On November 3rd, UCLA’s Exploring Your Universe (EYU) event returned to campus. The student-led and organized event, now in its 16th year, is the largest science fair in LA county and exposes the general public and K-12 Los Angeles students to science in exciting and interactive ways. Graduate and undergraduate students representing all six of UCLA’s physical sciences departments, hosted a variety of fun activities.
Sophia Uemura, a chemistry PhD student and EYU president, was especially proud of the growth the event has seen. “This year we welcomed over ten thousand students, teachers, and families from across the region and had 74 science booths run by over 500 volunteers – all increases from last year.”
One of the most popular attractions, the UCLA Planetarium shows, sold out for the day in a matter of minutes. Most importantly, kids had a chance not only to see what role the physical sciences play in understanding our universe, but also allowed them to experience what it is like to work in these fields.
“I am very proud to support EYU because it exposes young minds to the wonders of science in a fun, interactive way. We must continue to inspire young students to pursue STEM careers so the next generation of scientists can solve the world’s most challenging problems.”-David Stephens, UCLA Alumnus and EYU Supporter
“Exploring Your Universe has become one of our most important events of the year,” said Miguel Garcia-Garibay, dean of UCLA’s division of physical sciences. “Thanks to our dedicated student volunteers and a growing list of generous donors, I’m happy to say that we are having a meaningful impact on the science and education of students in the Los Angeles area.”
“I am very proud to support EYU because it exposes young minds to the wonders of science in a fun, interactive way,” said David Stephens UCLA alum and donor to the event. “We must continue to inspire young students to pursue STEM careers so the next generation of scientists can use their natural ability and curiosity to help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.”
In addition to generous support from people like Stephens, EYU continues to receive financial support from a growing list of UCLA organizations. These include all six physical science departments, four life science departments, UCLA College, UCLA Spark, University Credit Union, the California Nanosystems Institute, the Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics, the Samueli School of Engineering, the Mani L. Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, the University Credit Union, and the UCLA campus programs committee.
Uemura, was especially excited about the growing collaboration with the California Nanosystems Institute. “CNSI is such an amazing research institute, and their participation this year through talks and tours of some of their cutting-edge facilities like the cleanroom brought our event to another level,” she said.
As support for our event has grown, EYU has grown alongside that. Now, in its 16th year, it is a cornerstone of science outreach in the LA region and we have so much more we plan to do in the future.