“Studying science helps children learn how to solve problems, develop critical thinking skills, and introduces them to a variety of fields they may not have thought about as a future career path,” said Sabriya Seid, a Loyola Marymount University biology senior who led experiments extracting DNA from strawberries during an on-campus event on April 20, 2024.
LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering partnered with nonprofit, outreach organizations Bridge Builders Foundation and The Hesabu Circle to host a Bridge Builders Foundation’s Ernest E. Just Saturday Science event for 120 elementary through high school-aged students. Both nonprofits are dedicated to equity and access in education for students of color/underserved youth and lead programs that help develop a college-going culture. The days agenda included a scavenger hunt as part of a campus tour, learning about university campus life, a visit with LMU Board of Trustees member and President of Pediatric Heart Center Dr. Aaron Banks, STEM activity break-out sessions, lunch and board games, and a reflections/wrap-up session.
As a founding member of The Hesabu Circle, Professor of Mathematics Robin Wilson was instrumental in collaborating with both nonprofit organizations to bring this event to campus where both the university students and grades 4-12 students could inspire each other. “We wanted the young students’ takeaway from the day to be that they belong in STEM fields and at a university like LMU,” said Wilson, who welcomed the participants on behalf of Seaver College and led a Domino Dissection activity for the students. “It is important to plant seeds with the future student body of LMU by expanding the reach of the university throughout the greater Los Angeles area, in particular, to raise awareness for STEM higher education and the presence of the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.”
The elementary, middle, and high school students were treated to a full day of STEM activities led by LMU students and faculty exposing them to the disciplines of math, biology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, health and human sciences, and electrical and computer engineering. In the university’s labs and classrooms, the hands-on activities included a domino dissection activity, Achi math game, penny mass experiment, hydraulic crane, dissection and balance experiment, and electronic shop activities, among others.
“The students were so excited and engaged; they asked a lot of great questions during the activities and presentations,” said Seid. “I believe it is extremely important for underserved communities to have equity and access to as much education as possible and are provided information about all the academic opportunities and career pathways available to them.” She has set a goal of earning a Ph.D. and will soon apply to graduate school programs as well as a Fulbright Scholarship, and is excited to pursue a future career in conservation biology research.
John Omiya, a 2024 LMU graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and plans to apply to medical school, guided the young students in a Light and Color activity working with a defraction spectroscope. “This was the first time I have volunteered for such an event working with younger students,” said Omiya. “I was pleased to witness their enthusiasm and positive reactions to the Bridge Builders event. I believe anyone who has interest in, and wants to pursue academically challenging science disciplines can be successful at it. I encourage these young students to pursue science fields fearlessly.”
