STEM-Day Hackathon

CIMST Students Lead Mini-Hackathon at CSU STEM Day 2026

The Center for STEM Education and Research (CSER) successfully organized its annual STEM Day: Access to Your Future event on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Chicago State University. The event brought together faculty, students, and high school participants for a full day of interactive STEM activities, presentations, and engagement.

The event featured a variety of activities including a STEM success panel, laboratory tours, breakout sessions, and student presentations, all designed to inspire and support future STEM pathways.

A large group of people seated at round tables as someone speaks at a podium during STEM-Day Hackathon

A key highlight of the event was the Computer Science mini-hackathon, organized and led by undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST). The hackathon provided high school students with hands-on exposure to problem-solving, coding, and collaborative innovation in a supportive and engaging environment.

This initiative was encouraged and supported by Mohammad Abdus Salam, Professor and Chairman of the CIMST Department, who motivated both undergraduate and graduate students to take leadership in organizing and delivering the mini-hackathon.

Six students sitting at computers while listening to a professor

A wide-angle, eye-level photo of a large conference room filled with students attending the STEM-Day Hackathon The CIMST team also hosted an exhibit table and participated in departmental presentations, showcasing academic programs and research opportunities in computer science, mathematics, and technology. Their efforts played a vital role in connecting with prospective students and demonstrating the department’s strengths.

Chicago State University President Z. Scott speaks with a group of students in an engaging conversation.

At the STEM-Day Hackathon, a group of Chicago State University students pose with Dean Mark Smith and CIMST chair Dr. Mohammad Salam.

The event was widely regarded as a great success. In recognition of CIMST’s contributions, Tara Baldridge, Associate Director CSER shared the following message of appreciation:

*“Dr. Salam: On behalf of CSER, I thank you for your enthusiastic participation in our STEM Day event last Friday. I appreciate that we can always count on you to highlight the CIMST department to its full potential. You and your team did an exceptional job throughout the event—from your exhibit table and presentation to the engaging mini-hackathon!

Thank you for supporting this event and bringing Computer Science, Mathematics, and Technology to Chicago high school students!”*

This successful collaboration highlights CIMST’s continued commitment to community engagement, student mentorship, and promoting STEM education among underrepresented high school students in Chicago.