AACG West Outreach Program
The West Chapter of the American Association for Crystal Growth is committed to introducing youth to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our bi-annual conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers to discuss the fundamental nanoscale physics and chemistry that are central to the growth of crystals for a wide array of technologies.
Through fundraising from our very active outreach committee, generous donations from sponsors, and the hosting venue at Stanford Sierra Camp, we were able to have our inaugural class of high school and undergraduate students come to the 28th AACG Western Section Conference on Crystal Growth & Epitaxy, held at Fallen Leaf Lake, CA during June 9th – 12th, 2024.
Students spent their time listening to presentations from researchers from academic institutions, national laboratories and industry on emerging challenges in understanding, engineering, and design of crystal growth in nature and technology. In addition, they engaged in discussions with all participants during the poster presentations and participated on the Career Panel Discussions where every participant is encouraged to ask panel members about their paths and experiences in science and engineering.
This year, we had welcomed a group of high school students and two of their teachers from the Tracy Unified School District in Northern CA, another high school student from the Pringee School in South Hamilton, MA, and several undergraduate students from San Francisco State University, University of California Berkeley, and the University of California Irvine.
Below, you can access some of their testimonials.
Luis A. Zepeda-Ruiz (LLNL)
Outreach Program Director, AACG-West
Treasurer, AACG
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Jon Waggle, Principal – Tracy High School/Tracy Unified School District
Dean Reese - Director of STEM Curriculum