Black History Month STEM display returns to Exploration Place
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Exploration Place is again partnering with The Kansas African-American Museum to present an outdoor display honoring African-American scientists and STEM leaders.
The giant portraits can be viewed from the path along the Arkansas River or from inside Exploration Place on Thursday nights when it is open until 8 p.m. Admission will not be required to view the display from the promenade.
Each week, the display will feature a photo, name, and a QR code that can be scanned to learn more about the STEM leaders and what they do. This year, each honoree has a connection to Wichita.
'This is our fourth year for this project, and our building is a great canvas for celebrating African-Americans' accomplishments in STEM fields,' said Adam Smith, Exploration Place President and CEO, in a news release. 'We've featured scientists from across history previously, but this year, we decided to focus on contemporary leaders connected specifically to Wichita.'
Amy Williams, interim executive director of The Kansas African American Museum, added that, 'We are incredibly proud to recognize each of these Kansas STEM Trailblazers and hope this display serves as a spark of inspiration for the next generation in our community.'
Annual Home Show underway at Century II
This year's honorees are:
Week 1: Roy Moye III, a trained aerospace engineer who is also a Grammy-nominated urban gospel singer, community leader and founder of STEMusic, combines music and STEM to reach diverse students.
Week 2: Sisters Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall, the creators and founders of WorkTorch. This hiring platform connects job seekers to service and skilled trade jobs in Wichita and the Kansas City area.
Week 3: Dr. Larry Mitnaul, a dual board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Wichita. His work takes a unique approach to community health by using technology, creativity and music to help connect with patients.
Week 4: Lakesha Bates, a Wichita native who is a leading engineer and technical branch head at NASA in-flight systems integration and testing, earning her multiple technical and supervisory awards.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
The promise and peril of a crewed Mars mission
A crewed mission to Mars would rank among the most complex and costly undertakings in human history -- and US President Donald Trump has vowed to make it a national priority. That political momentum, coupled with SpaceX chief Elon Musk's zeal, has breathed new life into a cause long championed by Red Planet advocates -- even as major obstacles remain, including Trump and Musk's latest feud. - Why go? - As NASA writes in its Moon to Mars blueprint, "exploration of the cosmos remains a great calling for humanity." A mission to Mars would pursue scientific objectives like determining whether Mars ever hosted life and charting the evolution of its surface, as well as answering broader space physics questions -- such as the history of the Sun through studying Martian soil. Geopolitics also looms large, as Trump has pledged to "plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond," invoking the "unlimited promise of the American dream." Critics, however, say cuts to NASA's science budget and the cancellation of key projects -- including the return of rock samples collected by the Perseverance rover -- are undermining the research mission. "The purpose of exploration is not just to go somewhere," Nobel-winning astrophysicist John Mather told AFP. "This is not a tourist thing. This is a fundamental knowledge thing." - Getting there - Musk is betting SpaceX's future on Starship, the largest rocket ever built, despite fiery failures in its nine test flights. He's aiming for an uncrewed launch by late 2026, timed with the next favorable Earth-Mars alignment. But the timeline is widely seen as optimistic: Starship has yet to land its upper stage or demonstrate in-orbit refueling -- both essential for deep space travel. Some experts believe the system is fundamentally sound, while others say it's too soon to judge. "A lot of the pertinent and relevant technical information... is not known to us," Kurt Polzin, chief engineer for NASA's space nuclear propulsion project, told AFP. He backs Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), which uses fission to heat hydrogen and generate thrust. NTP delivers "a lot of power in a very small package," Polzin said, eliminating the need for orbital refueling or fuel production on Mars. Astronauts would spend seven to nine months in a cramped spacecraft, exposed to intense space radiation beyond Earth's magnetosphere. Ideas to improve radiation shielding range from passive methods, like using dense materials, to active concepts such as plasma fields that deflect radiation, while drugs are being developed to reduce cell damage. Without a system to simulate gravity -- such as rotational spin -- crews would also need grueling exercise routines to counteract muscle and bone loss. Mental health is another concern. Growing plants aboard -- more for morale than sustenance -- has proved beneficial on the ISS. Communication delays further complicate matters. On the station, real-time data has helped prevent an average of 1.7 potentially fatal incidents per year, said Erik Antonsen, chair of NASA's human systems risk board -- but such communication will not be possible en route to Mars. - Life on Mars - Once on the surface, the uncertainties grow. Probes and rovers have found hints -- organic molecules, seasonal methane -- but no definitive signs of life. If it ever existed, it likely died out long ago. Still, Earth's own "extremophiles" offer intriguing clues -- from fungi that harness Chernobyl's radiation for energy, to microbes that survived 500,000 years in frozen stasis. "If they can survive here in extreme environments, we have every reason to suspect they can be on Mars," said NASA astrobiologist Jennifer Eigenbrode at the recent Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit. And while NASA has decided nuclear fission will power surface operations, other choices -- from crop selection to habitat design -- remain open. "Mars has a 24-hour, 39-minute day -- that small difference creates strain, increases stress, and reduces sleep quality," said Phnam Bagley, a space architect who designs for comfort and crew well-being -- critical factors in preventing conflict. The first trip would be around 500 days on the surface, but long-term colonization raises deeper questions. For instance, scientists don't yet know whether mammalian embryos can develop in low gravity -- or what childbirth on Mars would entail. "I think it's really important to take that seriously," said NASA's Antonsen. "Even if you don't plan on it happening, people are still going to have sex, and somebody might get pregnant. Then it becomes a medical issue." ia/jgc/acb
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Orano Opens Project IKE Office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Support Developing its American Uranium Enrichment Facility
New 40-person office in Oak Ridge leads the continuing development of Orano's planned multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility on restored Manhattan Project property. OAK RIDGE, Tenn., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Orano USA and more than 100 federal, state, business, and regional leaders recently marked a major milestone for Project IKE, the company's development of America's new multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting opening the company's office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Project IKE, the single largest investment in Tennessee's history, will advance America's low carbon energy future by producing enriched uranium to power today's nuclear reactors and next-generation designs, bolstering U.S. energy independence and national security. "Oak Ridge is where history meets the future," said Jean-Luc Palayer, CEO of Orano USA. "Today, we stand on historic ground—where American ingenuity first unlocked the power of the atom. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has correctly said that Artificial Intelligence is the Manhattan Project of our time. But we only lead in AI if we can power AI. With that in mind and with Project IKE here in Oak Ridge, we step forward on a new mission of equal consequence. We are developing an American enrichment facility that will fuel not just reactors, but the future—powering new technologies that will define the next century." The event included speeches marking the milestone by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, State Senator Ken Yager, and Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch. The enrichment facility's development is in line with President Trump's recent executive orders regarding nuclear energy, which are intended to revitalize and expand the U.S. nuclear industry, aiming to quadruple nuclear electricity production by 2050. "The announcement of a major global enrichment company opening its office in Oak Ridge, paired with President Trump's strong movement forward in nuclear energy, is about to change the world and change the world for the better," Governor Lee said. "Tennessee will lead this change." Palayer emphasized that applying Orano's 60 years of nuclear expertise in America and its proven centrifuge technology can enable a quicker ramp up for production of advanced nuclear fuels, including high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and low-enriched uranium (LEU/LEU+). "America needs new nuclear power," said Palayer. "The world needs new nuclear power. And new nuclear power needs Tennessee and Project IKE in Oak Ridge." Located less than 10 miles from Orano's selected Project IKE site near the Oak Ridge Horizon Center Industrial Park, this first group of office employees, including engineers, project managers, and licensing personnel, is in addition to the 300-person workforce expected to operate Orano's uranium enrichment facility. The new Oak Ridge office joins Orano's 15 other sites in the United States including manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, canister operations in Kentucky, nuclear medicine research in Texas, and headquarters in Maryland. Later this year, Orano is celebrating 60 years in the United States as one of the longest operating nuclear energy companies in the nation. For more than 40 years, Orano has reliably produced and supplied American reactors with enriched uranium. Orano's Project IKE is designed to continue this performance from an American facility to provide a reliable, significant, domestic nuclear fuel supply for U.S. advanced reactors and the existing reactor fleet. Orano's planned uranium enrichment center in Oak Ridge is designed as a multi-structure commercial production site covering approximately 750,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in America. Depending on federal funding and customers' support, the facility will produce LEU/LEU+ to fuel existing commercial nuclear energy reactors and, potentially, HALEU to help develop and power advanced reactors. Orano has already taken active steps to support the American market and foster energy independence by launching a 30% uranium enrichment capacity expansion at its operating Georges Besse 2 facility in France. Learn more about Orano's Project IKE and the uranium enrichment facility. About Orano USA: Based in Bethesda, Maryland, with global headquarters in Paris, France, Orano is a leading technology and services provider for the commercial and federal nuclear industries. Orano specializes in uranium mining/conversion/enrichment, advanced reactor services, used nuclear fuel management and recycling, decontaminating and decommissioning radioactive components and facilities, federal site clean-up and closure, and developing nuclear medicines to fight cancer. Media ContactsCurtis RobertsPress Officer(202) Thomas Graham Crosswind Media & Public Relations(512) 537-1414media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orano
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
'America's AI Arsenal Just Went Live': AI Insider Briefs Public on Secret Supercomputer Built by Musk
BALTIMORE, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A newly surfaced report from bestselling author and tech insider James Altucher outlines the existence of a massive U.S.-based artificial intelligence weapon — one that could redefine America's global standing in the AI arms race. According to Altucher, the project — code-named Project Colossus — is being built by Elon Musk's company xAI, in coordination with recent policy changes made by the Trump administration. Housed in a low-profile facility in Memphis, Tennessee, Altucher says this machine is already operational — and growing more powerful by the day. 'The Fastest Supercomputer on the Planet' The briefing claims the facility is equipped with 200,000 cutting-edge AI chips, making it the most powerful computing center in the Western Hemisphere. 'It contains not just one or two… but 200,000 units of Nvidia's all-powerful AI chips… making it the most advanced AI facility known to man.' 'The fastest supercomputer on the planet.' — Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO Altucher notes that Musk plans to expand this further in the coming weeks, with rumors of additional hardware that could multiply its power tenfold. Trump Cleared the Runway The report links the timing of Project Colossus to a major political shift. On Day 1 of his second term, Donald Trump reversed Biden-era restrictions on AI development. 'In one of his FIRST acts as President… Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110.' Altucher claims this decision allowed developers like Musk to operate 'without red tape or delay' — accelerating America's path toward dominance in the next generation of AI systems. Altucher: This Is 'Artificial Superintelligence' Altucher describes this moment not as another software release — but a seismic shift in how technology operates. 'This second wave of ARTIFICIAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE… Will rival all of the great innovations of the past. Electricity… the wheel… even the discovery of fire.' His report urges Americans to understand what's unfolding — not just in Silicon Valley, but in unmarked warehouses like the one now powering Project Colossus. About James Altucher James Altucher is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and author who has worked on AI projects for over 40 years. A former IBM consultant and Wall Street technologist, he now focuses on breaking down emerging tech developments for a general audience. His latest briefing examines how Artificial Superintelligence is reshaping U.S. strategy and infrastructure. Media Contact:Derek WarrenPublic Relations ManagerParadigm Press GroupEmail: dwarren@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
