Plans to develop a scientific research and technical arts and sciences campus by ANDRO Computational Solutions at the Beeches Professional Campus was the subject of a meeting Thursday.
The first stage of Project Fibonacci is a conference this summer where students will learn about STEAM-related topics with guest speakers.
The conference will be open to juniors in high school through seniors in college, organizers told the crowd assembled on Thursday.
STEAM is based on STEM, which is science, engineering, technology and math, but with the arts added to the mix.
The conference, July 31 to Aug. 6, will blend science and art themes, organizers said.
Each day will include a complement of instructors and authorities on various topics, organizers added, and tours will be arranged to off-site
locations, including an art museum, scientific research centers, and music production studios to maximize student learning.
Anticipated speakers include: astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson; Dr. David Eagleman, author of book series and host of PBS series “The Brain;” former astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon; and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
“Our ultimate goal is to promote the next waves of young scholars and productive citizens by positively motivating and enlightening them, and to enable our youth to deal more effectively with the challenges of an ever-increasingly complex and diverse world,” states conference promotional material.
On Thursday, the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce presented an oversized, symbolic $5,000 check to support the conference.
Additional sponsors are being sought for the conference.
Organizers hope the program will become an annual event.
Project Fibonacci is named after the Middles Ages mathematician Leonardo Bonacci, whose nickname was Fibonacci.
