Article and Photos by: Kelly Zarate, SMCISD District Technology Integration Coach SMCISD
San Marcos CISD students were recently presented with an opportunity to visit Texas State University and to gain perspective about STEM-related academic and career pathways. District Science Instructional Coach Hubert Ham and Texas State Professor of General Chemistry Dr. Tania Betancourt, organized the field trip in response to student interest in STEM fields.
Students from Miller and Goodnight Middle Schools and San Marcos High School were bussed to the university where they were welcomed with information about undergraduate programs and the Society for the Advancement of Hispanics, Chicanos, and Native Americans (SACNAS). SACNAS members have visited campuses across the district to provide engaging demonstrations and to raise awareness about higher education in science.
Students visited numerous laboratories along the guided tour and listened to mini-presentations about specialized research in medicinal biochemistry, polymer and imaging studies, and material science and engineering. They heard about plant studies for medicinal purposes in synthetic organic chemistry, and observed intense magnification images with x-ray de-fraction through a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Dr. Carlos Gonzalez and PhD student Eric Schriers explained how the SEM is used in fields such as environmental studies, medicine, and forensics. In the molecular beam epitaxy lab, students viewed images and heard about manufacturing work involving single-crystal ingots for micro devices.
Walking across the campus to different laboratories, students exchanged thoughts about the intricacies of each STEM field and shared personal ambitions to pursue various studies.
SMHS student, Elijah Urbizu said, “Collegiate study is not an inch deep and a mile long. It is impressive to see how highly specialized it is.”
Other students expressed gratitude for the campus tour and the chance to see the amazing amount of focus at the collegiate level. They discussed personal interest in a variety of areas, including science and manufacturing, astrophysics, and biochemistry.
Guides and presenters impressed students, allowing them to explore and ask questions. While facilitating a tour of the polymer lab, SACNAS member Christopher Munoz explained, “One question leads to five others. We study nano particles and polymer synthesis. We want to exploit the properties of light and measure light properties such as fluorescence. This work is valuable for imaging and testing for things like cancer.”
In the composite lab, graduate students spoke about the uses of carbon and other resins for science and manufacturing. Students handled the materials and engaged in talks about multiple industries that the field serves.
After eating in the university cafeteria and sharing their excitement among peers, students were ushered back to an auditorium where they were reminded to do their best work at the secondary level. Dr. Betancourt assured them that the university’s STEM fields are within their reach and will require diligent preparation. She informed them that teachers and university staff are available to answer questions as they make important decisions about academic pursuits beyond high school.
As students left the university auditorium to head back from the day trip, SACNAS members handed out cups of nitrogen-chilled dipping dots. Many students also left with a vision to continue their studies in STEM, and a new level of confidence about how accessible it is for them right here in San Marcos.