The McDonnell International Scholars Academy partnered with the Saint Louis Science Center to bring the “Global Food Science Experience” to the St. Louis community on Nov 9th, aligning with WashU’s commitment to deepen and strengthen the longstanding ties with our region.
Global Perspectives in Action: McDonnell Scholars at Sci-FEAST
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy proudly partnered with the Saint Louis Science Center for Sci-FEAST, a dynamic event celebrating science, culture, and community. Through this collaboration, our Scholars demonstrated the McDonnell Academy’s core competencies of Global Mindset, Leadership, and Community while making an impact both locally and globally.
View more event photos on Flickr!
Sci-FEAST provided a unique platform to connect people across cultures and ideas. Our Scholars engaged with visitors, sharing knowledge about international food systems and cultural traditions. This effort advanced WashU’s mission of bringing global perspectives to the local community through direct, interactive learning experiences. By fostering these person-to-person connections, they highlighted the power of cross-cultural understanding in shaping a better world.
Connection and Learning
Watch the Highlights on YouTubeBy the Numbers
With over 4,800 attendees and 230 exhibitors, Sci-FEAST was more than a success in numbers; it was a testament to how leadership and global thinking can inspire meaningful and educational experiences.
This event underscored the McDonnell Academy’s commitment to bridging WashU with the St. Louis community. Scholars served as ambassadors of global perspectives, showing how international collaboration enriches local learning experiences. Sci-FEAST was a gateway—linking the diverse expertise of WashU to a broader audience, all within the heart of St. Louis.
Read their Stories!
Each team reflected on their experiences, sharing insights into the significance of the event and the cultural connections it fostered.
About the Event
The McDonnell Scholars presented the “McDonnell International Scholars Academy’s Global Food Science Experience,” a high energy, interactive, and unique showcase highlighting their vibrant cultures and talents, with a focus on the science of food around the world.
SciFest is a series of four free, full-day weekend expos, each centered around different themes like Engineering, The Great Outdoors, and Play and Creativity. This year’s Sci-FEAST marks the first expo focused entirely on food. Visitors connect with STEM experts in fields such as food science, agriculture, health and nutrition, diet and exercise science, and animal science. The event offers a unique, hands-on look at both every day and cutting-edge STEM applications.
Throughout the day, teams of McDonnell Scholars engage with the community at exhibits they have designed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience focused on various food topics.
Through hands-on, educational activities, McDonnell Scholars share fascinating facts about the science behind these topics, including cooking methods, food preparation styles, and how various regions foster health, well-being, and a sense of community through their culinary traditions. Additionally, the booths explore food technologies from around the world, including innovations aimed at enhancing food technology and sustainability.
More than 80 professional and PhD students contribute and participate with their designated group.
The McDonnell Academy at WashU is a distinguished fellowship program that enriches the graduate experience of exceptional scholars from diverse disciplines around the world, offering leadership training and mentorship. Through its global partnership network, the Academy fosters collaborative research and innovation. This university-wide initiative strengthens all of WashU’s academic schools by attracting top-tier graduate students from both international and U.S. institutions.
Our global community is made up of students, faculty and researchers united to solve worldwide challenges. Our education and research pursuits span numerous disciplines but are united under this common goal. From our groundbreaking and collaborative research initiatives to our extensive international exchange programs, our community is dedicated to creating a positive global impact. WashU is an innovative leader, addressing global challenges with meaningful solutions.