MBRS Scholars Mentor Ocean Discovery Institute Youth

Jennifer, Erika, and Genaro make time to mentor 9th graders about science


MBRS Scholars Reach out to the Ocean Discovery Institute

One of the best things about being a part of a science support program is the opportunity to give back to the community and to help other students succeed. On Monday, April 2nd, the Ocean Discovery Institute brought a small group of 9th graders to SDSU. They toured the campus, visited laboratories, and met current SDSU science students. The Ocean Discovery Institute is an outstanding organization which dedicates its efforts to mentor youth in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Through science exploration, students from urban and diverse backgrounds are engaged in education, scientific research and environmental stewardship. Youth are empowered to transform their lives and make a difference in the world as scientific and environmental leaders. Similar to MBRS scholars, their discoveries will reveal new ways to protect the ocean and nature, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen the quality of life in our world. When asked to mentor visiting students, MBRS scholars do not have to think twice. MBRS biology senior, Genaro Hernandez, gave a tour of the Roberta Gottlieb laboratory at the Donald P. Shiley Bioscience Center, where the 9th graders examined cardiac and muscle cells, observed the various equipment used by Genaro and his colleagues, and learned about getting involved in research at SDSU. Jennifer Keliher-Venegas, MBRS Biology Major/Marine emphasis, and Erika Garcia, a Biology major/Zoology emphasis, both conducted informal mentoring sessions and reinforced the benefits of pursuing a higher education. This is the second collaboration with the Ocean Discovery Institute and we are excited to host future visits from these “Future Aztecs!”

By MLopez