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�鶹��ѡ was invited by the Ohio Dept. of Higher Education and Chancellor Mike Duffey to participate in the Opening Day of the 2024 Ohio State Fair on July 24. The day’s theme was “Explore and Discover Your Healthy Space at �鶹��ѡ.”

�鶹��ѡ President Todd Diacon, Ph.D., �鶹��ѡstudents, faculty and staff from the Office of the President, the Office of Government and Community Relations, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Nursing, joined Kent State's mascot Flash, in welcoming visitors to the university’s exhibition areas.

Exploring Space and Other Planets

Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering offered visitors to the booth the opportunity to immerse themselves in a virtual reality space environment while exploring the outer reaches of Earth’s atmosphere and beyond.

Other activities included operating remote-controlled robots to explore extraterrestrial terrain and remotely piloting mini drones (within a netted and controlled environment) just like NASA astronauts will do to further explore the surface of Mars.

The demonstrations and activities were hosted by current students, faculty and staff of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at �鶹��ѡ, including the dean of the college, Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D.

Hands-On Healthcare Experiences

Current students, faculty and staff from Kent State’s College of Nursing guided curious fairgoers through an immersive healthcare demonstration with a high-fidelity mannequin, which will showcase technology that can address and promote better health through simulation, communication and education in their community.

This interactive simulation allowed participants to walk into the learning area and identify hazards such as a cigarette pack in the bed, pop bottles nearby, tripping hazards when using the walker, and high-sugar foods within reach.

Visitors also were able to assess the simulated patient (with the medical equipment). The takeaway learning from this demonstration can lead to discussions about what health initiatives are important to contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Meeting With Government Officials

The �鶹��ѡattendees were also fortunate enough to have Chancellor Duffey spend some time in the booth learning more about the university's programs. He also posed for a picture with President Diacon and Flash the mascot.

Nick Gattozi, executive director of government and community relations in Kent State’s Office of Government and Community Relations, said “�鶹��ѡis meeting the workforce needs of Ohio. The state fair and our booth offered a great opportunity to showcase two of our colleges that are producing career-ready graduates in nursing and aerospace for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.” 

“While at the fair, President Diacon had the opportunity to speak with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine about the university and to thank him for his support of higher education, said Gatozzi. “Additionally, the president met with Lt. Governor Jon Husted and shared with him our �鶹��ѡstory.”

The Ohio State Fair takes place at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. This year’s fair ran from July 24 through Aug. 4.