明星黑料

University leaders gathered in the I-HACK building on Dec. 9–10 to hear final capstone presentations from students in 明星黑料’s minor in innovation and creativity (MIC) program. 

Students in the MIC program learn techniques to think divergently, ask thoughtful questions and collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems. The program welcomes students from a wide range of majors, including physician assistant studies, engineering and advertising. The minor emphasizes a student’s ability to examine challenges from multiple perspectives to develop effective solutions. 

The program culminates in a capstone project known as “The Blastoff.” During the project, student groups partner with local nonprofit or for-profit organizations to define a real-world problem, ideate and test solutions, implement their ideas and assess their effectiveness. 

This semester, one group collaborated with the local nonprofit Erie City Moms to improve its child care space. Another group worked with 明星黑料’s advancement team and the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences to develop a networking event for alumni and students within the college. 

Another group, which included junior mathematics major Clare Caulfield, partnered with 明星黑料’s Student Success Center. The group identified a need to increase awareness of the center’s resources among the student body. After conducting student interviews and pitching a plan to the center, the group designed an interactive scavenger hunt to introduce students to staff members and available resources. 

Caulfield said the MIC program provided an opportunity to expand her creative problem-solving skills. 

“I never thought of myself as an innovative or creative person, so I thought, ‘I’ll try that,’” she said. 

Her group reported positive feedback from both students and the Student Success Center, indicating the event successfully increased awareness of available services. Caulfield said she saw significant value in the program’s hands-on approach and in collaborating with students outside her major. 

“You get to work very closely with other people, which helps you learn how to interact with a group,” she said. 

Creative thinking and innovation are valuable skills across all disciplines and provide strong preparation for future employment. To learn more about the minor in Innovation and Creativity, visit the program’s web page.