UCI sciences hone in on Costa Mesa

Christine Carrillo

Professionals from the world of science again will be reaching out

to a future generation of researchers as the UC Irvine School of

Biological Sciences holds its annual science fair initiative program

at two Costa Mesa high schools today and Feb. 6.

The “Ask a Scientist Night 2003” program, first established four

years ago at Costa Mesa High School, gives underserved students an

opportunity to meet one-on-one with scientists from different fields

of study.

“It’s very powerful because they bring in the real world to the

school,” said Fred Navarro, Costa Mesa High’s principal. “It’s a

powerful tool to show the students ... It’s exciting that

professionals give their time to teach the students what they do.”

The informal event, established by School of Biological Sciences

Dean Susan Bryant and researcher David Gardiner, is aimed at

encouraging students’ interest in science and increasing enrollment

in UC schools by underserved students.

“They were our targeted schools because they were underserved in

the science fields,” said Erin Marie Torres, the outreach coordinator

at UCI. “The goal is to help them develop those fields ... and

motivate them to have an interest in science.”

The UCI science fair initiative also is planning visits to the

biological sciences school’s laboratories for students from both

students.

The event is expected to attract about 300 people and will be held

from 6 to 8 p.m. at Costa Mesa High tonight and from 6 to 8 p.m. on

Feb. 6 at Estancia High School.