WishFest 2025 | WISHfest Waterbury

Sally M. Reis, Ph.D.

Sally Reis is a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and held the Letitia Neag Morgan Chair in Educational Psychology in the Neag School of Education at UConn.. Her research interests relate to talent development, enrichment pedagogy, twice exceptional students, as well as talented girls and women. She has authored over 300 articles, books, book chapters, technical reports and worked a research team that has generated over 50 million dollars during the last few decades.

Title: Using Strength-Based Pedagogy to Engage and Challenge Twice Exceptional Students

Using the pedagogy of gifted and talented education enables teachers to develop strengths, interests, and talents in a broad range of students, including those with disabilities. Enrichment pedagogy helps teachers differentiate instruction, reduce underachievement, and enable students to develop their strengths, while reducing a focus on deficits. This session will briefly highlight this pedagogy and describe how it can be implemented to help students identify and develop their interests and strengths.

Jack Horner

Jack Horner is a severely dyslexic, dinosaur paleontologist! He attended the University of Montana for 14 semesters without receiving a degree. He has since received four honorary doctorates, and a plethora of awards including a MacArthur Fellowship and the Romer-Simpson Medal, the highest honor granted by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Jack was Curator and Regent’s Professor of Paleontology at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana for 34 years. He has more than 300 publications including 11 books. He was the technical advisor for the first 6 Jurassic Park/ Jurassic World movies. Jack currently teaches in the Honors Program at Chapman University in Orange, California.

Title: Jack Horner’s Jurassic Journey

Join Jack Horner, a world-renowned paleontologist, as he shares his journey of navigating severe dyslexia and academic challenges while transforming our understanding of dinosaurs. Despite lifelong struggles with reading, Jack pursued his passion, earning honorary doctorates and serving as the scientific advisor for the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films, as well as the inspiration for Dr. Alan Grant. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and embracing one’s strengths. This captivating talk will inspire everyone to forge their own unique paths and persist in pursuing their passions, no matter the obstacles.

Shavana Clarke

Shavana Clarke is Miss Connecticut USA 2024, a UConn alumna (Class of 2017, BFA in Fine Arts), and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. As a Jamaican American and LGBTQ+ leader, she openly shares her personal journey with mental health challenges to inspire resilience and break stigmas. Through her advocacy, she empowers individuals to embrace their identities, overcome obstacles, and thrive.

Title: Igniting Resilience: Overcoming Stigma and Embracing Possibilities

Abstract: Shavana Clarke shares her inspiring journey as a Jamaican American, LGBTQ+ leader, and mental health advocate, reflecting on the power of resilience, passion, and self-acceptance. Aligned with the WISH to Ignite: Passion, Resilience, and Boundless Possibilities theme, she highlights how breaking barriers in mental health and identity fosters empowerment, growth, and limitless potential. Through her story, she encourages individuals to embrace their unique paths and ignite change.

Ideas + Impact	Discover how to be a change maker through innovation!
Waterbury Promise	Waterbury Promise’s mission is to increase college aspirations, reduce financial barriers, and inspire every student in Waterbury toward post-secondary education and completion.
UConn Library	Committed to building a library that connects with our community of learners, invests in our skills and expertise, and uses resources to promote the creative exchange of ideas at UConn and beyond.
Environmental Justice & Sustainability with UConn Office of Sustainability	We would highlight opportunities for UConn Waterbury students and faculty to lead the way to climate action and social change by engaging with community energy efficiency audits and opportunities for campus decarbonization, learning about climate justice educations and topics, and exploring funding opportunities for campus projects. Come meet our sustainability leaders and interns at UConn Waterbury campus!
CAHNR Fellows Program	The CAHNR Fellow Program would like to share with students the unique benefits of our program. Our students will share insights into the program's offerings, including tuition support, and about the value of the internship program and how it has helped them.
The Daily Campus	Come grab a UConn Newspaper and see what's new in the world of the University of Connecticut!
End Zone Frenzy!	Students race against the clock to throw the football in the end zone. They can win various prizes depending on how many successful throws they have, and the difficulty of the hole. We will also give them information on CAPS and RISE and strategies to successfully make it to the endzone in college!
Getting to Know the Brain	In this station, students will learn basic knowledge about the human brain and how scientists investigate the human brain with real tissue models and neuroimaging tools. Students will see and perform sheep brain dissections as well as learn about the human brain through MRI images. Lastly, students can also create their "fancy brain model" with Play-Doh!
The Hubbell Difference Foundation: Transforming Literacy Through Film	Join The Hubbell Difference Foundation with Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars and dive into the impactful documentary filmwork of Seedling.tv. Witness real stories of success and how film can inspire and drive change in literacy education. Be part of the movement to empower communities and make a difference through the power of documentary filmmaking!
Chanticleer Acres: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Harvest	Discover sustainable farming and organic produce with Chanticleer Acres! Learn about regenerative agriculture, seed saving, and community food security. Enjoy fresh samples and explore partnerships for a healthier future. Join the green movement with Chanticleer Acres!
Campus Club Corner	Meet the clubs of UConn Waterbury - learn who they are, the activities they host, and have some popcorn!
Virtual Reality Healthcare Training Expo	Our Healthcare Regional Sector Partnershuo hosts a Career Expo via immersive virtual reality, allowing students to undergo virtual healthcare training in five exiciting simulations.
Swag Booth!	Come and represent UConn Waterbury by getting free swag in the main lobby!
Hug Machine	Hug the machine and receive a complimentary Coca-Cola beverage!
HeartStrong: Cardiovascular Resilience and Wellness	Measure your blood pressure and practice CPR skills with students and faculty from Allied Health Sciences.
Unlock Your Future With an English Degree	Take our fun, interactive surveys to discover the endless career possibilities with an English major. Which path best matches your skills, interests, and passions?
City of Waterbury	Providing meaning services to our great community! City of Waterbury offers a variety of opportunities within each department
Access Rehab Health	Access Rehab Centers, LLC provides physical, occupational, and sppech therapy services in the greater Waterbury area.
Develomark	Website Design, Digital Marketing/SEO, AI Strategy, Software Development
Meet and Greet with the Business Data Analytics (BDA) Major	Dr. Dave Wanik, Academic Director, will give an overview of the exciting developments in the BDA major which is exclusively available at the UConn Regional Campuses. Learn about how businesses are using data science to solve real-world problems! Live code demos.
What's On Your Plate? Public Health in Action!	Spin the wheel, test your knowledge, and discover how public health connects to your everyday choices! From fun trivia to our What’s On Your Plate? activity, you’ll walk away with prizes, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on nutrition and community health!
Vape, Smoke, & Highs: The Real Impact on Your Brain	Explore the effects of cannabis and tobacco on the brain through interactive demos. Learn how nicotine and THC impact the brain's feel-good chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, and discover their real influence on mental health and well-being.
TikTokology: Your Brain on TikTok	Observe a live EEG demonstration; see real-time changes in brain waves, including the brain on TikTok.
Virtual Reality for Science and Healing	Experience the future of science and healing with Virtual Reality our immersive booth, where cutting-edge technology transforms addiction treatment, anxiety relief, and pain management. Step in to see how Virtual Reality creates calming, controlled environments for a safe, drug-free approach to well-being!
Psychology in Everyday Life	How does what we pay attention to shape what we know about our world? Come visit this Psychology booth hosted by Dr. Treadwell's research lab to try out your skills in attention! Also find out about research happening at the Waterbury campus and how undergraduates are involved.
Virtual Anatomy	The virtual dissection of the human body will be demonstrated using the Anatomage.
The ABC’s of Lifesaving Skills	Initial assessment of any patient begins with the C-ABC assessment and intervention. Demonstration and hands on experience to Stop the Bleed, perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and manage an airway through Intubation.
TRANSCEND Roundtable Discussion: Neurodiversity in Education	NSF NRT TRANSCEND Fellows and faculty members sit down with partners from the Neurodiversity Alliance and The Odyssey School, and Keynote Speaker, Jack Horner, to discuss the future of educating neurodiverse students and the role that educational neuroscience can play.
TEAM Inc. Early Childhood Program – Slocum School	Come by our table to explore the inner work of an early childhood classroom (Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool), explore developmental materials and developmental screenings.
HDFS: Uplifting Families & Strengthening Communities	Join us at our interactive booth, where we explore the vital role that communities play in shaping families and development. We invite you to reflect on and share the community influences that have had the biggest impact on your family and personal growth. By adding your response to our Community Corkboard, you’ll contribute to a visual display that illustrates the collective strength, support, and resilience of the Waterbury community.