Simpson University Participates in First Shasta County Mini Maker Faire
For Immediate Release
11.09.2016
REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University science students and faculty will be among more than 100 “makers” this weekend at the first Shasta County Mini Maker Faire at the Redding Civic Auditorium.
In addition, Simpson University students and staff will be among the estimated 100 volunteers helping at the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday. Hannah Dewater, university coordinator of community services, is organizing the volunteer effort at the faire, which includes setup Friday.
The Mini Maker Faire is described on its website as “a family-friendly event that celebrates the creativity of individuals, students, educators, innovators, and businesses in the community. Mini Maker Faire allows creators to showcase their work … while the public comes to enjoy interactive experiences … and be inspired.”
The Maker Faire concept was launched in 2006 in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to large-scale fairs, more than 120 community-driven, independently organized Mini Maker Faires are being produced around the world.
The Simpson University Science and Mathematics Department will be represented with a booth highlighting the biology and biotechnology majors as well as the original research of Dr. Brian Hooker, associate professor of biology.
The booth will profile work done by Dr. Hooker and undergraduate students to study the bacterial populations in the soil around the drainage area of Iron Mountain Mine, a Superfund site 9 miles outside Redding that requires constant mitigation efforts to prevent dangerous pollution of the Sacramento River.
Dr. Hooker and his students are attempting to understand what bacteria naturally exist in the surrounding soil, with the potential of being able to propose remediation strategies that would accentuate populations of helpful bacteria.
Visitors to the booth will be able to participate in a button-making activity related to the Iron Mountain Mine research project, said biology professor Trent Smith.
Admission to the faire is free to students with ID. Advance tickets for adults purchased before midnight Friday cost $12; tickets on Saturday cost $15. Learn more at www.makerfaireshasta.com.
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
