NMAT students create logo for local not-for-profit science fair

KOKOMO, Ind. - When the 63^rd annual Howard County Science Fair takes place in February 2027, it will include a new logo created by an Indiana University Kokomo student.

Erika Creighton's design was chosen from eight submitted by students in the Identity, Design, and Branding class taught by Michael Koerner, associate professor of new media, who said the project mimicked the competitive process students might experience as graphic design artists, and allowed them to practice what they've learned during the semester.

"I always look for opportunities where the curriculum overlaps the needs of the community. This really was a good match in that regard," he said. "It segues perfectly into their final project, where we will develop black and white and color logos at different scales and different purposes for print and digital. We will also develop mock-ups and a brand standard book to go along as well. This fit perfectly in terms of the sequencing of the project."

Creighton, from Galveston, was excited her design was chosen. It includes a circular logo with a beaker of orange fluid, surrounded by a ring, and the words Howard County Science Inc. on a pale blue background.

"I really wasn't expecting it," she said. "I'm in my first year at IU Kokomo and there is an actual organization using my work. That doesn't feel real."

She said the project tested her skills.

"What I found challenging was being able to include elements that represent multiple forms of science, while still keeping the design simple and professional looking," she said.

Zoe Callender, Delphi, said the most difficult part for her was that it was their first project that explored color in the designs.

"It gave us a good opportunity to expand on concepts we had already learned, and to work with a real client," she said.

Deb Jaworski, senior lecturer in mathematics and a member of the Howard County Science Inc. board, which financially supports the annual science fair, requested the logos. She said her ask was not an easy one to fulfill - especially since they only had one week to work on it.

"We were looking for something that would appeal to fourth graders through adults, and work for donors to the science fair as well as participants," she said. "I think we gave them a good challenge to come up with a design that would work if I was going to make buttons for the students, and also to use at the science fair. They rose to the challenge and created some amazing designs."

She said the Howard County Science Inc. committee wished they could have used all the designs, but ultimately chose Creighton's work.

"It was very difficult to choose," Jaworski said. "In the end, I think it combined the right elements of science. It grabbed everyone's interest."

She was pleased with all the designs submitted.

"I was blown away by the students' process and presentations," she said. "They showed us their work from sketch to final design, and some had mock-ups of what it could look like on business cards or promotional materials. They exceeded every expectation I had."

Participating students included Zoe Callender, Delphi; Kylee Dicken, Fishers; Erika Creighton, Galveston; Emsly Breisch and Irelind Holaday, Kokomo; Bridget Moore, Michigantown; Sophia Huffman, Noblesville; and Emilee Linder, West Lafayette.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.