HEIST

How to Not Kill Your Houseplant! 

Francesca Cucci 

In this workshop, I will cover the common reasons for houseplant death, which are improper watering methods, sunlight, pests, and air quality! I will talk about different types of common houseplants and how to properly take care of each type. I will show plants that are better for people who tend to underwater plants, and plants that are better for those who overwater. I will talk about the plants that I don’t suggest for beginners, and how to pick the right plant at the nursery/ good places to get plants around Northeastern! I will also discuss the common houseplant pests and how to identify them based on what they look like and how they damage your plants.

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Beginner French, You and What Food Has to Do With It 

Ebube Onwusika 

It will cover beginner topics in French like saying likes/dislikes, colours, numbers, introducing yourself, etc.  Then, we will explore food and how it relates to culture in over 12 countries worldwide.  

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Sustainability in Practice: The Chocolate that is Transforming the World! 

Jhonatan Serrano 

Chocolate! The powerful ingredient that can warm our hearts and bring memories of our childhood. As reported by CNBC, Americans consumed $18.27 billion worth of chocolate every year! This makes it part of our daily lives. However, have we ever considered how that chocolate comes to our hands? Unfortunately, the popular chocolates we eat such as M&Ms, Kit Kat, and Hershey´s were the lowest-ranked by a report from the Ethical Consumer Organization from the UK. While we are obtaining a sweet flavor to brighten our day, we are causing a negative impact on the environment and communities all around the world.

However, this situation is changing by companies such as the Ecuadorian chocolate brand Pacari! In less than 20 years, it has become a chocolate icon known to be Oprah Winfrey’s favorite chocolate and a winner every year of the International Chocolate Awards! Nevertheless, the most meaningful thing about it is that based on that ethical report, it is the most ethical chocolate company in the world! They do not only pay the triple to small farmers, but they are helping them to obtain free training, organic certifications, and even sell to other chocolate companies.

Therefore, as an Ecuadorian, I want to share this story of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and success with our community through a chocolate tasting where attendees will be eating small bars of different flavors alongside my presentation.

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Crochet

Julie Henry 

In this workshop, I will demonstrate the basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, magic circles) and techniques (how to hold the yarn and hook, how to move your wrist while crocheting, how to stretch your wrist to avoid discomfort). I would guide students through crocheting basic patterns that are common on Tiktok and Instagram, like granny squares and bucket hats. I would provide students with tutorials (Tiktoks, Youtube’s, blog posts) that they could refer to for future use. I also would teach students how to read written patterns, and I would clarify differences between British crochet patterns and American crochet patterns. 

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A Broke, Non-Music Major’s Guide to Music Production 

Alex Chiommino 

Don’t know music theory? Not a problem. Don’t have $3,000 to spend on music equipment/software? Not a problem. In this workshop, we will make a beat from scratch using nothing but free software, plugins, and samples. No prior experience is required, and you can download all of the software ahead of time to follow along during the workshop!

Topics covered will include:
– Best free software/plugins/samples for music production
– Techniques for recording and post-processing vocals/instruments
– Essential music theory required to make chord progressions and melodies
– Sequencing elements of a song into a cohesive track
– Mixing/mastering workflow and tips 

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Intro to Soldering  

Beyer Bullard 

During this workshop I will teach the basics of soldering. Soldering is a technique for fusing metals using a soldering iron and solder. It is a great technique for doing simple electrical projects, making jewelry, and giving your DIY crafts an eclectic look. I will go over what soldering is, the different parts of a soldering kit and then how to use the soldering iron safely. I will also show some examples of soldering projects and then lead participants in an example of soldering so they can all try it.

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Introduction to Programming in R/RStudio 

Kate Moore 

This brief crash course in statistical programming in the language R is suitable for students in statistics/biostatistics, or anyone with a passion for science who wants to produce findings from their own studies. R is a tool fast becoming relevant in almost any career, including in laboratories, city planning, and even machine learning.

We will go over the process of installing the RStudio IDE and common packages used in data science, then familiarize ourselves with the interface.

Then, students will have the opportunity to walk through applying R in a sample case study from the University of South Carolina. They will learn how to run simple bivariate t-tests to produce p-values, and then how to construct data visualizations of the sample datasets in R.  

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Knitting 

Hailey Pankow 

 I will teach the students how to cast on stitches, knit, and purl. Casting on is typically the most difficult part, so we will spend a lot of time practicing that.

Once they learn the basics, I will walk them through knitting a square and turning it into a bunny. This only requires stitching 3 lines through the square and cinching it closed around the stuffing.

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Cupcake Decorating 

Rithika Raj Kumar Pradeep 

In this class I will be teaching various cupcake decorating techniques and tricks. I will go over some recipes for making buttercream frosting. I will also share some tricks to use during the decorating process to make things easier. Then, I will demonstrate how to use different tips to create different designs and patterns. I will also cover how to make and use marshmallow fondant. Participants will be able to decorate their own cupcakes using frosting and fondant and can take their creations home. 

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Acting – Auditioning 

Amanda Brea 

In this workshop, I will discuss basic tips and strategies for auditioning for film, theatre, and commercials, which I have learned throughout my tenure as a theatre major and director of a children’s theatre summer program for 7 summers. I will talk about how to slate in front of an audition panel, how to format an acting resume, and how to take a proper acting headshot. I will also talk about how to select an audition piece that suits you, and is applicable to multiple types of auditions. Finally, I will offer tips and tricks for preparation for “cold reads,” and how to prepare for the context of a production before arriving at your audition. I may also run activities where participants can practice their “slate” and a “cold read “of a scene! 

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Frosting Cookies 

Rithika Raj Kumar Pradeep 

In this workshop I will be teaching participants how to decorate cookies using royal icing. I will share the recipe to make the royal icing using meringue powder. Afterwards, I will explain how to load a piping bag with icing and how to use the general techniques of outlining and flooding to decorate the cookies. I will also go into more detail on specific tricks that can be done with the icing to create different patterns. During this session, participants will be able to decorate and take home their own cookies. 

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Coffee Brewing 

Dylan Miller  

We will be covering a few of the ways that I know how to make coffee:
Espresso
French Press
Pour Over
Cold Brew

We will then be able to sample each of the different coffees and learn about how each of them changes the flavor and texture of the beans. We can learn about the types of espresso based beverages that can be made and how the culture of coffee in America greatly differs from that in Europe and abroad. If desired I can also talk about more of the history and current status of the coffee trade and how it plays a large role in the economic develop of many countries around the world. 

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Visual Arts – Photography 

Darin Materman 

This workshop is centered around the fundamentals of photography. I will focus on film photography, and teach the interworking of ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. We will walk through the darkroom process, and I will explain the different chemicals, their timing and function, and the printing process. The presentation could also focus on viewing the world from a photographers perspective, and give tips on composition, framing, and other integral photographic methods.  

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Embroidery 

Hannah Nivar

In this embroidery workshop, I can teach some basic techniques to create flowers. This includes french knots, stems, roses, daisies, etc. This is a time-intensive process, and I am more confident in my knitting abilities.  

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Stamp Carving 

Isabella Stein 

Learn how to make rubber stamps using “soft blocks.” This method is similar to linocutting, and allows artists to carve their design into a soft, rubber pad to create reusable stamps. Students will learn how to create designs that work well with ink as a medium. Next, they will transfer those designs onto the blocks for carving. Then, students will practice carving using carving tools, before carving and cutting out their final stamp. Finally, students will be able to see their design by printing their stamp onto paper with ink, and learn how to clean and care for their stamps. 

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Beatboxing 

David Leigh 

 How to do the basic drumkit (lip bass, high-hat, outward/inward snare, cymbals) and form basic rhythm patterns (i.e. B-Ts-K-Ts). Develop an understanding of rhythm (in 4/4, 6/8 time signatures) and let people create their own music (go wild). The majority of the time will be spent practicing skills and creating rhythms. 

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Traditional Calligraphy & Bullet Journal Workshop 

Cailey Denoncourt and Alena Rybarczyk 

We will cover two separate sections – first, going over Calligraphy. While practicing, we can also go over Bullet Journaling.

For Calligraphy Section:
Go over the various materials (ie. calligraphy pen (straight vs. oblique), nibs, ink, etc.)
How to hold the pen and movements
Practice easy strokes (start with thin up and thick down)
Connecting the strokes (making Us and rainbows)
Practicing the alphabet

For Bullet Journal Section:
Purpose of a bullet journal (why) & what is it?
Different spreads (monthly, weekly, trackers (mood, habits, etc), etc.)
Different materials (pens, markers, incorporating calligraphy, etc) 

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Introduction to Finger-knitting 

Daniel Abadjiev  

Learn how to knit with only your fingers (and yarn)! This workshop will cover the basics of finger-knitting, a textile production method that is much simpler than crocheting and traditional knitting. With finger-knitting, the only tool needed is your fingers! Relax and de-stress, as we cover the basics finger-knitting a simple scarf on one hand. If time permits, the workshop may also cover increasing and decreasing the number of stitches, picking up stitches, and finger-knitting with multiple colors. 

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Knitting 

Hannah Nivar 

In this knitting workshop, I can teach both knitting and pearling—starting, continuing, and finishing a scarf. These two techniques are variations of one another. Knitting is a traditional practice and pearling is the inverse. Once students are able to learn the basic hand movements, they should be able to adequately progress, and I will just be present for assistance. This will look like ensuring that they are keeping their rows loose enough and not dropping stitches.  

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Acting – Improvisation  

Amanda Brea 

This workshop will run through the basic cardinal rules of theatrical improv, and we will play a few group improv games! Improv activities are known to enhance collaboration, quick-thinking, group chemistry, effective leadership, creativity, and public speaking ability, and are great tools for leaders and team players in any field.  

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The Universal Language of Cards: Card Tricks with no Words Spoken  

Nihal Chaudhary 

I will be teaching others how to do card tricks that will require little to no verbal communication to emphasis how universal the language of a standard deck of cards can be. The language barrier is something that is present frequently in our diverse student population, this is a fun way to have a conversation and a fun time without a single word spoken! I will first start by demonstrating a few unique card tricks and then walking others through how to do them and allow them to practice on others. Then, I will provide a pamphlet with the written instructions so that they are able to do the card trick on others and make new friends and connections regardless of the language you speak. A fun party trick and accessible to all with the only equipment being a deck of cards.