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NSU STEM Day registration for high school students is open

/ Eli Gentry

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will host NSU STEM Day from 8 a.m.-noon Friday, Sept. 25 at the main campus in Natchitoches. Registration is currently open and ends Sept. 20. 

“STEM Day is for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in science, manufacturing technology, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, physics and engineering, or those interested in becoming a medical doctor, veterinarian, dentist, pharmacist, data analyst, environmental scientist, crime lab scientist, hospital lab clinician or factory manager and other careers,” said Dr. Anna Dugas, professor of physics and collaboration facilitator for the School of STEM.

The School of STEM includes the Departments of Biology & Microbiology, Mathematics, Physical Science, Engineering Technology and Veterinary Technology.  NSU offers undergraduate degrees in those areas of study, as well as degree concentrations in physics, chemistry, computer science, sports analytics, advanced manufacturing, forensics, clinical lab science and other high-demand areas.  

“At STEM Day, students will directly interact with STEM faculty and students through hands-on science and technology demonstrations in the following fields of interest in engineering and manufacturing, wildlife and environmental science, veterinary science, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, physics, biomedical and microbiology,” Dugas said. “Students can come to experience a day in the life of a STEM major and learn more about degree programs, events and organizations, scholarships, research facilities and career opportunities”

Students can register individually at https://nsula.formstack.com/forms/nsustemday  or with the QR code below. 

Interested in becoming a snake handler?  NSU will host a class for that. 

/ Eli Gentry

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Department of Biology and Microbiology will host a Rattlesnake Conservancy workshop on the NSU campus for individuals interested in earning certification in handling venomous snakes. 

“If you a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, homeowner, zookeeper, veterinary professional, biologist, herpetology enthusiast, photographer or anyone looking to learn how to safely handle venomous reptiles while receiving a professional certification, this course is for you,” said Dr. Jerry Brunson, department head. 

The Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification Course will take place from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 in Bienvenu Hall Room 122. The workshop will cover native species, ecology, snake anatomy and physiology, reproductive behaviors, venom toxinology, emergency snakebite management, captive husbandry and more with hands-on techniques in single hooking, double hooking, bagging and containment. 

“One of our faculty, Assistant Professor of Biology JD Cox, is a snake enthusiast and took the training,” Brunson said. “He loved the experience and met with me to tell me about it and ask if we could bring them here. So, after a series of emails with the Conservancy, and receiving approval — which was interesting — to bring them, here we are.”

Participants must be 18 or over and sign a liability waiver.  Participants must be able to follow physical and mental requirements, such as kneeling, walking, crouching, bending, squatting and lifting, follow directions, communicate clearly and complete a written exam.