BGA Outreach High School Visit:
On Friday, April, 17th, 2026, UCLA Bioengineering graduate students Savannah Jinhee Kim and Asma Karim visited Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) as part of the Bioengineering Graduate Association (BGA) outreach program. Located in La Crescenta-Montrose, CA, CVHS has a student body of over 2,000 with a profound interest in STEM, evidenced by its district-recognized ‘Academy of Science & Medicine.’ The visit held a special significance as Asma is a member of the CVHS Class of 2017.
The primary goal of the visit was to share our academic and career journeys as graduate students and to communicate our research interests to a high school audience, offering them a glimpse into life at UCLA Bioengineering.
Supported by strong promotion from the school’s science faculty, we conducted four seminar sessions throughout the day. These sessions attracted over 100 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors in AP Biology. The attendees were eager to explore potential STEM career paths and learn about the cutting-edge research currently taking place at UCLA. Each session concluded with a Q&A where students asked insightful questions on topics ranging from campus social life to specific technical details of our research.
Overall, the event was a resounding success. Students provided positive feedback, noting that the presentations were informative and engaging while remaining accessible and relatable. It was a truly rewarding experience to witness the curiosity of these future scientists, and we look forward to further contributing to the local community through science communication and mentorship across all education levels.
BGA Outreach LA Maker Faire:
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, UCLA Bioengineering graduate students Savannah Jinhee Kim and Jay West participated in the LA Maker Faire and City of STEM festival as part of the Bioengineering Graduate Association (BGA) outreach program. Held at Exposition Park in downtown Los Angeles, the event drew over 30,000 attendees and featured more than 200 local makers, engineers, and creators. The festival serves as a regional hub for STEM education, offering hands-on activities ranging from robotics battles and 3D printing exhibitions to various school club projects.
Our primary goals were to connect with the local community, build partnerships with science outreach organizations, and share information about the UCLA Bioengineering program. Our booth featured a portable microscope demonstration designed for younger audiences, allowing them to examine animal, plant, and insect samples on microslides. We also provided guidance and answered questions for those curious about the field of bioengineering. Additionally, we connected with various community partners and science education providers to expand UCLA Bioengineering outreach programs.
The event was a great success; attendees noted that the demonstration was both scientifically intriguing and engaging for children. It was inspiring to witness the profound interest in STEM from the local community and to see the collective effort made by exhibitors to create an accessible learning environment. Seeing the talent and aspirations of these future scientists was a truly rewarding experience, and we look forward to further contributing to the community through science communication and outreach across all educational levels.
