The SUNY Poly Spotlight Series is a robust collection of workshops for kids and teens and events for people of all ages. Showcasing the expertise of faculty and community members, the series provides opportunities for fun and learning in the areas of STEM, the arts, athletics, wellness, and more. Join the Spotlight Series, register today!
Simply click on the ➕ (in the gray areas) below to learn more about each event.
Upcoming Fall 2024 Events and Workshops
The gold listings are pre-collegiate workshops for middle and high school students ages 11 years old - 18 years old.
The blue listings are events and workshops for community members of all ages.
🪖 SUNY Poly Ruck March: 11/20/2024
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: : Student Center, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: This is a community-driven event where participants carry weighted backpacks (filled with donated non-perishable items) symbolizing the physical and emotional burdens carried by military personnel. Participants often walk in solidarity with veterans, promoting resilience and support within the veteran community. All are welcome to take part in this meaningful experience to show support and honor those affected. We will be collecting non-perishable items in order to fill the backpacks. The items will be donated to a non-profit organization after the event. Please have items delivered to the Center for Student Involvement (Student Center, 100 Seymour Rd, Utica, NY 13502) no later than Monday, November 18.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, November 15
Participants: 50 (Max)
🎨 Art Exhibit Opening Reception and Award Ceremony: 11/21/2024
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kunsela Hall, First Floor, Gannett Galley, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Exhibiters/Artists: Top Entries in the "Voices of Change" Poster Competition
Description: Join us for the reception celebrating "Voices of Change," a powerful exhibition showcasing social movement posters designed by talented members of our community. The exhibition features bold, creative expressions selected from our poster competition addressing pressing issues such as equality, climate action, and human rights. Experience a vibrant evening of art, activism, and conversation, where the next generation of designers inspire social impact. Winners of the competition will be announced at the reception. The exhibit will be open from Monday, November 18 – Sunday, December 1.
Fee: Free
Participants: 100 (Max)
💪🏻 Fear, Courage, and Consequences: 11/22/2024
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Room G152, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502. This lecture will also be livestreamed online over Zoom.
Presenter: Dr. David P. Weber, Professor of the Practice, Accounting and Legal Studies Department, Perdue School of Business, Salisbury University
Description: Doing the right thing can be hard. Determining what the right thing actually is can sometimes be harder. In this presentation, Dr. David P. Weber will describe the emotional, personal, and professional consequences many whistleblowers face when deciding to raise their hand. Torn from the pages of national news stories, Dr. Weber will discuss real life cases of whistleblowing that will help attendees learn how to approach those life-changing choices. Dr. Weber is a Certified Fraud Examiner and former Chief Investigator of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This presentation is part of the Ethics at SUNY Poly Lecture Series hosted by the Center for Business and Applied Ethics. Following the lecture, there will be a free reception between 3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, November 20 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
🤐 Money Laundering, Terror, and Secrecy: 11/22/2024
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Room G152, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502. This lecture will also be livestreamed online over Zoom.
Presenter: Dr. David P. Weber, Professor of the Practice, Accounting and Legal Studies Department, Perdue School of Business, Salisbury University
Description: From 2016-2022, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (“ICIJ”) and hundreds of media partners around the world began publishing their investigations into the world of secrecy, today known as the Panama, Paradise and Pandora Papers Investigations. Stemming from what was then the largest leak in history, the investigations demonstrated how professionals, often lawyers or accountants, assisted world leaders, criminal and terror organizations, and those seeking to avoid taxes in laundering vast sums of money. Used extensively by the Kremlin, Russian officials and oligarchs to avoid Ukrainian war sanctions, the secrecy world is alive and well today. In this presentation, Dr. David P. Weber will take attendees on a guided tour into the world of secrecy and money laundering, with a special emphasis on the Kremlin and terror organizations. Dr. Weber is a Certified Fraud Examiner who served as one of the experts for the ICIJ’s investigations. This presentation is part of the Ethics at SUNY Poly Lecture Series hosted by the Center for Business and Applied Ethics.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, November 20 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
🤖 Robotics and Manufacturing Demonstrations: 11/23/2024
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, Ground Floor, Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing (CGAM), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Robert Payne, Center for Safe and Secure AI Robots and John Reade, Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach
Description: Join us for an exciting event featuring hands-on demonstrations in robotics and manufacturing! Highlights include Drone Soccer, a viewing of Combat Robotics, and an inside look at the Additive Manufacturing processes. The SUNY Poly-sponsored FIRST Robotics Competition Team #10352, made up of high school students, will demonstrate their robot. Visitors will also enjoy a guided tour of CGAM, exploring the latest advancements in automated manufacturing.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, November 22 at 12 p.m.
Participants: 40 (Max)
👾 When Machines Become Sentient Beings: 11/23/2024
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Emilio Cobanera, Associate Professor of Physics and Director for the Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: This engaging presentation explores the implications of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence. Attendees will delve into ethical, social, and technological impacts, guided by experts in AI and futurism. The discussion will consider potential benefits, risks, and the future of human-machine coexistence.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, November 22 at 12 p.m.
Participants: 40 (Max)
🚀 From Satellites to Moon Bases: 12/3/24
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Robert Edgell, Professor of Technology Management at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Principal Investigator for the Sustainable Aerospace Energy Center (SAEC)
Description: This lecture explores the transformative shift in space activities from government-led missions to the increasing role of private companies. It delves into the development of commercial lunar gateways and examines how they fit within the broader strategy of establishing a permanent human presence in space. The session will outline key phases in the history of space exploration and present potential future scenarios for constructing and operating these gateways, providing insights into the changing landscape of space exploration and the collaborations shaping its future.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, December 2 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
🎄 Paint Your Own Holiday Tree "Make and Take" Workshop (Treats & Beverages Included): 12/7/2024
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Sarah Dustin, Owner of The Adirondack Ink
Description: Unleash your creativity this holiday season by designing and painting your very own festive tree with the help of Artist and Calligrapher Sarah Dustin, Owner of The Adirondack Ink! In this fun and relaxed class, you’ll be guided through the process of bringing your unique vision to life, from whimsical decorations to vibrant colors, all while enjoying delicious cookies, eggnog, cookies, and other assorted beverages. Perfect for all skill levels, come join us for a joyful evening of art, treats, and holiday cheer!
Fee: $40.00
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, December 4
Participants: 30 (Max)
👽 SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Technological Intelligence Part Two: 12/10/2024
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Emilio Cobanera, Associate Professor of Physics and Director for the Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: This lecture delves into the paradox of the search for extraterrestrial technological intelligent life, exploring why, despite the vastness of the galaxy and its recently understood habitability landscape we have yet to see any evidence of extraterrestrial technological civilizations. Possible explanations number in the hundreds but there is a more systematic picture that groups these explanations into four categories. Each category violates a pillar of modern science, revealing why the Fermi paradox, the absence of techno-signatures of ETIs, is growing increasingly disturbing to the scientific community with each passing year.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, December 9 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
Past Fall 2024 Events and Workshops
⚙️ National Nanotechnology Day: 10/9/24 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11-18)
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, First Floor, Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Room G225 (Makers Lab), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: John Reade, Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Jump into the exciting world of nanotechnology with hands-on experiments that bring science to life! Discover how nanotech is shaping the future of medicine, electronics, and everyday materials through fun, interactive activities. Create colorful thin films, build self-assembling structures, and explore water-repellent surfaces that mimic nature. Get ready to explore the invisible world of the ultra-small in a whole new way!
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, October 8 at Noon
Age Range: 11 years old – 18 years old (Middle and High School Students Only)
Fee: FREE (First-Come, First-Served)
Participants: 10 (Max)
🗝️ CO2 Laser Cut Your Own Custom Keychains: 10/10/24 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11 – 18)
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, First Floor Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing Lab, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenters: John Reade, Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and SUNY Poly's Design and Develop Club
Description: Join us at SUNY Poly's Additive Manufacturing Lab for an exciting hands-on workshop where you'll learn the basics of laser cutting, from design to operation. Discover how to use a CO2 laser cutter, explore material properties, and master the steps to safely create custom designs. You'll leave with both new skills and your very own personalized keychain!
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, October 9 at Noon
Age Range: 11 years old – 18 years old (Middle and High School Students Only)
Fee: FREE (First-Come, First-Served)
Participants: 15 (Max)
🚶🏻♀️➡️ SUNY Poly’s Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness: 10/17/2024
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Kunsela Hall, Main Lobby, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: Join SUNY Polytechnic University for a meaningful “Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness,” an event dedicated to raising awareness and supporting survivors of domestic violence. Participants come together to walk in solidarity, symbolizing hope, strength, understanding, and encourage conversations about ending domestic violence. The walk serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and advocacy in breaking the cycle of abuse. Light refreshments (desserts) will be provided after the walk. Free giveaway for the first 200 people that arrive.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, October 14
Participants: 300 (Max)
🐾 SUNY Poly’s Fall Open House: 10/19/2024
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: High school students and their guests are encouraged to join our Fall Open House. This event will introduce prospective students and guests to all that SUNY Poly has to offer. Join us on Saturday 10/19, to meet faculty and student services staff, explore our majors/programs, tour campus, speak with an admission advisor, and more. We hope this event helps to picture yourself as a Wildcat!
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, October 16
📸 Cyanotypes: Blueprints of Light: 10/20/24 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11 – 18)
Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, First Floor, Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Room G225 (Makers Lab), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenters: Dr. Kristina Boylan, Associate Professor of History and John Reade, Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach at SUNY Polytechnic University
Description: Kick off National Chemistry Week with a fun, hands-on, make and take workshop blending art and science! Learn how to make cyanotypes, a type of photographic print that turns vibrant blue when exposed to sunlight. Using simple chemicals and everyday objects, you’ll create your own cyanotype artwork to take home. Then, dive into photolithography, a process similar to developing cyanotypes that is used in making computer chips by transferring patterns onto silicon wafers using light. This workshop is perfect for artists, photographers, and anyone interested in how chemicals react to light.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Friday, October 18 at Noon
Ages: 11 Years Old – 18 Years Old (Middle and High School Students Only)
Participants: 20 (Max)
💃🏻 Ballroom Dancing Class: 10/23/24
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, 2nd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Pallavi Gupta-Bouder from SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: This introductory ballroom dancing class offers a fun and welcoming environment where beginners can learn the basic steps and techniques. Join us and immerse yourself in rhythmic and undulating movements of RUMBA that can be danced to contemporary popular music. This lesson, offered by experienced instructor, Pallavi Gupta-Bouder, Ph.D., focuses on rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. No prior dance experience or partner is required, making it the perfect opportunity to gain confidence on the dance floor while enjoying social interactions. Please bring a pair of shoes with smooth bottom!
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, October 23 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)
👩🏻💼 Frightening First Steps: Entrepreneurship: 10/24/24
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenters: CJ Hanrahan (Class of 2020), Business Development and Communications Representative for MVEDGE and Sharrone Sofer, Small Business Development Center Business Advisor
Description: In this talk, we’ll address the common fears and challenges new entrepreneurs face. Gain practical strategies and insights to overcome obstacles and build the confidence to start your own business. You'll leave with expert advice, networking connections, and the tools to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Thursday, October 24 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
🌏 Environmental and Social Toxins: 10/25/24
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenters: Dr. Aleksander Obradovic (from MVHS) and Dr. Jerome Niyirora, Dr. Lauren Endres, Dr. Patricia Roach, and Dr. Joanne Joseph from SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: The Center for Health Innovations and Humanitarian Engineering explores the critical connections between environmental and social toxins. This discussion will delve into how pollutants, societal stressors, and inequities contribute to long-term health challenges. Gain insights into strategies for mitigating these effects and promoting well-being in our communities. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges science, policy, and action for a healthier future. Light refreshments will be served. Part of the Frontier Speaker Series.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Thursday, October 24 at Noon
Participants: 60 (Max)
👽 SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Technological Intelligence Part One: 10/29/2024
Date: Tuesday, October 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Dr. Emilio Cobanera, Associate Professor of Physics and Director for the Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: This lecture explores the advances in the search for extraterrestrial technological intelligence over the past two decades and a half, focusing on the latest discoveries in exoplanet research, astrobiology, and the impact of powerful detection technologies. It will highlight how shifts in scientific understanding and new missions have reshaped the search for intelligent technological life beyond Earth.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, October 29 at 12 p.m.
Participants: 100 (Max)
🎃 Trunk or Treat at SUNY Poly: 10/30/2024
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Parking Lot C, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Description: Join us for a festive Trunk or Treat event at SUNY Polytechnic University. Students, staff, and community members are invited to enjoy decorated car trunks, candy, and Halloween activities in a fun and safe environment. Brought to you by Title IX, Res. Life, and the Center for Student Involvement. Costumes are encouraged, and all ages are welcome to this spook-tacular celebration!
Fee: First-come, first-served (Until Candy is Gone)
👍🏻 Lockheed Martin Overview & Ethics: 11/6/24
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, 1st Floor, Room 1242, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502.
Presenter: Elizabeth Rhode-Sima, IWSS Syracuse Ethics Officer, Rotary & Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Description: The Center for Business and Applied Ethics at SUNY Poly is hosting a guest presentation from Elizabeth Rhode-Sima. Elizabeth is the Syracuse Site Ethics Officer at Lockheed Martin. In her presentation, Elizabeth will provide an overview of the divisions in Lockheed Martin, discuss Lockheed Martin’s Code of Conduct, and lead an interactive discussion of video-based ethics cases that Lockheed Martin uses in its ethics education program for managers. In addition, Elizabeth will offer information about the upcoming 2025 Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition for SUNY Poly students.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, November 6 at Noon
Participants: 25 (Max)
🎄 Let's Fuse Some Glass "Make & Take" Workshop: 11/12/2024
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Penny Veschusio and Marie Joyce of Songbyrd Street Studios
Description: In this hands-on holiday workshop, Penny Veschusio and Marie Joyce of Songbyrd Street Studios will lead the process of creating a fused glass ornament! With their guidance, participants will design and decorate a pre-cut piece of glass using various types and colors of fusible glass, creating their own unique ornament. Penny and Marie will bring the ornaments back to their studio to be fired in the kiln. The ornaments will then be brought back to SUNY Poly the following week. They can be picked up in the Admissions Office on Friday, November 22 or Monday, November 25, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Kunsela Hall. For more information, visit songbyrdstreetstudios.com.
Fee: $50.00 per person
Deadline: Register by Friday, November 8 at 5 p.m.
Participants: 30 (Max)
🛠️ STEM DAY: 11/13/24 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11 – 18)
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Donovan Hall, First Floor, Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Room G225 (Makers Lab), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: John Reade, Director of Pre-Collegiate Outreach at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Join us for STEM Saturday, where young minds come together to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math! Through hands-on experiments and creative challenges, participants will discover the power of innovation and problem-solving. Whether you're building, prototyping, or experimenting, this workshop is designed to spark curiosity and elevate your STEM skills to the next level!
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, November 4
Ages: 11 Years Old – 18 Years Old (Middle and High School Students Only)
Participants: 15 (Max)
🎨🤖 Beyond the Canvas: AI & Art in Fusion: 11/15/2024
Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Kunsela Hall, Gannett Gallery, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: DREAM Center and the AIX Center
Description: "Beyond the Canvas: AI & Art in Fusion" is an interactive event exploring the intersection of AI and human creativity. Attendees can join open mic discussions, create and exhibit AI-generated art, compose AI music, and enjoy live performance art by the Conquest of Bread Collective at the Gannett Gallery, Friday, November 15 between 2pm and 5pm. This immersive experience is co-sponsored by the Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIX) Center and DREAM (The Center for Design, interdisciplinary Research, Electronic technology, Art, and Media).
Fee: FREE
💖 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Research Spotlight: 11/18/24
Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenters: Five Founding Faculty Members of the DEIB Research Center; Dr. Byeongdon Oh, Dr. Abolfazl Karimpour, Dr. Asif Ahmed, Dr. Kathryn Stam, and Dr. Rebecca Weldon
Description: Join us for the inaugural event of the DEIB Research Center, which will spearhead SUNY Poly’s research, teaching, and outreach efforts for DEIB excellence. The event will feature five innovative cross-disciplinary and cross-campus research projects led by the dedicated founding faculty members of the DEIB Research Center. Everyone is invited to engage in ongoing research projects and propose new initiatives to improve DEIB at SUNY Poly and in the surrounding communities. A free lunch will be provided from 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.; the presentations will begin at 1 p.m.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
Participants: 60 (Max)
