VEMI at Maine Science Festival
Hello from the VEMI Lab,
Just a quick note about this past weekend: The VEMI Lab participated in the inaugural Maine Science Festival on March 21st & 22nd at the Cross Center. Interest in the lab was way beyond expectation. We had around 4500 people tour our room, with the line often extending over 60 yards out the door and people waiting for 20-30 minutes to get inside. We had 18 students on hand who spent two days introducing, educating, and showcasing emerging technologies at the VEMI Lab. We are incredibly proud of our student’s efforts and dedication at this event and importantly, they were vocal about their pride and excitement to be part of our operation at the university. No marketing campaign could make this point more loudly then the enthusiasm they demonstrated, and the resulting excitement that was generated by the public as people cycled through our demonstrations and research exhibitions. Not only did our students discuss research and technology with community members from ages 5 to 80, they acted as UMaine ambassadors by getting the next generation of students excited about technology, research, and the opportunities that exist at the University of Maine. Parents were also excited, as evidenced by their questions about the research possibilities that are available at VEMI and UMaine more generally. Many were unaware of these student research opportunities and wanted more information. This was an amazing outreach / educational event for our students, an eye-opening experience for members of our community, and a very positive moment for UMaine.
Richard Corey & Nicholas Giudice
VEMI Lab