To register for and/or explore current STEM outreach volunteer opportunities please check the events page!
Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair
AWIS-SD Outreach organized AWIS-SD members and volunteers to serve as judges for the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. This fair showcased poster presentations by middle school and high school students. AWIS-SD awarded several $100 prizes to outstanding student posters, recognizing their remarkable achievements in STEM.
Congratulations to the 2026 winners!
| Name | Poster Title |
| Sydney O’Donnell | Effects of marigold versus chlorella supplementation on yolk lutein content |
| Antonella Norris | Vitamin C and glucose – How does heating fruits and vegetables affect the vitamin C concentration and glucose levels? |
| Zara Mughal | Human-robot trust dynamics |
| Sharvi Mahajan | Evaluating predictive EEG Theta/Beta features in adult ADHD via machine learning |
| Abigayle Droge | How do sharks use Earth’s gravitational field as a compass? |
| Olivia Liu | Soap, a friend or foe of skin bacteria? |
| Judy Wu | Testing which cup keeps a hot drink warm the longest |
| Nisa Thomas | Modeling body-image perception through controlled changes in avatar appearance: a novel study employing AI-agent simulations of personality and eating disorder behaviors |
| Risha Guha | Uncovering sex-specific memory restoration through chromogranin A-derived peptides in Alzheimer’s disease |
| Emma Liu | Computational pipeline for high-throughput 3D quantification of cell states in polymorphonuclear neutrophils |
| Chloe Li | Hydrogel coating technology for thermal relief and smoke contaminant mitigation in firefighter gear |
| Harper Tilley | Effects of hydrogel type and fertilizer type on cherry belle radish growth in simulated martian regolith |
Volunteer Judges: Maureen Dinata, Natacha Ralainirina, Haley Kim, Audria Montalvo, Alexander Sercel, Spencer Nelson, Gina Varner, Dhivya Pushpa Meganathan, Luz Marina Londono, Andria Del Tredici, Deszra Shariff, Kerrin Whitson-Twigg, Ellie Kuznetsova, Mairead Solano, Kokila Shankar, Jennifer Kosmatka, Megan Keene, Angela Snyder
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Conference
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) annual conference is held at the University of San Diego (USD) in March. Previously, AWIS-SD outreach has organized a group of AWIS-SD members and volunteers to deliver a science workshop with a “Crime Scene Investigation” theme to local 6th-10th grade female students. Students participated in experiments related to crime scene analysis such as gel electrophoresis and blood typing. The workshop had hands-on experience with DNA analysis/gel electrophoresis, blood typing, and liquid identification. For each session, we prepared the stations and gave the girls the background information for the crime scene they were investigating. During Expanding Your Horizons, AWIS-SD members had the privilege of imparting their knowledge to female students, teaching them laboratory techniques and guiding them in applying the scientific methodology to address research questions. Please visit the EYH website for more information.
ChemExpo
ChemExpo is part of the American Chemical Society (ACS) San Diego chapter’s annual celebration of National Chemistry Week. Held in October at San Diego Miramar College, ChemExpo attracts a significant number of middle school and high school students, along with their parents and teachers (300-500 attendees). The event features hands-on science demonstrations that are enjoyed by both student and parents. The AWIS-SD booth is specifically sought out by students and parents due to its engaging activities. In the past, volunteers guided participants as they made edible water pods. ChemExpo provides a valuable platform for AWIS-SD to promote scientific education and spark curiosity among young learners. Information about this and other events hosted by the San Diego ACS chapter can be found here.
Barrio Logan Science Fair
Barrio Logan Science and Art Expo is a family-oriented experience that takes place at Mercado del Barrio. In the words of the organizers, this event is “an inclusive and annual art, science, and culture fair that welcomes families from around southern San Diego. Join the Barrio Logan Association, UC San Diego, and various community partners as we highlight science, art, and culture in the world around us!” The expo had many interesting activities, and it was wonderful in every way! In one particularly fun activity, volunteers aided the community in making silly putty and explaining the process behind it. This was a messy, colorful learning experience for all of us.