U.S. defense organizations join forces for STEM initiative

The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center   In working to collectively increase awareness of emerging STEM career fields, the organizations have launched the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Science and Technology (S&T) Conference. The conference coincided with the 90th anniversary of American Education Week, and the Center’s Community and Educational Outreach team joined DTRA CB in celebrating the nation’s commitment to students and educators.
On the opening day of this year’s Conference, 25 Rancho High School students enrolled in the biotechnology magnet program within the Clark County Public School District.
Students were able to ask experts questions about various R&D areas and careers, get involved in hands-on experiences that reinforced STEM concepts and techniques that are critical in solving the nation’s current and future challenges. And ECBC Biologists Alena Calm and Janna Madren-Whalley conducted an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiment with the group.The students also had the opportunity to work with ECBC Research Biologist Brady Redmond, Ph.D. who engaged them in using the DNA agarose gel electrophoresis method.
The Center’s outreach team educated students about STEM scholarship and career opportunities in a fun way, combining science with light-hearted activities – such as letting them compete in a Jeopardy game.
“I think it was very interesting to learn about the need for professionals in these fields,” said student mother and chaperone Nikole Gomez.
“This event will hopefully help my daughter figure out which career pathway she would like to pursue.”
David Miller, K-12 Science and Math Coordinator for Clark County School District, said:
“The mix of hands-on activities and presentations was very helpful in giving students a real-world perspective of the various STEM career fields outside of the classroom.”
“At the high school level, they really need to think about where they would like go and what their goal could be.”
Earlier in the fall, the ECBC was supported by the National Defense Education Program to participate in the inaugural ‘Team CBRNE STEM Educational Outreach Day’ with seven partner organizations.
Army engineers and scientists exhibited their expertise and cutting-edge technologies during an Edgewood-wide training and education event. On the second day of the program the focus shifted to help create a highly-skilled future STEM workforce.