November 7, 2011

JHU’s got talent—and passion

Got a great idea to share, or a skill to show off?

Johns Hopkins this week launches a new multimedia, community-building experience that is part open-mic night and part grown-up show and tell.

Ignite@JHU is a series of five-minute talks where presenters—students, staff and faculty—will share their personal and professional passions using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds. The inaugural event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in Nolan’s Cafe at Charles Commons, Homewood campus.

The event is based on the successful Ignite Baltimore series held at the Walters Art Museum. Ignite@JHU will be hosted by the Digital Media Center and Charles Commons Connections.

Mike Yassa, the Charles Commons faculty fellow and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, said that the idea was to have an open forum where people can share ideas and passions about anything and everything.

One faculty member will demonstrate his juggling and robot-building abilities, another will talk about the use of photography in studying political science. A student will discuss the present and future of video games, now a $65 billion a year industry.

Hot chocolate and brownies will be served. Those planning to attend are asked to check in on the event’s Facebook page, titled Ignite@JHU.

A spring Ignite@JHU will be held on March 1, 2012. Those interested in signing up can contact Joan Freedman at digitalmedia@jhu.edu.

To view samples of past Ignite Baltimore events.