NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS — Wesley Turner, lecturer in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Geology, is teaching his students to play in the sand.

With the help of an augmented reality sandbox, Turner brings geological concepts to life. The simplicity of the field and the way it helped explain the world around him was what originally attracted Turner to geology and gave him the desire to teach it to others.

Photography students from the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art recently put their skills to work for a good cause by taking part in a national service event called Help-Portrait.

Students set up a mobile lighting studio at Nacogdoches HOPE, a local food pantry, and made portraits for clients who might not otherwise have been able to afford professional quality photographs. Students also edited and printed the portraits on site,so that people were able to take home several finished prints from each session.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Percussion Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University will present “An Evening of Soloists” with guest artist Dr. Eric Willie at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Dr. Brad Meyer, director of percussion studies in the School of Music, directs the ensemble. Willie is director of percussion studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two Stephen F. Austin State University seniors, Abigail Cloudy and Jasmine Thompson, recently presented research during the Texas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in Austin.

This event provided a forum for undergraduate students who are engaged in research to showcase their experiences to Texas legislators and the public through high-quality poster displays. The program and event's theme, "Transforming Texas Through Undergraduate Research," highlighted how research conducted by undergraduate students positively impacts Texas and Texans.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two new planetarium shows offering educational experiences for audiences of all ages will premiere Saturday, May 11, and run through June 22 at the Stephen F. Austin State University Cole STEM Building.

Geared toward children but open to all ages, “The Little Star That Could” tells the story of a star’s journey throughout the Solar System as viewers learn about the Milky Way. The show is at 3 p.m., and tickets are $3.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — It wasn’t quite business as usual last week as Stephen F. Austin State University alumni and industry professionals served as panelists for the Rusche College of Business’ sixth annual College to Career Conference.

The conference serves as the annual capstone highlight for all business students and those participating in the Career Success Passport program, which helps students hone their professional skills while competing for scholarships.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University will host its final Brave Space Series of the spring semester at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Multimedia Room. The series' discussion will focus on interracial relationships.

"For this month's Brave Space, we will explore mental health, societal and family influences, and breaking barriers within an interracial relationship," said Allynn Shaffer, OMA student ambassador.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a photography workshop to share methods for taking and editing photographs of flowers.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 11 at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building, Room 101, at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — It’s big. It’s purple. It’s the Lumberjack Express. This spring Stephen F. Austin State University rolled out its newest endeavor — the Lumberjack Express mobile food lab.

As the only one of its kind in Texas, this learning laboratory provides students in the School of Human Sciences a taste of the real world.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle will recognize four students and the newest endowed professor during the presentation of the annual Dean’s Awards at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.