Elgin Community College’s Math, Science and Engineering Division will celebrate Earth Day this year with “From Harvard to NASA — Shaping the Future of STEM at ECC,” a day’s worth of activities focused on creating a more sustainable future.

The programs being held Tuesday, April 22, will feature renowned astrophysicists, a NASA researcher and hands-on experiences, an ECC news release said.

“I invite everyone to join us for this incredible day of discovery, inspiration and collaboration,” said Farah Bennani, dean of Math, Science and Engineering.

All programs other than those held in the evening will be in the Jobe Lounge in Building B on the Elgin campus, 1700 Spartan Drive.The schedule is:

9-9:30 a.m.: A meet-and-greet with Harvard astrophysicist and planetary scientist Michael Foley.

9:30 to 11:15 a.m.: “Mars Rover Robotics,” an interactive robotics workshop led by Foley and Richard Jesik, ECC associate professor of physics.

11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.: Foley and Jesik will present a robotics demonstration.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Foley, Bennani and Jesik will hold a panel discussion about the future of STEM careers

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Question-and-answer session.

6:30 p.m.: David Leisawitz, research astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will present “Reaching for the Stars: My STEM Journey to NASA and How You Might Continue the Journey.” The keynote speech will explore how space science and Earth science are intertwined. It will be held in the Seigle Auditorium, Building E, and can also be viewed via Zoom.

8 to 9:30 p.m.: Jesik will host a star-gazing party from the lakeside patio adjacent to Building B.

For more information on the Earth Day events, go to elgin.edu/NASA.