The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, along with partners, Cox Communications and the Arizona SciTech Institute, present Connect2STEM 2021 — a series of live virtual events starting January 30 at 10:00 a.m. showcasing the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEM). Connect2STEM is the signature kickoff event for Arizona’s 10th annual SciTech Festival, a two-month campaign in February and March that promotes STEM events across the state.
The wildly popular event has been reimagined as an online interactive pavilion. Activities led by physicians, performers and STEM professionals will debut on Jan. 30. The dynamic kickoff event features a special visit to the Wildcat Play Hospital, opportunity to scrub in with a world-renowned neurosurgeon, treating pediatric simulation patient, ‘Hal’, who helps train future doctors, learning how to TikTok your way to a STEM career with Cox Communications and cheering on energetic performances from the Be Kind Crew and Arizona School for the Arts. Attendees are encouraged to register for the virtual event at phoenixmed.arizona.edu/C2S and those who register will automatically be entered to win an iPad.
“The future will present new challenges that require inquisitive minds to solve,” said Guy Reed, MD, MS, dean of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Through Connect2STEM, we hope to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, skilled innovators and compassionate leaders to pursue careers in STEM.”
Connect2STEM has welcomed more than 40,000 attendees over the last six years to downtown Phoenix.
“Arizona’s future depends on a highly-trained workforce – particularly in the areas of advanced medical technology, research, and related STEM fields – and the SciTech Festival delivers on that vision,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “I am particularly grateful to the University of Arizona and Phoenix Biomedical campus for organizing this year’s event and for engaging young minds during this challenging time.”
Banner Health, APS and Cox Communications are key sponsors for Connect2STEM and join the virtual event lineup with enlightening activities and a special dedication honoring all essential workers during the pandemic.
Susan Anable, vice president of Public Affairs at Cox Communications, said “Connect2STEM is focused on exploration and innovation as we inspire our future STEM professionals. We are very proud to partner with Connect2STEM for the seventh year in a row; we have been here since day one.”
Connect2STEM LIVE TV is a brand-new series launching Feb. 6 and continues with free online programming every Saturday in February. Featuring faculty, staff and students from all five University of Arizona Health Sciences colleges including Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and both medical schools in Phoenix and Tucson, dynamic STEM modules will allow youth of all ages to discover STEM careers and activities.
Regents’ Professor Allan Hamilton, MD, FACS, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and executive director of the Arizona Simulation Technology Education Center, will host an introduction to medicine over multiple sessions. Dr. Hamilton currently holds four professorships at the University of Arizona in Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Psychology and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Hamilton has also served as Senior Medical Script Consultant on Grey’s Anatomy for more than fifteen years.
Visit phoenixmed.arizona.edu/C2S to access the full schedule of live programs, printable fun sheets and access to new videos.
Additional Connect2STEM 2021 sponsors include the Be Kind Project, DPR Sundt, Radiall, Dispatch Health, City of Phoenix Public Works, the Boyer Company and Standard Parking. Learn more about the history and incredible impact of Connect2STEM and the University of Arizona.
