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2019 Pacific Student Research Symposium Highlights

May 07, 2019

Project at Pacific SRS — Pacific SRS Poster Presentation

The Pacific U.S. GLOBE Student Research Symposium (SRS) took place 26-27 April 2019. The SRS was hosted by GLOBE Partner Tracy Ostrom (WestED/CCASN at UC Berkeley). The site of the event was NatureBridge at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Sausalito, California. There were 71 students and 13 GLOBE teachers from California and Hawaii in attendance, with the students presenting a total of 26 GLOBE research projects in a poster presentation session. Student projects were reviewed by their peers and by scientists from NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, NASA Ames, WestEd, and Chabot Space and Science Center.

Keynote Speakers at Pacific SRS — Keynote Speakers at the 2019 Pacific SRS

The event kicked off with a "get-to-know-you" icebreaker with teachers, students, and scientists. After dinner, two keynote speakers, Dr. Kelechi Uwaezuoke and Dr. Audrey Parangan-Smith, from SF BUILD, welcomed the students and shared stories of their beginnings and interest in science. Dr. Annette Angus from Clorox was also present, as the focus of the evening was about STEM equity and inclusion. Keynote speakers stressed to the students that identifying mentors and following their passions are important career steps.

Later in the evening, students and their teachers enjoyed a warm bonfire, and many students took advantage of an opportunity to practice their presentations.

Pacific SRS Review Session — Project Review at the Pacific SRS

The following day, students started their morning by practicing their presentations in a peer-review session. From this exchange, students selected projects for the peer choice recognition. Next, the scientists enjoyed discussing posters with the student teams. While the reviewers spoke with the students, teachers participated in professional development on the GLOBE Carbon Cycle materials with the United States Country Coordinator, Jennifer Bourgeault (University of New Hampshire Leitzel Center).

Student Activities at the Pacific SRS — Students visit the Marine Mammal Center

After the review process and lunch, students had an opportunity to explore the natural ecosystem of a marine environment and the history of the area. The middle school teams, and a few high school teams, enjoyed a tour of the Marine Mammal Center (MMC). The MMC is a sanctuary for sick and injured marine mammals rehabilitated and released back into the environment. Other school groups spent time looking for bioluminous sand organisms, participating in ridge hikes, and visiting the Point Bonita lighthouse and the Nike Missle Center.

Students recognized for peer choice at Pacific SRS — Students recognized for peer choice.

The day concluded with a recognition ceremony where projects were recognized for their research methods, use of GLOBE protocols and data, community impact and engagement, and 21st century skills.

There were six GLOBE Partnership representatives, including Tracy Ostrom, Peter Falcon, Kalina Velev, Matt Silberglitt, Jon Boxerman, and Svetlana Darche, all of whom had various roles during the event in support of the student-teacher teams. Autumn Burdick (SSAI) and Rob Limon, videographer, assisted in making the event a success. (Thank you to Waste Management of Oakland, California, who sponsored 15 Oakland students to attend the event by paying all of their expenses.)

See photo highlights of the event here!