The newly renovated MESA Center and STEM Center came alive on Friday, September 13, as STEM students gathered to attend welcoming events which provided them a comprehensive overview of what students can look forward to this academic year. Boba drinks were served throughout the afternoon, as two events took place.
The festivities kicked off with an orientation for MESA students, who got to meet each other and learn about MESA services and offerings for Fall 2024, such as dedicated counseling and technical workshops. They also rediscovered the MESA Center, after its summer renovation, which included a new layout and new furniture.
Once the orientation ended, the focus shifted to the STEM Clubs. Each STEM Club was allowed to present what they do and encourage new members to join. The presentations drew a large audience of over 80 students and showcased a lot of fun club events to look forward to this Fall 2024! The Bio Manufacturing kicked things off by sharing a fresh batch of brownies and encouraging students to join them in creating various products from agar plates to antibiotics to help out Bay Area schools. Students interested in making small-scale versions of medical devices like heart rate monitors were encouraged to bring their ideas to the / BioMedical Engineering Club. Next up, the Chemistry Club shared their upcoming events – learn to make bath bombs and slime! The Computer Science Club highlighted the resume and portfolio-building projects they will get working on, while the Data Science Club announced their upcoming Python Workshop Series and Datathon. Next, Women in Science and Engineering Represent! (WiSER) encouraged students who want to learn how to laser cut or 3D print to watch for upcoming workshops, and the Engineering and Robotics Club (ERC) recruited people to join in building their solar-powered boat. The Math Club is the group to join for students looking to explore math beyond the classroom, and the Physics and Astronomy Club (PAC) shared various projects planned, including a model radio telescope. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members shared details about a couple of upcoming events, including Beyond the Single Story: Rewrite Our Globe. Last, MESA Co-Directors Emilie Hein and Denise Hum discussed the Math Engineering Science Achievement program designed to support educationally underrepresented students who graduate from college in math-based STEM fields. To learn more about the clubs and access the slides, you can visit the MESA Center website.
The STEM Clubs Boba Social set a positive and energizing tone for the academic year, inspiring students to engage with their academic journey and the campus community.
Article by Emilie Hein and Denise Hum
Photo credit: Emilie Hein