About Us
Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
OUR MISSION IS TO SPARK AN INTEREST IN STEM FOR UNDER-REPRESENTED YOUTH IN SAN JOSE, INSPIRE THEM TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION, AND HELP THEM REALIZE THEIR OPPORTUNITIES IN STEM THROUGH CONTINUAL ENGAGEMENT.
Science Extravaganza
Science Extravaganza (SE) is organized and executed by SJSU students with the support of STEAM professionals.
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SE is made possible with great help from the Bay Area Professional Chapter of the Latinos in Science & Engineering (MAES). SE is the biggest student led event at San Jose State University and SE 2025 will be the 26th Edition!
What Do We Do?
Science Extravaganza is divided into two main parts, in two semesters.
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During the Fall Semester, we outreach middle schools around San Jose that are Title I schools to target underserved and underrepresented populations. We work with the schools to set up a time for us to come to the school and host an overview of SE and host a STEM-Based fun workshop for the students. This helps spark their interest in STEM and makes it fun for them while also learning the different careers in STEM.
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During the Spring Semester, the second weekend of February, we bring 350+ middle schoolers from schools we attended on the Fall to SJSU. Throughout the day, we have our industry partners host STEM-based workshops, usually related to the field their company specializes on, and the students rotate throughout the different workshops. We have our SE Volunteers support us with logistics and support the workshops our industry partners host. Overall, is a day full of fun for everyone! The kids get to see themselves as future STEM students, and our industry partners learn a lot from our kids ideas and thoughts.
Meet Our Team
This is our Executive Board, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders through engaging workshops and mentorship. They volunteer their time to make this event a success!
Jessie Garcia
She/Her/Ella
B.S. Industrial Design
Hello everyone! My name is Jessie Garcia, and I’m an industrial design major. I absolutely love being a woman in STEM and showing what we can achieve. My parents are from Mexico City, and their journey inspires me every day. I absolutely love working with kids and am so inspired the way they see the world. I’m so excited to work with you all and inspire future generations of innovators and dreamers!
Co-Chair
Ferch Sánchez López
He/Him/Él
B.S. Computer Engineering
Hi everyone! I’m Fernando but I go by Ferch, I’m a Computer Engineer with a minor in Chicanx Studies. I’m first gen, ESL student, and proudly undocumented. I grew up in Mexico City and just moved to the US 7 years ago. Throughout my higher ed experience, I have developed a passion for social justice and equity and I want to determine my career to link that to STEM. I’m excited to keep inspiring students to pursue STEM, especially those that come from similar backgrounds as mine.
Co-Chair
Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres
Treasurer
He/Him/Él
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hey everyone! I’m excited to be back, but now as the Treasurer for Science Extravaganza! I’m from Redwood City, last year SOLES President, and a huge América fan. This year, we’ll host one of the most unforgettable events for the students in the San Jose community, showcasing all the STEAM opportunities awaiting them at SJSU!
Yahir Guerrero
School Outreach Assistant
He/Him/Él
B.S. Aerospace Engineering
Hey everyone! I’m glad to be a part of the SE board this school year! I’m from SJ and I’m not thinking of moving away anytime soon. Some things I like are video games, sports. music, and going out. We’re working diligently towards our big event in the Spring semester, and I hope everyone attending is inspired to become leaders for future generations.
Fernanda Tapia Marin
School Outreach Assistant
She/Her/Ella
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hello everyone! My name is Fernanda and I am a first-generation student studying. I am also a transfer student! As someone who comes from a low-income minority background, I understand the importance of supporting students, so I can’t wait to work with you all towards inspiring a new generation of scholars!
Sebastian Gomez Valdez
He/Him/Él
B.S. Electrical Engineering
Hello everyone, my name is Sebastian. I am an electrical engineer major as well as a transfer student. I love STEM and love to teach others about it. I think there isn’t enough diversity in STEM, and so I want to reach out to anyone who might be interested but discouraged by the notion that it is only for “smart” gifted students. I believe anyone can be in this field if they really want to.
MAES Liason
Lani Do
Media Manager
She/Her/Hers
B.S. Software Engineering
Hello! I’m Lani & I’ll be the Digital Media Manager for this year. I am studying Software Engineering.
I worked on our club website. Last year I volunteered for SE & it was really cool to help the next gen of STEM leaders. Hope yalls come out & volunteer for this amazing event
Shelby Mathews
Publications Manager
She/Her/Hers
B.A. Digital Media Art
Hey, I’m Shelby. I am a second-year digital media art major! I am going to be the Publications Manager for SE this year! I’m obsessed with traveling, photography, nature, and community. When I graduate, I wish to relocate to Seattle for a design technologist role.