‘Fridays at Findlay’ March 24 to Feature the Innovation and Creativity of STEAM

The interlocking and dynamic worlds of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – will come together at the University of Findlay’s March session of “Fridays at Findlay.” On Friday, March 24, “STEAM: Understanding the Intersection of Art and Science and its Effect on Creativity and Innovation” will be presented by a panel of three regional experts.

Panel experts are Gene Poor, Ph.D., owner of LifeFormations – a leading international firm in animatronics – and a retired endowed professor of entrepreneurship at Bowling Green State University; Mike Deetsch, the Toledo Museum of Art’s senior director of learning and interpretation; and Nathan Tice, Ph.D., UF associate professor of chemistry and chair of the physical science department.

Lori Hauser

Lori Hauser, CEO of the Imagination Station in Toledo, will serve as moderator for the panel discussion.

The event, open to the campus and community, will take place in the Alumni Memorial Union on the UF campus. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a breakfast buffet with the presentation from 8 to 9 a.m.

The panel will discuss their work – including cutting-edge laboratory research discoveries, historical and theme park displays, and educational programs drawing young people into STEAM careers.

Gene Poor

Poor’s career has featured university teaching and research coupled with intense entrepreneurial innovation. His entrepreneurial activities have generated well over $150 million of products and services. He founded an animatronics company, LifeFormations, that is a preeminent manufacturer of static and animated characters for theme parks, museums, trade shows, and retail operations. Millions of people have experienced and enjoyed LifeFormations’ products at such venues as the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Poor was the first Scott Hamilton Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship in the BGSU College of Business and a Master Teacher, considered the highest teaching honor on campus. He has written numerous articles, eight books, and given more than 200 presentations throughout the United States and Europe.

Nate Tice

Tice has been involved in a wide variety of interdisciplinary research and teaching projects at UF related to STEAM outreach and education. Active in the University’s Honors Program, he co-teaches a course entitled “The Interface of Art and Science: The Legacy of Da Vinci.” He currently serves as the 2022-23 College of Sciences faculty chair.

The Joseph & Judith Conda STEAM Education Center at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum opened its doors September 2021, integrating the books and art of the museum with the hard disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 4,000-square-foot hub offers hands-on activities, maker’s space, summer camps, school tours, and educational programming for all ages.

Mike Deetsch

Deetsch joined the Toledo Museum of Art staff in 2013 as assistant director of education and subsequently was named the Emma Leah Bippus director of education and engagement, overseeing the docent program, art classes, and museum curriculum. Previously, he served as a senior museum educator at the Brooklyn Museum, the exhibition and programs director at the Lexington Art League, and the student programs manager at the Kentucky Historical Society.

Sponsored by Premier Bank, the Fridays at Findlay lecture series encourages continued educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni regarding best leadership practices.

Register online by March 17 at Fridays At Findlay or call University Advancement at 419-434-5334 for more information. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for students.