The Advanced Science Research Center at The Graduate Center, CUNY, Opens a New Science Education Center to the Public

The Harlem-based IlluminationSpace seeks to spur young people’s interest in STEM careers and provide a public view to research taking place at the ASRC

Illumination Space logoNEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2018 – The Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center of The City University of New York (GC/CUNY) has opened the IlluminationSpace, a new science education resource center for New York City schools, families and young people. The facility features a variety of interactive exhibits and offers conversations with scientists that help visitors explore the ASRC’s five distinct, but increasingly interconnected disciplines—environmental science, nanoscience, neuroscience, photonics and structural biology).

Located in Harlem, the IlluminationSpace aims to inspire more young people to pursue careers in STEM fields and give New York City residents an understanding of the research taking place at the ASRC—The Graduate Center’s cutting-edge scientific research and education facility. The exhibits include headsets that read visitors’ brainwaves; an extreme-weather simulation that engages visitors in decision-making and shows the resulting environmental outcomes; a station that shows how the manipulation of light enables technologies that we use every day; and more.

“There are a lot of talented young people with an interest in science and technology in New York City, but they don’t have a clear view of how their curiosity can translate to successful careers,” said Camille Santistevan, associate director of public relations for the ASRC. “The IlluminationSpace will show them what’s possible, and that there is an affordable, public, world-class research institution in their own backyard where they can study to become a part of the next generation of scientists and technologists.”

The ASRC promotes a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture with renowned researchers from each of the five initiatives working side by side in the ASRC’s core facilities, sharing equipment that is among the most advanced available.

“The ASRC is a world-class facility that draws researchers from around the country and across the globe,” said Joshua Brumberg, dean of the sciences at GC/CUNY. “In four short years, our scientists have realized several groundbreaking discoveries, including the development of synthetic melanin, potential new approaches to cloaking technology and advances in understanding Alzheimer’s. We want New Yorkers to know about the exciting science that their dollars are helping to support, and the IlluminationSpace provides a window onto this work.”

Educators and the general public interested in visiting the IlluminationSpace can learn more here.

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Organizational Attribution

Our correct name is the Advanced Science Research Center at The Graduate Center of The City University of New York. For the purpose of space, Advanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY is acceptable. On second reference, ASRC is correct. 

About the Advanced Science Research Center

The ASRC at The Graduate Center elevates scientific research and education at CUNY and beyond through initiatives in five distinctive, but increasingly interconnected disciplines: environmental sciences, nanoscience, neuroscience, photonics, and structural biology. The ASRC promotes a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture with renowned researchers from each of the initiatives working side-by-side in the ASRC’s core facilities, sharing equipment that is among the most advanced available.

About The Graduate Center of The City University of New York

The Graduate Center of The City University of New York (CUNY) is a leader in public graduate education devoted to enhancing the public good through pioneering research, serious learning, and reasoned debate. The Graduate Center offers ambitious students more than 40 doctoral and master’s programs of the highest caliber, taught by top faculty from throughout CUNY—the nation’s largest public urban university. Through its nearly 40 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), The Graduate Center influences public policy and discourse and shapes innovation. The Graduate Center’s extensive public programs make it a home for culture and conversation.

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