Storr + Steelcase Education Symposium

Join the Storr Education team for a series of lively presentations where you can gain insights and even provide YOUR thoughts on the status of education today. 

 Don't miss this fun and educational event! 

Learn more about the presentations

"Design Thinking & Creativity in Education Environments" presentation by Sudhakar Lahade of Steelcase

 When you ask “what is design thinking about?" you will hear many different answers. Some say it is about finding the right problems to solve for, others say divergent and convergent thinking - even storytelling. During this session we will explore and experience various aspects of design thinking in a collaborative, hands-on and fast paced manner! 

“Making Smart Choices with Few Resources” presentation by Meagan Kittle Autry, Ph.D. of William Peace University

The design of educational spaces is important to students' learning experience, but in these times of lean higher education budgets, learning space redesigns can be difficult projects to undertake. In this talk, Dr. Meagan Kittle Autry will describe the approach that William Peace University has taken in recent years to make smart educational space design choices with few resources to invest soundly in its students. She will cover how to collaborate effectively with faculty, develop discipline-specific spaces, and incorporate nearly-universal strategies that could work at almost any institution.

"Making Space for STEM" presentation by Erin Denniston of Orange County Schools 

Doing research on a computer rather than in a library does not make school more interesting. Doing worksheets, whether on paper or online, doesn’t encourage students to want to come to school, especially students who struggle academically. But a working in a MakerSpace? That’s intriguing. A MakerSpace may include a 3D printer but it also includes hammers and nails. It may include computers to use with 3D modeling software and computer programming but also clamps and glues. Next to the craft materials and recycled items may rest Arduinos or other robotics. In short, this is not your grandfather’s workshop. Making requires an expanded skill set, beyond just being able to read, write and do math. It involves spatial thinking, the ability to model solutions and a creative mindset. Solving problems, building solutions and developing new skills is empowering and can inspire students to want to keep trying. Success in a MakerSpace is built on effort. 

Learn more about our speakers

Sudhakar Lahade is an architect and innovative design thinker, engages in complex problem solving. He is a thought leader on human-centered design, human factors research, innovation, creativity and collaboration. He inspires and stimulates groups and energizes individuals with his thought process.  

 Dr. Meagan Kittle Autry is the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at William Peace University, where her portfolio includes management of academic learning spaces. She is also a Teaching Assistant Professor of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State, where she teaches graduate courses in technical and research communication. She has taught at every level of higher education, from first-year composition to doctoral completion courses. 

 Erin Denniston is an experienced teacher with more than 30 years of experience in education. She created and delivered high quality and inquiry driven STEM enrichment labs for students in grades K-5 in what would now be referred to as a MakerSpace. In her current role as the District STEM Facilitator with Orange County Schools, Ms. Denniston serves as the district instructional leader for STEM education, which includes providing intensive instructional support to teachers, students and administration on STEM integration.