This year’s Exploring Your Universe on Sunday, Nov. 2, was a huge success, thanks in part to members of the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry community.
The student-led and -organized event, now in its 16th year, is the largest science fair in Los Angeles County and engages the general public and K–12 Los Angeles students with science in exciting and interactive ways.
Many members of the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry community hosted interactive booths and gave engaging talks. A photo gallery from the event can be viewed here, and select photos can be viewed below. A new UCLA College video about EYU can also be viewed below.
At the event, guests were treated to 70 interactive science booths, 18 science talks, nine planetarium shows, and laboratory tours of the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI). For the first time, EYU included tours of the Mathias Botanical Garden and an Inventors’ Alley, which featured booths displaying UCLA faculty creations and companies.
Terence Tao, UCLA’s James and Carol Collins Professor of Mathematics and Fields Medal recipient, was honored with EYU’s Science and Education Pioneer Award.
In a keynote presentation titled Stand Up for Science, Miguel A. García-Garibay, Dean of Physical Sciences and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, addressed the growing challenges posed by federal research funding cuts.
Three UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty members gave short, family-friendly research talks.
In his talk, Organic Chemistry in the Movies, Distinguished Professor Neil Garg introduced attendees to one of chemistry’s most misunderstood subjects, demonstrating core organic chemistry concepts through short clips from popular family films.
In his talk, Fun with Plastics, Distinguished Professor Richard Kaner guided middle-school audiences through the fascinating world of plastics—where they come from, how they’re recycled, why polymer chains behave the way they do, and even the science behind stubborn ketchup packets.
In his talk, Molecular Compasses and Gyroscopes, García-Garibay returned to the stage to share how his lab designs molecular machines that behave like tiny compasses or gyroscopes.
Chemistry & Biochemistry booths bring science to life
Throughout the day, UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty, students, and organizations hosted a wide range of interactive booths that drew continuous crowds:
Alpha Chi Sigma’s Chemistry Corner – Visitors were invited to explore eye-catching chemical demonstrations.
ChromoChem: Colorful Chemistry (García-Garibay Group) – Showcased the science behind vivid colors and chemical reactions.
Chem Kids (Garg Group) – Offered hands-on activities connecting organic chemistry to the natural world, complete with souvenirs for young scientists.
Chemical Reactions – Organized by Jimmy Chu.
The Colors of Life (Shafaat Group) – Visitors learn how metals provide the colors of life.
CNSI’s Exploring the Nano World – Visitors were invited to learn about the ways that invisible science makes visible fun.
Extract DNA with the UCLA Graduate Biochemistry Student Association (gBSA)! – Students guided families through isolating real strawberry DNA to take home.
Jung Group Startups – Professor Michael Jung and members of his groups invited visitors to learn about their various startup companies.
Nanotech Energy (Kaner Group) – UCLA spin-off Nanotech Energy is a leader in graphene-powered lithium-ion batteries designed for unparalleled safety and fire resistance.
Silq (Kaner Group) – UCLA spin-off SILQ develops advanced coatings for medical devices (especially catheters)to help prevent bacterial buildup and lower the risk of infection
Illuminating the World of Molecules (Caram Group) – Visitors learn about the exciting developments in physical and molecular chemistry.
The UCLA Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Lava Lamp Station – Visitors build their own bubbling creations to keep.
The PHOTON booth (Sletten group) – Visitors learn about glow-stick chemistry, luminescent materials, and photos documenting the experience.
Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) Instant Snow – Delighted visitors with rapid-expanding polymers.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Exploring Your Universe, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 1!
Exploring Your Universe is made possible by the generosity of donors including Mani L. Bhaumik and a cross-campus collaboration of science experts and enthusiasts.
Photos by Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.
