Members of the STEAM Factory gathered on Friday, January 29 to celebrate a special event, the inaugural Collaboration Cauldron.

The night was filled with fun, conversation and opportunities for connections and all 100 STEAM Factory members representing over 60 disciplines were invited. Attendees were encouraged to dine, network and perhaps create future collaborations while participating in various activities intended in enable a wide variety of interactions. These activities included board games, questionnaires and our very own interactive collaboration network bulletin board intended to highlight the many and varied research, teaching and outreach collaborations that exist between STEAM members. The collaboration network board highlights each STEAM Factory member currently representing the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and College of Medicine as well as 12 other Colleges and Offices within Ohio State. Members used various colors of yarn to indicate research, teaching and outreach collaborations with other STEAM Factory members. By the end of the evening, quite a colorful web was woven as a small indication of the many ways our members continue to develop connections with one another.

STEAM Factory members provided feedback on the night. Donna Farland-Smith, Associate Professor in Science Education, commented, “It was such an open, relaxing atmosphere.” “It was well worth my time, getting to know others I would never get to meet even though we work at the same place!” Leonardo Carrizo, lecturer for the School of Communication, had a great time conversing with other members. Carrizo said, “I was able to connect with Kareem Usher, College of Engineering/Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture City and Regional Planning Section, and we started a conversation about how we might be able to collaborate on a project together.”  

For many, the event served as our first “housewarming party” since the STEAM space at 400 West Rich is finally completed and fully furnished. It is a bright, colorful and inviting space with lots of natural light and designed to provide space that sparks innovation and collaboration between STEAM members and the community.

STEAM Factory member John Beacom provided his perspective on the event, “Imagine that you have broad interests and that you like books.  For anyone reading this, I think that's a safe wager.  Now imagine going to a bookstore where, every time you pick up a book on a random topic, you get to talk to the author.  That's what makes the Collaboration Cauldron— and other STEAM Factory events— so much fun.”

STEAM Factory members will be able to enjoy more events throughout the year. The next upcoming event is Kepler’s Music of the Spheres: Harmonies in mathematics, astronomy, and music. The event will take place February 12 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the STEAM Factory Open House hosted during Franklinton Fridays, 400 West Rich. Three Ohio State faculty members will hold a 30-minute interactive presentation at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m., including Anna Gawboy, Matt Kahle and Paul Sutter. For more information, visit The STEAM Factory Facebook page.

Written by Taryn Stanley, STEAM Factory Professional Writing Intern 
Photo Credits : Wandering Woo Photography