On a bright Saturday morning at the Fleet Science Center, a little girl read a comic strip about the science behind the curls in her hair. Ten yards away, a little boy launched a paper rocket into the air using a straw and the power of his lungs. Downstairs, families listened as a neuroscientist illustrated her journey in Alzheimer’s research.
On this day, May 10th, visitors to the Fleet Science Center San Diego immersed themselves in the wonder of science at a brand-new, inspiring event, A Celebration of Science.
Born out of a partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), A Celebration of Science was originally intended to be a celebration of the NSF’s 75th anniversary. Bolstered by two federally funded grants from the NSF, the Fleet was excited to produce this event free of cost, welcoming the public and further supporting community partners through individual donations.
Actions taken by the current administration caused these grants to be rescinded, but the loss of funding did not stop the Fleet. With a driving mission of realizing a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science, this turn of events only motivated them further.
“With funding being cut and scientific research being publicly devalued, integrating STEM into our communities is more important than ever to inspire the next generation of scientists,” Dr. Mwenda KudumuBiggs, Vice President of Community Service and Engagement at the Fleet Science Center shared with GB Magazine. “A Celebration of Science is our way of celebrating STEM community partners and standing strong for the future we believe in.”
The event moved forward with a new spirit. Resilient community partners from STEM industries, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations stepped up to ensure the community had the chance to experience the power of their work, and the Fleet team worked tirelessly to organize a panel discussion, Science Interrupted, dedicated to highlighting the vital role of science in our society.
“Having events like this, where we are all united together with different STEM partners, is so important because the students get to see all the things they can become in the future,” said Dr. Tracy Nguyen from the Society for Women Engineers – San Diego, one of the community partners participating in the event.
Thanks to the dedication of the Fleet and the passion of their community partners, A Celebration of Science became a representation of the certainty of science in uncertain times, a channel for the community to witness the science that surrounds them every day, and most importantly, a celebration of the power of STEM.
“We are all in this together and we all have the same mission” added Dr. Nguyen. “This is where it starts, at the Fleet Science Center.”
To learn more about the Fleet Science Center, their efforts in the community, and A Celebration of Science, please visit www.fleetscience.org.
