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STEMposium returns

K-12 students explore the world of science

By California State University, Bakersfield

April 6^th, 2022

Last Friday’s Kern County STEMposium was a long-awaited celebration for two reasons: not only was it a return to encouraging local students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) following two years off during the height of the pandemic, but it was also the first year the event was held at the new Kern High School District Career Technical Education Center, which opened in 2020. Throw in some sunshine, 70-degree temperatures and a nice breeze and organizers couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Since starting in 2017 by the Kern Economic Development Foundation, the STEMposium regularly sees thousands of students from local elementary, middle and high schools attend to learn more about education and career opportunities from local businesses and organizations, including California State University, Bakersfield.

“The STEMposium is a chance for students to see what the future could hold for them in terms of work or school in STEM fields,” said Dr. Andrea Medina, steering committee member for STEMposium since 2017 and director of grants and outreach for CSUB’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. “Whether they are little ones just digging into science for the first time or older kids who are beginning to plan their next steps after high school graduation, we hope this event sparks their interest in the world of opportunities that is out there for them.”

In a large outdoor area of the Career Technical Education Center, tables were set up with representatives and information from CSUB, Bakersfield College, Aera, Kaiser Permanente, county and city agencies and many more.

One particularly large display was the Chevron STEM Zone, a partnership between the energy company and CSUB Athletics, which had a collection of interactive displays to illustrate scientific concepts. Students could see the principle of the conservation of momentum in a giant Newton’s Cradle or learn about visual feedback by attempting to shoot a basketball through a hoop while wearing goggles.

“Chevron is here because we understand that educating the youth of today will grow the engineers of our future,” said Catherine Thacher, a geologist for Chevron. “The students are really excited about all the activities. We’ve had a line all morning and afternoon. It’s exciting to see their eyes grow when the results aren’t what they were expecting. They’re having fun learning.”

Ridgeview High School brought about 200 students, 37 of them from science teacher Richard Ruiz’s class. Penny Parrales, April Armes and Nicholas Grider, all juniors, said the STEMposium was more fun than they were expecting and that they enjoyed learning about opportunities they might not have otherwise known about.

“I thought it was really cool how they have everything set up,” Grider said. “They encourage kids to ask questions.”

Ruiz said the event was a great way to expose his students to the various ways they can use STEM in the workforce, from nursing to oil to robotics.

“By knowing what they don’t want to do, it takes them one step closer to learning what they do want to do,” he said, adding that he was happy to get them out of the classroom for a day. “They probably wouldn’t have remembered what I taught them on this Friday in the future, but they’ll remember coming here.”

Inside a tent stretched over the lawn were more tables, including one with information on CSUB’s new public health program. Professors Dr. Andrea Lopez and Dr. Linh Bui were there with their student volunteer Jessica Jaime.

“It’s very exciting to be back out in the community,” Dr. Lopez said. “Being able to see people of all ages is really fun.”

The public health team was kept busy with curious students all day, many of them interested in a career in health care. Jaime, a junior, graduated from BC with her associate degree in public health and has since transferred to CSUB to earn her bachelor’s degree.

“I did a lot of volunteering for public health at BC, and I felt like it was important to do that here too,” she said. “It gives you experience talking to the community.”

The event also included guest speakers inside the building: Elaina Rusk (former chief meteorologist for 23ABC and current news anchor for KGET’s noon broadcast), Stu Witt (a former US Navy jet test pilot and former CEO of Mojave Air and Space Port) and Amira Flores (director of STARBASE at Edwards Air Force Base) spoke on their own professional experience in STEM fields. Students also heard from younger speakers already making their way in the sciences: 14-year-old Cayenne Gutierrez, who is building her own 1920s-era airplane by hand, and 16-year-old Harjaisal Brar, who made a medical-grade respirator and a winner in this year’s Kern County Science Fair.

Event organizers aim to provide students with a robust understanding of the way science is used every day in the real world and encourage them to follow their interest in STEM both inside the classroom and beyond.

“We look forward to holding this event every year and it’s really nice to be back,” Dr. Medina said. “Hopefully the students leave here today excited about STEM and with a better idea of what’s possible for them.”

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Footnotes

Story by Kelly Ardis, communications specialist, School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME); photos by EJ Medellin, multimedia student assistant

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FootNotes

Story by Kelly Ardis, communications specialist, School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME); photos by EJ Medellin, multimedia student assistant

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STEMposium returns

K-12 students explore the world of science

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Check out top photos from recent events

March 4th, 2026

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Gift will establish Wonderful Scholars Center in Rohan Building

Dahna Stowe and sister Dorie Gutierrez donating $125,000 over five years

Janie Flores to be inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame

March 4^th, 2026