Sixteenth Annual NOAA CREST Day at CCNY

Posted on April 28, 2017

New York, NY, April 27, 2017– Nearly 180 high school and college students from across New York City participated in the 16^th Annual NOAA CREST Day at The City College of New York / CUNY campus. It’s was more than an opportunity to engage with research scientists and test their science knowledge through hands-on activities and games. Center Director Reza Khanbilvardi explains why this kind of outreach is important:

“It’s a day of opening our facilities and labs so that students understand the level of activity and also lets them know what federal agencies are doing for our environment.”

In addition to laboratory tours, science games, and 3D printing, students received poster presentations from student researchers who explained their work and answered questions. Thursday’s keynote speakers included Acting Director of Satellite Applications & Research for of NOAA/NESDIS, Harry A. Cikanek III and Vanessa Griffin who directs Satellite and Product Operations.

“The work CREST is doing is very impressive, and I look forward to working with the whole CREST team to advance NOAA's missions,” said Cikanek.

“I found the overall experience to be inspiring and enlightening of the incredible work you and the CREST "family" do for the NOAA mission and specifically for the students you support and mentor,” added Griffin. "It was wonderful to be immersed in the CREST environment and quite restorative for me to get a chance to visit with the folks that our work affects and impacts," she said. 

The event provided an opportunity for students to learn about STEM scholarships and fellowships funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and test their science knowledge through hands-on activities and games.

”We have seen that many young minds are interested in learning about the protection of the environment and why protecting it is important. Gatherings like CREST Day provide an excellent opportunity to convince them to pursue STEM fields,” said Khanbilvardi.

Three students were honored for outstanding achievement at the 16^th Annual NOAA CREST Day at The City College of New York / CUNY campus on Thursday, April 27. Dr. Robert Foster whose doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering was conferred in January 2017 was recognized for Academic Excellence.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the NOAA-CREST award for academic excellence. NOAA CREST has been incredibly supportive of my studies, and I would not have been able to come this far without it," said Foster. He will begin work as a research associate at the National Research Council this summer.

The award for achievement in Community & Societal Engagement went to Dr. Elius Etienne, a doctoral student in Civil Engineering with a focus on water resources.

"It's a privilege to be part of the CREST family and an honor to receive this award. I would like to thank NOAA-CREST for greatly contributing to my education and career,” said Etienne who will defend his thesis May 12.

Lawrence Vulis, a NOAA Undergraduate Scholar, was recognized for Professional Development.

“I am grateful to NOAA CREST for providing the opportunity to contribute to the public good through scientific research,” said Vulis who graduates in May with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Earth Systems Science and Environmental Engineering.

Each year NOAA-CREST Day is scheduled to coincide with Earth Week and Earth Day.