August 1, 2015

Like many of you, I have fond memories of summer as a great time to explore. So, at the height of summer in Philadelphia, I'd like to reflect on the importance of exploration. Summer at ExCITe is a change up, not really any less busy, but a chance to shake things up a bit, focus on something different, and pursue new experiences. More generally, we try to provide an opportunity to explore.

Exploration is essential for innovation, and it's something we embrace through our summer activities at ExCITe. Our focus shifts towards our research internships and outreach programs, which bring lots of new people and new perspectives to the Center, from K-12 students to postgraduate researchers. For these summer participants, it's an opportunity to explore by experiencing something new at the intersection of design, technology, and entrepreneurship. We hope to provide new possibilities to explore, whether it's through our Summer Music Technology program, which connects the arts with science, technology, and engineering, or our App development workshops, which take a multidisciplinary approach bridging design and programming to create new apps. And for ExCITe regulars, it's an opportunity to explore new (or re-explore old) ideas through teaching and mentoring.

Exploration fosters curiosity. It enables a sense of wonder. And it helps to solidify the interconnectedness of our varied disciplines and our entire world. I hope this summer you have the chance to go somewhere different, experience something new. And just explore.

Youngmoo Kim, Director