Biology

Have you ever wanted to learn more about some cool applications of bioengineering? Come join the Bioengineering Graduate Society at UCSD as we talk about two different bioengineering topics: bacteriophages and chromatography

Bacteria and viruses are known to cause many different diseases, but bioengineers can “reprogram” these microorganisms to get them to help us instead of hurt us. Join us as we explain how a certain type of virus called “bacteriophages” can be engineered to fight bacterial infections and how it saved the life of one of our own faculty members!

In the last year we've talked a lot about lung health, but do you know how your lungs actually work? Join the Bioengineering Graduate Society at UCSD as we explain basic respiratory anatomy and physiology, and guide attendees through a fun and simple lung model activity.

If you'd like to do the activity with us, you'll need the following supplies:
1 empty one liter bottle
3 balloons
2 straws
Tape
Scissors
Play-doh (optional)

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, presented by the Illumina Foundation, will be fully virtual this year from April 24-May 2 on lovestemsd.org.

The Live Main Stage event is from 10am-6pm on Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28 with fun and interactive STEAM activities, a special Women in STEAM event as well as a COVID-19 conversation for kids and teens.

Learn what makes stem cells such an important tool for scientists interested in making medicine with a lesson by vertex stem cell scientists. Students will get a chance to hear directly from Vertex scientists and ask questions after the pre-recorded lesson.

The Scripps Research Community Symposium is a public event that invites the community — K-12 teachers, high school students, families with children, community college students, and more — to meet our scientists, hear from our graduate students, and interact with our science in fun and engaging ways. This year expect topics in circadian rhythm, covid19, citizen science initiatives and much much more.

Meet scientists and engineers live over Zoom for a Q&A about their work, what inspired them to get into the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and much more. Engaging 15-20-minute videos will be posted in advance showcasing what each professional does in his or her work and discoveries and inventions they've made this last year.

Join the San Diego River Park Foundation on a virtual adventure along the San Diego River!

The River Bugs Are Cool! virtual field trip offers kids an opportunity to connect with their local environment, interact with a river scientist, and explore the San Diego River virtually, all while learning about ecology and environmental stewardship!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have had to wear masks when communicating with others. This creates challenges in face to face communication, as face masks cover facial expressions that are necessary for easy understanding of emotions. In this pre-recorded video, learn about the different characteristics of facial expressions and how they convey emotions. Then, test your new knowledge by guessing the facial expression on a masked person.

Over the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and medical professionals have been grappling to understand the science of this novel virus, how it spreads and how to manage it through public health guidelines, vaccine development and distribution. It can feel like information overload, especially for kids and teens. Speakers in this session will break down the complexity of COVID-19 into an engaging, casual conversation starting with an experiment with germs and washing hands.

The Biocom Institute Education Symposium brings together educators, nonprofits and industry partners who are reimagining Life Science/Biotech learning experiences in K-12 classrooms, schools and districts. The goal of the symposium is to experience and learn from these innovations first-hand with active practitioners and partner providers. Participants engage in a variety of professional learning and networking opportunities to connect with innovative educators and industry experts & scientists.