SIU Medicine sparks curiosity at Back-to-School Bash
At a time when backpacks are being filled and pencils are freshly sharpened, SIU Medicine graduate students and faculty offered something a little different at this year’s Back to School Bash: hands-on science experiments and games that made kids' eyes light up and imaginations take off.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s annual event transformed Union Square Park into a lively hub of activities, animals, books and community services, all focused on helping families ease into the upcoming school year. Among the crowd were several SIU Medicine representatives who brought unique approaches to learning, health and outreach.
Under a modest tent, young students participated in scientific experiments using dry ice, a real sheep’s brain and a mini-volcano. These interactive exhibits were the brainchild of SIU’s newly formed Cancer Awareness Group, made up of MBBS graduate students Sean Hicks, Kehinde Afolabi, Asmita Sharma, Iqra Ahmed and others. Their goal: to inspire curiosity in science and help kids imagine themselves as future problem-solvers in medicine and research.
“There’s so much power in learning through doing,” said Hicks. “We wanted to give kids a chance to ask questions, learn and discover how things work through a hands-on approach.”
Just steps away, Dr. Shadi Bsat, a pediatric and adult neurosurgeon at SIU Medicine, hosted another engaging booth focused on brain safety and child development. Through fun, kid-friendly games, Dr. Bsat educated families on the importance of helmet use, while also sharing vital resources for parents on seizures and developmental milestones. His presence reinforced the event’s broader message: preparing for school also means nurturing children’s long-term health and well-being.
Together, the students’ booth and Dr. Bsat’s exhibit showcased the breadth of SIU Medicine’s mission — from sparking early interest in science to delivering expert care and guidance to families. By blending curiosity, education and medical insight, both efforts reflect SIU’s commitment to improving health across central and southern Illinois through community engagement, innovation and locally rooted research.
With events like the Back-to-School Bash, those connections come to life. Surrounded by first responders, hair stylists, library staff and local organizations, the SIU graduate student volunteers stood alongside a mobile STEM bus and health department booths, offering a hands-on example of how science can be both accessible and exciting.
And for a few young visitors, that spark of curiosity might be the first step on their own path toward healing, discovery or even a future career in science.
