Event 2: "Best of" Midterms

For my second event, I watched about 10 students present their midterm proposals. There were a variety of proposals all including the interrelations between the arts and math, science, robotics, and/or medical technology. Overall, it was a very insightful and inspiring event. If this event were to happen again in the future, I would highly recommend to attend since it provided such outstanding information that led to great discussion. 



As for the actual presentations, a few really stood out to me: Sol Art and the Immortality Pill. Sol Art's goal is to promote preservation of the environment. Its vision is to continue the work already being done with solar conservation using a new appealing approach to it; Sol Art comprises of solar panels covered in images and design rather than the basic bulky looking model. I thought this was a great idea because not only will it help improve our world and get more people involved with limiting greenhouse gas emissions, but also allow people to show their creative side through design of the actual panels. The panels would be covered in film that is able to be turned on or off depending on UV's. I really liked this pitch because it seemed very doable, and that people are more likely to buy or use something if they can, in some way, control or design it. I felt like this presentation was the best one that I saw that clearly demonstrated artistic features.







The Immortality Pill pitch was also very intriguing to me. This pill prolongs human life by fifteen years at a time by using skin care drugs such as retinoid and glycolic acid. The Immortality Pill will make the person consuming it look younger and also cure many diseases like cancer and diabetes. While at first glance this might seem like an awesome solution to death, it brought up many concern with me. The presenter explained how the pill would be fairly inaccessible to anyone not considered wealthy, only adding to our society's current healthcare disparities. Along with that, I question whether it is ethical or not to live forever because like the presenter said, it implies that seemingly, there is no meaning to life. Personally, I do not think I would take the pill. However, if it actually could reverse those diseases, maybe rather than using it on only a few to keep them alive forever, the Immortality Pill should be distributed to everyone in need of a cure.



I am glad I went to this event and got to see the other student's proposals. It was also fun responding to all of the presentations with clapping emojis, party symbols, and good questions. 



Resources

Bilici, Andra, and Agora Experts. “Tips for Artists in Quarantine: A Guide to Social Distancing.” Agora Gallery - Advice Blog, 10 July 2020, www.agora-gallery.com/advice/blog/2020/04/15/tips-for-artists-in-quarantine-a-guide-to-social-distancing/.

“Copy & Paste Codes.” Clapping Hands Emoji (U+1F44F), www.iemoji.com/view/emoji/72/smileys-people/clapping-hands.

“How to Crash Your Own Presentation: 10 Techniques and Other Small Tricks.” GalChimia, 31 Aug. 2018, www.galchimia.com/how-to-crash-your-own-presentation/.

Jaliman, Debra. “Retinoid Treatment for Skin Problems: Acne, Wrinkles, & More.” WebMD, WebMD, 17 May 2019, www.webmd.com/beauty/retinoid-gel-and-cream-treatments#1.

Rischar, Posted by Haley. “New California Rule Will Facilitate the Recycling of Solar Panels.” Waste Today, Waste Today, 15 Dec. 2020, www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/new-california-rule-will-facilitate-the-recycling-of-solar-panels/.

Subramanian, Ramnath. “A Prescription of Diet and Exercise Should Precede Pills.” El Paso Times, El Paso Times, 24 Sept. 2019, www.elpasotimes.com/story/opinion/2019/09/24/prescription-diet-and-exercise-should-precede-pills-subramanian/2421755001/.

Than, Ker. “The Ethical Dilemmas of Immortality.” LiveScience, Purch, 23 May 2006, www.livescience.com/10465-ethical-dilemmas-immortality.html.


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