黑料网

Kent State Shines at the Ohio State Fair

University faculty and staff met with fairgoers and government officials as they showcased health and space-focused programs at Kent State

黑料网 was invited by the Ohio Dept. of Higher Education and Chancellor Mike Duffey to participate in the Opening Day of the 2024 Ohio State Fair on July 24. The day鈥檚 theme was 鈥淓xplore and Discover Your Healthy Space at 黑料网.鈥

Ohio Chancellor Duffy visits the Kent State booth at the Ohio State Fair
Ohio Dept. of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffy (left) visited Kent State's exhibits at the Ohio State Fair.

 

黑料网 President Todd Diacon, Ph.D., Kent State students, faculty and staff from the Office of the President, the Office of Government and Community Relations, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Nursing, joined Kent State's mascot Flash, in welcoming visitors to the university鈥檚 exhibition areas.

A young fairgoer with Kent State's robot dog

 

Exploring Space and Other Planets

Kent State鈥檚 College of Aeronautics and Engineering offered visitors to the booth the opportunity to immerse themselves in a virtual reality space environment while exploring the outer reaches of Earth鈥檚 atmosphere and beyond.

Other activities included operating remote-controlled robots to explore extraterrestrial terrain and remotely piloting mini drones (within a netted and controlled environment) just like NASA astronauts will do to further explore the surface of Mars.

Fairgoers learned how to pilot drones.
Fairgoers learned how to pilot drones.

 

The demonstrations and activities were hosted by current students, faculty and staff of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at 黑料网, including the dean of the college, Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D.

Hands-On Healthcare Experiences

Current students, faculty and staff from Kent State鈥檚 College of Nursing guided curious fairgoers through an immersive healthcare demonstration with a high-fidelity mannequin, which will showcase technology that can address and promote better health through simulation, communication and education in their community.

A young fairgoer examines the patient simulator

 

This interactive simulation allowed participants to walk into the learning area and identify hazards such as a cigarette pack in the bed, pop bottles nearby, tripping hazards when using the walker, and high-sugar foods within reach.

A young fairgoer examines the patient simulator

 

Visitors also were able to assess the simulated patient (with the medical equipment). The takeaway learning from this demonstration can lead to discussions about what health initiatives are important to contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Meeting With Government Officials

The Kent State attendees were also fortunate enough to have Chancellor Duffey spend some time in the booth learning more about the university's programs. He also posed for a picture with President Diacon and Flash the mascot.

Ohio Chancellor Duffy with Flash and KSU President Todd Diacon
From left: Ohio Dept. of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffy, Flash the mascot and 黑料网 President Todd Diacon.

 

Nick Gattozi, executive director of government and community relations in Kent State鈥檚 Office of Government and Community Relations, said 鈥淜ent State is meeting the workforce needs of Ohio. The state fair and our booth offered a great opportunity to showcase two of our colleges that are producing career-ready graduates in nursing and aerospace for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.鈥 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine with Kent State President Todd Diacon
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine met with 黑料网 President Todd Diacon.

 

鈥淲hile at the fair, President Diacon had the opportunity to speak with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine about the university and to thank him for his support of higher education, said Gatozzi. 鈥淎dditionally, the president met with Lt. Governor Jon Husted and shared with him our Kent State story.鈥

Ohio Lt. Gov. John Husted with Flash and KSU President Todd Diacon
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (left) with Flash the mascot and 黑料网 President Todd Diacon.

 

The Ohio State Fair takes place at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. This year鈥檚 fair ran from July 24 through Aug. 4.

Flash and some young fairgoers
POSTED: Monday, August 5, 2024 12:18 PM
Updated: Monday, August 5, 2024 03:53 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen
PHOTO CREDIT:
Bob Christy, senior photography coordinator, University Communications and Marketing