Concept
Mission
Scitopia Chicago is envisioned as a novel STEAM-themed learning hub and destination promoting teen self-realization and beneficial community opportunities.
Aims
Self-realization hub for Chicago teens
An attractive out-of-school-time hub for teen self- realization to enhance graduation and pursuit of 21st century STEAM career pathways
Link to science learning and opportunities
Center for programming, mentoring, school visitation and link to vocational and academic opportunity
Anchor for neighborhood revitalization
Centerpiece partner for Garfield Green Line South eTOD Action Plan
Free Southside destination
The first conservatory and vivarium attraction for southwest Chicago in over a century
About
Scitopia Chicago is envisioned as a ground-breaking, teen interactive learning center and Southside destination that places under one roof:
- STEAM library and ecafé
- Science and media makerlabs
- Community space & museum
- Prehistoric greenspace & vivarium
Advisory Committee
2017 Conference
A variety of experts and stakeholders, including community leaders, STEAM/makerspace educators, design experts and architects, participated in a full-day conference at the Neubauer Collegium, STEAM Engagement & Neighborhood Revival on Chicago’s South Side, to consider whether and how science education, more specifically STEAM, might play a role in supporting and strengthening neighborhoods.
Scitopia Chicago Advisors
Paul Sereno, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago
Walter E. Massey, Ph.D.
President Emeritus, School of The Art Institute of Chicago and Fmr. Director of NSF & Argonne Nat’l Laboratory
Cecilia Butler
President, Washington Park Residents Advocacy Council
Jessica Biggs, M.Ed.
Director of SW System of Care, Southwest Organizing Project and Fmr. Principal, Burke Elementary
Kamau Murray, M.B.A
Founder and CEO of the XS Tennis and Education Foundation
Dr. Ken Polonsky, Ph.D.
Fmr Dean of Biological Sciences, University of Chicago
Zeray Alemseged, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago
Erin Adams, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago
Fabiola Delgado, CPA
Chief of Staff of UChicago National Laboratories & Assist. Vice President for Finance
Rev. Jesse Knox, III, M.R.E.
Senior Minister, Church of the Good Shepherd UCC
Matthew Meyer, MSIT
Executive Director of Academic Technology Solutions, University of Chicago
Eric Klinenberg, Ph.D.
Author & Professor at NYU
Torsten Reimer, Ph.D.
University Librarian & Dean of the University Library, University of Chicago
Lisa Roberts, Ph.D.
Founder & Principal, naturalia, Inc.
Rich Crowley, M.B.A.
Compliance Lead, Argonne National Laboratory and Fmr. President of the Chicago Herpetological Society
Tim Knowles, Ph.D.
President, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Julie Koslowsky
Teen Services, Chicago Public Library
Orrin Williams
Food System Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement & Health Partnerships, UIC
Rebel Roberts
Practice Leader, Stantec
Bob Bavirsha
Chicago Herpetological Society
John Archer
President, Chicago Herpetological Society
Timeline
