9th Annual STEMwise to Engage Young Students in STEM
March 17, 2025
Suggested time for a media visit: 9:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
STEMwise aims to engage primary and secondary school students in STEM via interactive and fun educational activities, expose students to cutting-edge technology, and introduce pharmacy and other health and science-related careers that are not widely known.
History
PharmCAMP was founded in 2016 by Dr. Christine Cadiz, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences, and third-year Doctor of Pharmacy student Kim Nguyen.
History
STEMwise, previously known as PharmCAMP, was founded in 2016 by Dr. Christine Cadiz, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences, and third-year Doctor of Pharmacy student Kim Nguyen.
The pilot PharmCAMP program was designed to expose young students to STEM-related careers through active and fun learning. The program familiarizes students with careers in pharmacy and encourages and inspires students to pursue higher education.
However, after several successful years for these events, members realized that the name PharmCAMP was significantly limiting, as this event shows how remarkable a pharmaceutical career can be, but also allows young students to stimulate and nurture curiosity about STEM fields. That is why for 2024 PharmCAMP rebranded to STEMwise.
Participants have primarily come from school districts with low average high school graduation rates, socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and minority groups typically underrepresented in STEM careers.
STEMwise is currently led by Dr. Jeniffer Hernandez, associate professor of immunology and Elizabeth Emerald, alumni engagement officer.
Workshops
- Ice cream compounding
- DNA extraction
- Slime lab
- Immunization and antibiotic awareness
- Science of Stress
- Smoking cessation
- The nervous system
- Mini Suture and Vital Signs Workshop
- Hand Anatomy
- Twizzler DNA Model
Current Sponsor for the Event
California Bank & Trust
For nearly 70 years, California Bank & Trust has been helping California families and businesses grow and prosper. Today, they are one of California’s most admired banks, offering guidance, collaboration, and customized options simply not found at other banks. Learn More
Previous Sponsor for the Event
The Learning Center
Fairplex is a nonprofit enterprise that serves as a place, a convener, and a creator of memories to strengthen the community and economy through arts and entertainment, agriculture, education, and commerce. Learn more