CIMST Brings Virtual Reality to the Fifth Annual South Side Science Festival

The Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) at Chicago State University participated in the fifth annual South Side Science Festival, held on October 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Chicago.

Organized under the theme “Where Science Is for Everyone,” the free community festival welcomed children, families, students, and science enthusiasts for a day of discovery and hands-on learning. The 2026 festival featured approximately 130 demonstrations presented by more than 600 students, faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and staff.

CIMST hosted an informational and interactive booth to strengthen Chicago State University’s presence within the South Side community and introduce visitors to the department’s academic programs in computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, library and information science, and technology.

A major attraction at the CIMST booth was the Meta Quest 3 demonstration. Young visitors had opportunities to experience virtual and mixed-reality technologies and learn how these tools are being used in education, computing, entertainment, research, and other professional fields. The activity was designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to explore future educational and career opportunities in computer science and emerging technologies.

A young boy wearing a green Chicago State hat and a black hoodie leans against a University of Chicago yard sign for the South Side Science Festival.

Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, professor and chair of CIMST, organized CSU’s participation and coordinated the department’s booth. Computer Science graduate students Ozgur Gurbuz and Adams Dari volunteered throughout the event, assisting visitors and sharing information about CIMST’s programs and technology initiatives. Ibrahim Abdussalam, Dr. Salam’s youngest son, also volunteered and helped welcome and engage festival participants.

A group of people stand next to Chicago State's table outside while two young children try out virtual reality headsets. A crowd of festival attendees can be seen in the background.

A man wearing a blue jacket tries out a virtual reality headset with others watching nearby.

Two volunteers for South Side Science Festival watch as a child tries out a virtual reality headset.

A CIMST student volunteer smiles and looks on as children gather to try a virtual reality headset.

CIMST’s participation reflected Chicago State University’s commitment to community engagement, accessible STEM education, and the development of future generations of scientists, technologists, and innovators. By combining academic-program information with an interactive technology experience, the department helped demonstrate that science and computing can be engaging, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

In the foreground on the left stands a tall, green CSU banner for CIMST. In the background, students from CIMST, the CIMST department chair and children pose behind a table with swag items.

For additional information, visit the South Side Science Festival website.