Día de Ciencias spurs passion for STEM

When science teacher Henry Rothenberg from suburban West Leyden High School first heard about an event held at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) focused on increasing Latino students’ interest in STEM careers, he knew he had to bring his students. 

“This was my second time attending Día de Ciencias with my students from the West Leyden High School Science Club,” Rothenberg said. “Since a majority of my students are Hispanic and Latino, I thought this would be a great opportunity for them to meet and connect with accomplished Hispanic and Latino engineers and scientists.” 

In November, the University of Chicago Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE UChicago) hosted the SHPE Chicagoland Día de Ciencias. The event brought more than 50 students representing 19 local middle schools and high schools, more than 30 parents and scores of volunteers to the UChicago campus. Events were led in both English and Spanish. 

“By communicating in both English and Spanish, they are leveraging a unique linguistic capital that bridges communities and makes STEM accessible to more people—an ability that not everyone has, but one that is deeply valued here,” said SHPE UChicago President and UChicago PME PhD candidate María Ley Flores, who led the event. 

Students built paper roller coasters, robotic hands, catapults, and popsicle stick bridges strong enough to stand on. They also watched demonstrations on cutting-edge science led by students and faculty from UChicago PME and the Physical Sciences Division. 

“Representation in educational spaces is so important,” said UChicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics graduate student Alice Burington-Luna. “Learning from someone you already share a deep cultural connection with can be really inspiring and gives you hope that you’ll have a strong community when you enter these academic spaces.” 

While their children learned, parents attended workshops on college readiness, scholarships, financial aid, and STEM pathways. 

“Often times, the parents and families of first-generation college students in our Hispanic communities want to be involved and supportive in their child’s educational journey but don’t know in which ways they can continue to support their student,” said SHPE UChicago Academic Chair and UChicago PME PhD candidate Andrea Diaz. 

The interdisciplinary event marked the first collaboration between SHPE UChicago, in its new role as an official chapter following its recognition last year, and SHPE Region 6 chapters. It showcased the collaborative efforts of SHPE student chapters from UChicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with STEM professionals from the SHPE Chicago Professional Chapter. The event welcomed participants from all backgrounds and attendance was open to all.

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