What really happens if we genetically engineer humans to thrive on Mars? What really happened at the medieval inquisition? What really happens when you see the face of God?
On February 17th, the Newman Forum’s “What Really Happened At…” conference gathered hundreds of high school students from all over Chicagoland to explore these questions and more. Participants discovered the fascinating reality behind misunderstood scientific, historical, literary, and religious topics by engaging with college professors and graduate students to discuss the wonders of science, the lessons of history, the beauty of literature, and the mysteries of faith.
Highlights included:
- Multiple “Lightning Round” talks
- “Office Hours” with professional researchers and scholars
- Eucharistic Adoration
February 17, 2024
Where: The University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary
When: 9:00 am-2:30 pm
Cosponsored by the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein; the Vocation Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Schedule:
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am: Registration |
| 9:30 am – 9:45 am: Opening Prayer and Welcome |
| 9:45 am – 10:00 am: Break |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am: Lightning Round Talks #1 |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break |
| 10:45 am – 11:15 am: Lightning Round Talks #2 |
| 11:15 am – 11:30 am: Break |
| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Lightning Round Talks #3 |
| 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch (lunch is provided at the USML Dining Hall) |
| 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm: Office Hours |
| 1:45 pm – 2:00 pm: Break |
| 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Adoration & Closing Remarks |
| 2:30 pm: End |
Lightning Round Talks:
Students had the opportunity to choose from a number of mini-lectures each round, whichever sparked their interest most. Titles for this year included:
What Really Happened to Deforest the Amazon Rainforest?
What Really Happened at Bletchley Park that Changed the World?
What Really Happened to Schrodinger’s Cat?
What Really Happened at the Big Bang?
What Really Happened on Dante’s Trip to Hell?
What Really Happened When Eve Ate That Apple?
What Really Happened to St. Therese?
What Really Happens When You See the Face of God?
What Really Happens If We Genetically Engineer Humans to Thrive on Mars?
What Would Really Happen If We Found Extraterrestrial Life?
What Really Happened at the Medieval Inquisition?
Office Hours:
Normally, only college students get to engage directly with leading researchers, but we bring this unique opportunity to high school students! Attendees had an opportunity to meet Catholic scientists and scholars one-on-one and ask them about their fields of study, career paths, the big unsolved questions, being a Catholic researcher, and anything else they were curious about.
Those present were a varied group: young and old; male and female; experimenters and theorists; and in many areas of research. Students interested in STEM subjects or the humanities and teachers interested in renewing their own understanding could discuss high-impact topics including biology, history, literature, religion, and much more.
Registration was $10 per attendee by January 31st. On February 1st, the price increased to $20. Scholarships were available, along with a 50% discount for parish or school groups of 10 or more participants.
This event was for high school students, parents, and teachers.
Questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to The Newman Forum (newmanforum@lumenchristi.org)