November 17, 2015
Physicists inspire future scientists at Diversity Conference
Carlos A. Trallero, professor, and Jaime Minjarez, undergraduate researcher, both in the physics department and James R. Macdonald Laboratory, recently participated in a workshop at the Annual Si Se Puede Hacer Ciencias y Matemáticas Program at Emporia State University.
The workshop was for students to see Hispanic professionals working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields to spark their interest in the fields.
Si Se Puede is a STEM outreach program specifically for Hispanic students. STEM outreach programs have been offered for more than 20 years due to underrepresentation of women in these careers. However, the situation for Hispanics is far greater in terms of this underrepresentation. The U.S. needs more qualified graduates in these fields.
The workshop was presented by several Hispanic professionals including Trallero and Minjarez who represent a wide variety of mathematical and science careers. It is meant to inspire the 50 Hispanic middle school students from across Kansas who attended the event.