FLSI recently hosted the inaugural Kids' Tech University ¡en Español! on December 2nd, presented entirely in Spanish to 30 Spanish-speaking families. Assisting with these efforts were GCC faculty affiliate Luis Escobar and IGC Fellow Mariana Castaneda Guzman, both of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation who helped to lead activities for KTU ¡en Español!. 

Mariana, started her journey at Virginia Tech as a master's student in Dr. Escobar’s lab, where she delved into computational ecology to study biodiversity. Mariana and Dr. Escobar’s collaborative efforts extended beyond the lab when they co-wrote a successful proposal for a Virginia Sea Grant Graduate Fellowship, propelling Mariana into her Ph.D. studies. This prestigious fellowship encourages outreach activities for underrepresented groups in science, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the Kids' Tech University program. 

Mariana, currently an IGC Fellow and pursuing her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Paul  Angermeier and Emmanuel Frimpong, took a moment to reflect on the profound significance of the KTU ¡en Español!, and answer some questions about the event.

Mariana stands with one of her activities
Mariana stands next to her oyster filtration activity, a hands-on experience she helped to create as part of the KTU ¡en Español! event.
 
What was your role in the event, and how did you and Dr. Escobar contribute?
Dr. Escobar and I took charge of the main lecture at KTU ¡en Español!. While I organized an interactive activity, he delivered an engaging talk. We decided to add a playful twist by incorporating Lotería, essentially the Latin version of Bingo but with images. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time entirely hosted in Spanish in the fourteen years of KTU's existence.
 
Why was the Kids' Tech University ¡en Español! project important to you?
What struck me the most about this event was how it engaged the kids in science and created a space for their parents to join in. The children, aged 9 to 12, often serve as translators for their parents, and this event, conducted in their native language, helped bridge that gap. Removing the language barrier crafted a safe environment where parents and kids could share their excitement for science. I hope this experience sparks a cycle of enthusiasm, fostering their shared curiosity.
 
What was one of the highlights of the day?
One of the most remarkable moments was during the lecture when parents were just as involved, whispering answers and showing genuine interest. Another highlight was during the oyster filtration activity when they gasped upon discovering how oysters, as filter feeders, retain bacteria in their tissue, potentially causing illness if consumed raw. It was heartwarming to witness these connections and moments of learning, both for kids and their parents. This event truly emphasized the power of language, and representation, and shared enthusiasm for science within our community.
 

What do you hope this project's impact will be on the community?
Conducting the event in Spanish was crucial for representation. As a kid, you might not always see it, but for immigrant parents who've tirelessly worked to provide a brighter future for their children, witnessing an event tailored to them in their native language can be truly empowering. Seeing Latinos and Hispanics excelling in their fields in higher education can serve as a powerful motivator for these parents to encourage their kids to chase their dreams.
 
Luis Escobar and Mariana Castaneda Guzman present an engaging lecture to 30 Spanish-speaking families.
Luis Escobar and Mariana Castaneda Guzman present an engaging lecture to 30 Spanish-speaking families.
Lotería sheets created for the inaugural Kids' Tech University ¡en Español! on December 2nd.
Lotería sheets created for the inaugural Kids' Tech University ¡en Español! on December 2nd.