On February 28, SyMETRI hosted an in-person gathering at Scarfe 1211 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., bringing together faculty members and graduate students for an evening of meaningful connection, research exploration, and community-building in a welcoming and informal setting.

The event began with a lively icebreaker designed to spark conversations and foster connections. Each participant wrote three key words on a sticky note—one representing a personal interest or hobby, another reflecting their research focus, and a third sharing a fun fact about themselves. The notes were then randomly drawn, and attendees engaged in discussions, introductions, and friendly guessing to figure out who wrote each note. The activity created an energetic and interactive atmosphere, encouraging members to learn more about one another in a fun and engaging way.

Following the icebreaker, we shared a meal over pizza, providing a relaxed opportunity for deeper conversations and new friendships to form. In the second half of the meeting, participants contributed thought-provoking questions related to research, academic studies, and future career paths in STEM education. These questions were placed in a box, drawn at random, and read aloud, prompting insightful discussions where members shared their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. The exchange was both stimulating and collaborative, reinforcing SyMETRI’s commitment to fostering a supportive and intellectually enriching environment.

It was a joy to meet in person, exchange ideas, and build connections within our academic community. We look forward to future gatherings that continue to inspire meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning!