Marine biologist Robert Prezant offers students a hands-on overview of marine animals, from sponges to sharks. Students will be able to safely handle preserved organisms (gloves will be supplied), some of which they've never seen before (such as giant deep sea pill bugs or cowfish). Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity of the animals that swim through the waters and crawl through the muds of our world ocean.
Visiting Scholars Program
Empowering Students with Hands-On Knowledge from FSC Scholars
Our Mission
The FSC Visiting Scholars Program connects Farmingdale Faculty with local K-12 students by offering a glimpse of the excitement of some of the work they do. Often these programs involve hands-on opportunities that truly embed students in the discipline. Our Visiting Scholars aim to bring excitement to your classroom through engaging presentations on their areas of expertise, catered to students at a variety of age levels.
The Impact of Visiting Scholars in K-12 Education
Discover New Interests
Early exposure to diverse academic fields can help students uncover interests they may not have otherwise encountered.
Build Confidence in Learning
Engaging with college faculty and participating in hands-on activities can demystify complex subjects and build students’ confidence in their abilities to understand and contribute.
Identify Future Pathways
Our visiting scholars present both the challenges and rewards of their work, showing students potential career paths and the impact they can have on society.
Choose Your Presentation
Marine biologist Robert Prezant will use animals of the ocean to have students gain a deeper understanding of the link between form and function. From giant deep sea spiders to shallow water sharks, students will learn (and see first hand) how modified structures changed over time as organisms evolutionally adapted new life styles reflecting changes in their environments
Fish surveys involve identifying and counting fish species, which can be done using various methods ranging from seining, trapping, and/or angling. Since 2019, fish biodiversity data has been collected in NYC like never before through a new network of NYC fish enthusiasts and community scientists, and these practices carry on today. In the terrestrial realm, clay model caterpillars have been used by ecologists for years to document biodiversity on caterpillar predators such as birds and insects. At Farmingdale State College, Dr. Peter Park along with educators, biologists, and students have joined together to conduct biodiversity research using this approach to begin learning more about biodiversity on their college campus through student-focused, practical, experiential science.
In this investigation of evolutionary adaptation, with Dr. Peter Park, we will explore the story of why threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) have lost their pelvic (hip) spines, a paired fin present in most fishes. As told by one of the co-developers of the widely-used Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Stickleback Evolution Virtual Lab, participants learn the association between patterns of evolutionary change and known genetic mechanisms underlying pelvic reduction in living and fossil sticklebacks. Real preserved specimens and fossils along with virtual experiences (e.g., staining fish, prepping fossils) will be shared during this presentation.
Dr. LaNina N. Cooke will lead a discussion on memory, perception, and eyewitness testimony. They will get to test out the sharpness and accuracy of their own memory in real-life scenarios.
Oysters are ecological superheroes. They help filter the waters they live in and oyster reefs can provide homes for other organisms. Students will get a chance to learn about how oysters filter the water with a demo dissection to see the gills. Students will learn about the oyster life cycle, some of the organisms we might find living among oyster reefs and why there are efforts to restore oyster reefs. Depending on grade level, we will also discuss environmental and biological challenges to the oyster population.
Students will learn about perception through a series of social examples using their classroom space. The age-friendly examples will expose them to the field of forensic psychology.
Marine Biologist Joyce Lau will talk about her experience as a researcher in Antarctica where she was collecting Antarctic Dragonfish to try to gain a better understanding of how hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in blood cells) was lost in an evolutionarily related group of fish called icefish. This presentation would require a way to show pictures as she shares her experience of conducting field work in Antarctica and discusses biological life that is found and adapted to the Antarctic environment.
In this session, Italian-born Chiara De Santi from Tuscany will introduce elementary school students to Italian through various activities, such as songs, stories, short films, games, crafts, or drawing.
Italian-born Chiara De Santi will introduce students to her beloved home-region: Tuscany! Through a journey into food, festivals, and the arts, we will explore this beautiful region that has captured the imagination of travelers all around the world. The professor is also open to other presentations about Italy and its culture. Presentations can be delivered in English or in Italian.
In this lecture/workshop, Dr. Wei Shi will introduce students to one of the core writing skills in college education - crafting a thesis statement. Dr. Shi will use cases from political, social, and environmental contexts to guide students in developing logical and precise arguments.
This interactive workshop is designed to empower high school students (grades 9-12) with tools to enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills. Through hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving exercises, and open discussions, students will explore techniques for generating innovative ideas, analyzing complex situations, and applying critical thinking to everyday challenges. Participants will learn how to break down assumptions, identify bad prohibiting habits, think from multiple perspectives, and approach problems with curiosity and creativity.
This interactive workshop introduces students to the fundamentals of research, emphasizing why research is essential in understanding the world and making informed decisions. Students will explore the stages of research design, learn about different research methods, and practice formulating clear, effective research questions. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, participants will gain skills in identifying credible sources, designing basic research studies, and selecting appropriate methodologies. By the end of the workshop, students will have a toolkit for conducting meaningful research, empowering them to investigate topics they are passionate about with confidence and curiosity.
In this lecture/workshop, Dr. Roshanak Keyghobadi will introduce students to the historical importance of the Bauhaus art school. Students will work collaboratively on a project that is inspired by the Bauhaus curriculum.
In this lecture/workshop, Dr. Roshanak Keyghobadi will introduce students to the history of Collage. Students will have the opportunity to work on their own collage project using the techniques demonstrated.
Film professor Chiara De Santi will introduce students to Italian American gastronomy and family values in some of Martin Scorsese’s films, such as "It’s Not Just You, Murray" (1964), the feature films "Who’s That Knocking at My Door" (1967) and "Goodfellas" (1990), and the (auto)biographical documentary "Italianamerican" (1974). Short excerpts from the films will be screened throughout the presentation.
Dr. Yvonne Joseph shows an overview of the intuitive aspects of nursing that reach beyond technical skills and focus on communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Students will take a deep dive into the humanistic aspect of the profession using role-playing techniques to simulate real-life scenarios.
Through a blend of hands-on activities, case studies, and interactive simulations, Dr. Shannon Oliveri will lead students to explore critical thinking skills essential for patient care and decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork in nursing, while also incorporating STEM concepts to deepen their analytical abilities. By fostering both the emotional and cognitive aspects of nursing, this program prepares students for future roles in healthcare.
Join Dr Lynn Johnson and Professor Stephanie Zimmerman for this 1-hour presentation that will introduce you to the profession of nursing beginning with the Licensed Practical Nurse to Advanced Practice roles. Your hosts are two experienced nurses who have worked in various settings and scopes of practice. You will be introduced to several other practicing nurses who will describe “A Day in the Life”, working at their professional level. There will be opportunity for hands on skills at the end of the presentation.
Educating students on various career opportunities within nursing by examining the different roles available within the field.