STEM Commons provides mentoring and camaraderie to students, faculty

Wayne State science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students and faculty have a new place to call home on campus. The STEM Commons, a 10,000-square-foot collaborative learning and gathering space, opened its doors to the campus community this semester. The space welcomed more than 1,000 visitors during its first week open.

Located on the first floor of the Science and Engineering Library, the STEM Commons was created to integrate students into Wayne State's robust research community through peer mentoring and greater access to faculty, and to play host to social events and networking opportunities.

"We envision this space as a 'collaboratorium' for students and faculty who are interested in STEM," said Karen Myhr, STEM Commons facilitator and assistant professor of biology. "This is a comfortable space that belongs to everyone. In addition to connecting students with research and career opportunities, the commons encourages interdisciplinary interactions that may not happen otherwise."

STEM faculty can use the space to host alternative weekly office hours as well as present their research at one of several planned speaker series.

Students are welcome to use the venue for casual study sessions with friends, meetings with trained peer mentors or to simply hang out in the lounge area. Organizers will also host review sessions and "Brain Game" hours.

The STEM Commons is a joint effort between the Office of the Provost, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering.

An open house and reception will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, with brief remarks at 3 p.m.

Learn more about the STEM Commons and how you can get involved.