, Festival Day also showcased their musical and artistic talents. The Spring Dance Concert featured 17 student performances across four genres including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance, as well as several voice, violin, and clarinet recitals.
An exhibition of student artwork, “Micro-Worlds: The Nature of Living,” inspired viewers to examine the ways in which people live their lives, “creating a micro-world of thoughts, actions, and beliefs” while students in video art and music composition courses presented a full sensorial experience through three-screen video installation.
“I’ve grown a lot at St. Lawrence–as a person, and as an artist,” said Sarath Novas '23, an art and art history major and education and public health double minor whose artwork was showcased in the exhibit. “My last project sums up who I am as a person and all the hard work I’ve done. I'm thankful for the artists that have inspired me as well as my friends, and my family."
