So much fun to have our friend retired NASA STEM Coordinator Shannon McConnell visit us at the Mesquite Works STEAM Center for our first Science STEAM Chat episode. We talked rocket propulsion, tidal locked orbits, loving Pluto, Google Earth and preparing for a career in aero space among a load of other science related topics. Learn more about Shannon by clicking here.

Today, Bailey joins us to share exciting news about the November learning opportunities at the Mesquite Works STEAM Center. With our new spaces opening up, both youth and adults have even more ways to connect, explore, and learn at our vibrant center. Whether you're a learner or a volunteer, we invite you to join in the fun! We offer a robust WiFi connection to the world and engaging new learning components, supported by our talented staff. If you’re anywhere between 0 and 100 years old, we are the place for learning in the Virgin Valley!

Join a class now by clicking here.

In our inaugural episode of 'What’s Shaking at the STEAM Center This Month,' Director Nikki Meador joins us to dive into the exciting expansion efforts underway. We'll explore how the new space and state-of-the-art learning gadgets are set to enhance our programs and impact growth. Plus, get the scoop on all the happenings at the STEAM Center this October 2024!

Click here to learn more and get schedules.

On this episode of STEAM Chat, Art Host Soul Green brings together her high school performing arts friends, Cameron and Kurt, for a lively and thought-provoking deep dive into the world of modern art. For 45 captivating minutes, they explore the complexities, interpretations, and emotional impact of modern artistic movements, while also weaving in humorous and insightful tangents about their favorite movies, cartoons, and other creative interests. Their conversation is a rich blend of nostalgia, expertise, and passion for the arts, making this episode both engaging and relatable to listeners of all backgrounds.

The Mesquite Works STEAM Chat podcast is proud to present our third Art focused episode with our Art podcaster Soul Green. Soul has been thinking creativity out of the box and has invited Amy Anderson as their guest to talk about new home architecture. Tagging along on this chat is our friend Bethany Overland-Green,

New home architecture is considered an art for several reasons, intertwining aesthetics, functionality, and cultural expression. In essence, new home architecture embodies the fusion of artistic vision and practical application, creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspire and uplift those who inhabit them. This holistic approach to design, where aesthetics, functionality, and cultural significance are intertwined, is what elevates architecture to the status of art.

And yes, the subject of a splash pad in a house does come up.

Listen and enjoy. Thank you.

Our Art podcast host Sasha Green welcomes local seamstress Rachel Washington to the studio for a chat about fashion creativity in the theatre.

Learn more about Rachel at: https://www.desertducktailoring.com/

I pause to call myself an artist because what I really love about sewing is math and problem solving.

I learned how to sew in summer of 2003 while my elementary school was offering day care classes that taught painting, cooking, and among other crafts, sewing. Since learning how to thread a needle, I immediately started embroidering smiley faces and hearts onto my jeans and taking on projects from scratch. In high school, my electives were centered on sewing as my school offered one of the few high schools level fashion design programs in the state of California. I studied clothing construction and painting simultaneously through high school and college as I enjoyed fulfilling my passion for art and creativity.

Since leaving my hometown, my passion has continued as I have either worked for or volunteered for various theater groups, costume companies or have been employed independently as a tailor or seamstress by myself. During the time that I lived in Utah I was also enrolled at Salt Lake City Community College for Fashion Design, which better equipped me with patterning skills and fit troubleshooting knowledge. These jobs together with the study that I have in tailoring has introduced me to many different sewing practices that make me more comfortable and confident in my craft today.

After moving to the Mesquite area, Scenic AZ to be exact, I’ve been inspired by what a welcoming and encouraging place this is to live! My most memorable experience to date has been the amazing time that I had volunteering with Virgin Valley Youth Players at the Mesquite Community Theater in summer of 2022 for two incredible junior productions they produced. Helping their team with their costuming was an absolute joy and I am excited to continue to build a relationship with our local Virgin Valley community!

I believe that tailoring is not a service common to the modern-day wardrobe because as mass manufacturing has crept into our closets, the balance between the cost of the garment and the cost of the alterations has been affected. In addition, overhead prices of other tailors recently has further driven many away from custom alterations. I strive to offer competitive pricing as I work from home with my border collie as my supervisor, surpassing many typical business overhead costs! My goal is to provide the residents of Mesquite and its surrounding areas with the confidence of feeling like their favorite garments were made just for them whether it's making clothing bigger, smaller, repair or customization. I can’t wait to find out what fiber anomaly will grow my skills next and Desert Duck Tailoring is the perfect platform. Thank you for giving this a read.

Join us as we sit down with Nicandro Iñiguez Jimenez, an electromechanical engineer and operator at SIAPA, the highest governing body of the intermunicipal system of drinking water and sewage services in Mexico. Nicandro discusses the significance of pursuing engineering careers and sheds light on environmental stewardship. Tune in as we delve into his insights on engineering, environmental responsibility, and more.

Únete a nosotros mientras nos sentamos con Nicandro Iñiguez Jimenez, un ingeniero electromecánico y operador en SIAPA, el órgano rector más importante del sistema intermunicipal de servicios de agua potable y alcantarillado en México. Nicandro discute la importancia de seguir carreras en ingeniería y arroja luz sobre la responsabilidad ambiental. Sintonízanos mientras exploramos sus ideas sobre ingeniería, responsabilidad ambiental y más.

Mesquite Works STEAM Chat was honored to host Shannon McConnell for a stimulating conversation about her career journey at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab that cemented her love for STEM education which then culminated in her appointment as the Education and Public Engagement Lead for NASA’s Deep Space Network.

We talk about the many projects she was part of: Magellan, Space Shuttle, Cassini, TOPEX/Poseidon, Galileo,

also artificial intelligence, her lead role in NASA collaboration with K-12 education and why there could be no STEA without Mathematics.

Learn more about Shannon: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/we-are-nasa-shannon-mcconnell-education-public-engagement-lead-nasas-deep-space-network-dsn/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mcconnell-96a8a530/

https://onegiantleapfoundation.com.au/team-archive/shannon-mcconnell/