WestFest is made possible thanks to funding from the Ohio State Energy Partners, the volunteer efforts of the WestFest Planning Committee, and the amazing content and contributions from our WestFest Partners.
2022 Ohio State Exhibitors
- Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center. For thirty years the mission of the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC) has been to collect, preserve, reproduce, and distribute resources related to the plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) for use in research and education. Arabidopsis is an important plant model and results from Arabidopsis research inform research and development in other living systems including crop plants, animals, and even humans. Arabidopsis is also used by schools and universities to demonstrate key science concepts and for student research projects.
- Arne Slettlebak Planetarium
- Biological Sciences Greenhouse. The Biological Sciences Greenhouse Facility houses an insectary, two research laboratories, a growth chamber area and a preparation room in addition to 15,120 square feet of teaching and research greenhouse space. The facility primarily serves departments within the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Biomedical Engineering Society Student Organization. As The Ohio State University chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), our mission is to collaborate with the local biomedical community to provide our members with peer mentorship, social, community outreach, and professional development opportunities. We support and welcome any undergraduate students who are interested in the rapidly growing healthcare/medical device field, whether they are pursuing industry, further education, or medical school.
- Buckeye Language Network Language Pod. The Buckeye Language Network Language Pod at the Columbus Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is dedicated to the study of language and the dissemination of knowledge about language sciences. COSI is the only science center in the country that has working research laboratories housed within its walls, allowing visitors firsthand exposure to the research process.
- Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. The Byrd Center does work in Earth’s ice-covered regions and uses tools to understand our planet’s climate. We will have activities to explore as well as tours of our facility.
- Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention/Food Science & Technology. Our mission is to advance food safety systems that protect public health by preventing foodborne illness. Our vision is a food system that consistently delivers safe, affordable, and nutritious food.
- College of Pharmacy. The mission of Generation Rx is to educate people of all ages about the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications. In doing so, we strive to enhance medication safety for all ages.
- Department of Astronomy
- Department of Biomedical Education & Anatomy. Through the Anatomy Outreach Program, the OSU Division of Anatomy embraces its mission to enhance anatomical knowledge and appreciation of the human body. With anatomy educational outreach we hope to increase student interest in anatomy and STEM through participation and engagement in group discussion and hands-on experiences.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology/Adams Lab. Curious about what those gals marching one by one across the sidewalk might be up to? Ever thought “Gee, I sure do wonder what those ants might smell like”? Join the Adams Mega Ant Lab for answers to all these questions and more as we talk about Ohio’s tiniest movers and shakers: the ants!
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. OSU’s Horticulture & Crop Science Department combines hands on science with plants of all types from soybeans to strawberries to flowers to turfgrass. Come grow with us!
- Department of Mathematics. BAMM: Buckeye Aha! Math Moments is the outreach program from the Department of Mathematics at The Ohio State University. The initiative seeks to increase the public awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of mathematics.
- Department of Microbiology/Sullivan Lab. Children will be immersed in the microscopic world of phages, viruses that infect bacteria, through an interactive stand where they will learn about the importance of phages and get to build their own model phage to take home.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Zebra Fish Facility. Stop by our booth to learn more about how model organisms, like zebrafish, can teach us about human development and disease.
- Department of Plant Pathology. Plants Get Sick Too! Learn about plant diseases and the work of “plant doctors” to keep our food and trees healthy.
- Infectious Disease Institute. The Infectious Diseases Institute at Ohio State is an interdisciplinary research organization dedicated to combating the effects of microbes on the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment.
- Ohio 4-H STEM. Clovers CODE – Come to the Ohio 4-H mobile design lab and see technology and computer science activities. We help youth content creators rather than content consumers with technology.
- OSU 4-Paws for Ability. Our OSU 4 Paws volunteers provide basic training and socialization to service dogs in training, raise awareness and advocate for the disabled community, and fundraise for our parent organization.
- Orton Geological Museum. The Orton Geological Museum is home to thousands of Earth treasures. We concentrate on the rocks, minerals, and fossils of Ohio, but have specimens from all over the world.
- SACNAS Chapter OSU. The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists, from college students to professionals, to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science. Our Ohio State Chapter brings together and supports scientist from across our campus.
- Sustainability Institute. The Sustainability Institute collaborates with academic and operations units across the university to advance sustainability and resilience scholarship and activities. We aim to establish Ohio State as a leader in sustainability research and applications; educate and empower students; accelerate campus sustainability and living lab opportunities; grow resources to support these efforts; and catalyze a culture of sustainability.
- W8LT, Amaterur Radio Club. W8LT is the Amateur Radio station at OSU. It has been in operation since the 1920s.
2022 Community Exhibitors
- Columbus Audubon. We are a non-partisan grassroots organization that promotes conservation. We believe what is good for our treasured birds is good for people too.
- Grange Insurance Audubon Center. The Grange Insurance Audubon Center increases environmental awareness through education programs and events. The Audubon Center also serves as a model for sustainable design thereby promoting the economic, health and aesthetic benefits of green building. Students and visitors alike can learn first-hand the benefits of “going green.” The center also offers volunteering opportunities in addition to educational programs and events.
- ENGIE. Ohio State Energy Partners is helping The Ohio State University reach its energy conservation goals while strengthening academic resources and programming for students and faculty. ENGIE North America and Axium Infrastructure joined forces in 2017 to form Ohio State Energy Partners. The partnership operates the systems that heat, cool and distribute power to the university’s Columbus campus.
- For the Love of Primates. For the Love of Primates is a nonprofit organization that seeks to establish a sanctuary in Central Ohio for primates retired from laboratory research or previously kept as pets. They also actively work to educate the community about primates and the conservation and animal welfare issues they face around the world.
- Franklin Park Conservatory. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. The Conservatory offers numerous natural experiences for all ages to enjoy. Generations have been creating memories that last a lifetime since 1993.
- Ohio Academy of Science. The Ohio Academy of Science was founded in 1891 to promote science and science education in Ohio. The Academy conducts numerous pre-college student-programs to encourage STEM education and to provide venues where student-scientists can interact with other students and scientists from across Ohio.
- Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to delivering exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
- Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. SWACO is your community resource for waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and safe disposal in Franklin County. We are dedicated to helping families, residents, businesses, schools, events, and government partners in our District reduce waste and increase diversion.
2022 Tour Locations
- Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center. For thirty years the mission of the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC) has been to collect, preserve, reproduce, and distribute resources related to the plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) for use in research and education. Arabidopsis is an important plant model and results from Arabidopsis research inform research and development in other living systems including crop plants, animals, and even humans. Arabidopsis is also used by schools and universities to demonstrate key science concepts and for student research projects.
- Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. The Byrd Center does work in Earth’s ice-covered regions and uses tools to understand our planet’s climate. We will have activities to explore as well as tours of our facility.
- Center for Automotive Research. The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is the preeminent research center in sustainable and safe mobility in the United States and an interdisciplinary research center in The Ohio State University College of Engineering. With a concentration on preparing the next generation of automotive leaders, CAR is recognized for interdisciplinary emphasis on systems engineering, advanced and unique experimental facilities, collaboration on advanced product development projects with industry, and a balance of government and privately sponsored research. CAR’s research focuses on energy, safety and the environment and it offers state-of-the-art facilities for students, faculty, research staff and industry partners.
- Office of Research Innovation District. The Innovation District is where people will work to understand and solve the problems that seem insurmountable: from addiction to cancer to climate change. It’s where thinkers and doers from Ohio State, from private industry and from the surrounding communities, will work together to find pragmatic solutions that fuel a more optimistic future and improve people’s lives.
- W8LT, Amateur Radio Club. In operation since the 1920s.
Previous Partners (2017-2021)
- Center for Applied Plant Sciences
- Center for Urban and Regional Analysis
- Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis
- College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association
- Columbus Audubon
- COSI
- Department of Psychology
- Digital Flagship/Mobile Design Lab
- ElectroScience Laboratory
- Environmental Professionals Network
- Fish Division @ Museum of Biological Diversity
- GreenSpot Columbus
- Global Water Institute
- FLOW – Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed
- Initiative for Agricultural Transformation
- Nanotech West Labs
- Ohio Sea Grant/Stone Lab
- Ohio State Energy Partners
- Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association
- Scientific Thinkers STEM Outreach
- STEAM Factory
- Office of Energy & Environment
- Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center
- Ohio Energy Project
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Education
- Ohio Water Resources Center
- OSU Press
- Smart Columbus
- Society for Ecological Restoration (student group)
- Wetlands Research Park
- Wexner Medical Center Green Team
WestFest like to thank the Ohio State Energy Partners for their generous funding of the event from 2017-2021.