Science, technology, engineering and mathematics have always been a foundational part of aircraft, so the event’s organizers wanted to celebrate that with a STEM Expo, which Kohler said is the largest in USAF history, with 65-plus hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy. The STEM expo will include displays of robotics, rockets, an F-22 simulator and more.
“Everything you see and hear at this event will be powered by the knowledge and inspiration of STEM,” he said. “It takes calculations for the Thunderbirds to perform a Diamond Formation, and it took skilled labor to build the new hypersonic vehicles. You can’t have an open house in this world, or an air show, without also showcasing how you get there as well.”
Among those sharing demonstrations in the STEM Expo will be the team from California State University, Bakersfield’s Fab Lab. The Chevron-sponsored lab on campus is open to students and community members alike, and it’s home to fabrication tools like laser cutters, 3D printers and vinyl cutters.
“It’s always fun to show people the equipment and technology we have,” Fab Lab specialist Bobby Hartsock said. “Our goal is to bring more awareness of the Fab Lab and let people know that CSUB offers all these tools. If we can explain what they are and what people can do with them, it demystifies things.”
At the expo, Hartsock and student interns will be able to create 3D printed items and stickers on the spot. Hartsock is also looking forward to telling air show guests more about the lab’s larger equipment and how his team can help them build just about anything there.
The air show’s emphasis on STEM made it a perfect outreach opportunity for the Fab Lab and CSUB, said Dr. Andrea Medina, director of grants and outreach for CSUB’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, which oversees the Fab Lab. She was grateful for the invitation to participate and knew CSUB had to be there.
“If anyone is inspired by what they see at the air show and want to know what it takes to work in that field, CSUB can get you there,” Dr. Medina said. “We have three recent alumni currently working at Edwards, all of whom were Fab Lab interns too. It just shows that a CSUB education can take you anywhere.”
A little closer to Edwards Air Force Base is CSUB’s satellite campus in Lancaster, which also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CSUB Antelope Valley has long partnered with its neighboring aerospace industry, said Dr. Elizabeth Adams, dean of the satellite campus.
“Retired and current Air Force and aerotech professionals teach classes on the campus,” Dr. Adams said. “CSUB, AV is the only public higher education institution in the Antelope Valley and its students and alumni can be found in every aspect of aerospace and STEM fields in the area.”
The STEM Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days of the main event, plus a special STEM Day on Oct. 14, which is open only to students from invited schools.
“Our goal is to showcase the power of STEM, why it’s fun and why it’s so critical to our future,” Kohler said. “Our nation faces shortages in engineering, pilots, composite technicians and so many more critical fields. Getting the next generation inspired about a career in this field is why we are doing all of this.”
Between the air show, open house and STEM expo, the event should have something for everyone.
“There is going to be so much to touch, see and hear – the thrill of an air show mixed with the insight of science, technology, engineering and math. Plus, who doesn’t like fighter jets!?” Kohler said. “You will leave Edwards knowing this community and these people are your neighbors, friends and colleagues. We may have a specific mission set for our national defense, but it’s the hardworking team at Edwards, made up of our local community, that helps break tomorrow’s barriers today.”
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