STEM San Joaquin Conference celebrates 32 years

The STEM San Joaquin Conference, formerly known as San Joaquin Expanding Your Horizons, invited students grades 6-9 for its annual event on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. The conference is co-sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the University of the Pacific, with coordination provided by a dedicated team of volunteers.

At the conference, students had the chance to delve into exciting activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) within an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. This year marked the event's 32nd anniversary, featuring the theme “Measuring the Success of Tomorrow.”

The event featured a schedule that included an opening ceremony, three interactive workshops, a lunch break and a closing ceremony.

During the opening ceremony, Korbie Le Galloudec, the High Energy Density Science (HEDS) chief engineer within Weapons Physics and Designs (WPD) at LLNL, delivered the keynote address. Le Galloudec shared an inspiring account of her career journey in STEM and the experiences that ultimately guided her to a role as an engineer at the Lab.

Following the opening ceremony, students participated in three workshops that offered hands-on activities related to science and engineering. During these sessions, students had the opportunity to interact with professionals and science enthusiasts. To ensure a personal and interactive experience, attendance for each workshop was limited to approximately 20 students.

Some of the workshops included:

• Learning about computer repair and networking
• Programming robots
• Creating with LEGO Mindstorms
• Using sewing machines to design light-up wearables
• Solving a cybercrime
• Making ice cream aquifers

The students were thrilled to engage in a variety of STEM activities, immersing themselves in hands-on learning experiences. One student shared, “I had a great time building the LEGO robots, and I really enjoyed seeing the layers of the Earth represented with ice cream.”

The excitement generated by these activities not only captivated the students but also laid the groundwork for the STEM San Joaquin board’s broader mission to inspire students in their pursuit of STEM careers.

“We aim to inspire students to explore careers in STEM. Our workshops have sparked significant interest and engagement among students, emphasizing the opportunity for their enthusiasm in this field to thrive,” said Jeene Villanueva, co-chair of the STEM San Joaquin Conference and computing software engineer/group leader at LLNL. “It’s truly exciting to witness this growth. Many former students, now professionals, return as volunteers to lead workshops and chaperone groups, fostering a rewarding environment where current students can participate in hands-on STEM experiences on a college campus.”
 
The STEM San Joaquin Conference was a remarkable success, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the STEM San Joaquin board and the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort. A special acknowledgment goes to the volunteers and key members of the planning team, many of whom are from LLNL.

“Volunteering in STEM education not only enriches the lives of community members but also empowers volunteers to grow personally and professionally. It’s a mutually beneficial way to foster a love for STEM and build a stronger, more informed community,” Villanueva said.

The STEM San Joaquin board works on planning throughout the year and is composed of conference co-chairs Alex Murray and Villanueva, STEM Outreach Program Manager Joanna Albala; workshop chair Cary Gellner; registration chair Mildred Lambrecht; volunteer chair Sharon Langman; chaperone chair Alicia Short; finance chair Teri York; ad hoc member Carrie Martin; and facilities chair Nancy Elium Shaw of UOP.

As the conference concluded, the impact of the day resonated deeply with both students and organizers. The enthusiasm and curiosity sparked during the workshops not only highlighted the importance of STEM education but also reinforced the community's commitment to fostering future innovators.

“I’m grateful that LLNL continues to provide opportunities for students to learn about STEM, especially in underrepresented communities like San Joaquin County. All the hard work and dedication of the STEM San Joaquin board paid off with great dividends. We had another very successful year, with more than 300 students in attendance, and look forward to continuing the legacy of this opportunity,” said Alex Murray, co-chair of the STEM San Joaquin Conference and computer scientist/group leader at LLNL.