SAN DIEGO — In honor of the University of California, San Diego’s milestone anniversary, UCSD Alumni will host “Celebrating 50 Years of Science,” a provocative look at the future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and its critical role in the global economy. The event takes place March 22 at the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) on the UC San Diego campus. Part of the San Diego Science Festival — the largest celebration of science and engineering on the West Coast — the event is free and open to the public.

Representing the university’s tradition of cutting-edge research, groundbreaking discoveries and innovative firsts, “Celebrating 50 Years of Science” features a panel of prestigious local alumni: Sherri Lightner, City of San Diego councilmember; James Rohr, Ph.D., engineer at SPAWAR Systems Center; Sandra Slivka, Ph.D., director of the Southern California Biotechnology Center at Miramar College; Lawrence D. Woolf, physicist at General Atomics; and Tony Yang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego. Mark Thiemens, Ph.D., dean of the Division of Physical Sciences will serve as moderator. Following the talk will be a reception and tour of Calit2, one of the world’s largest and best known interdisciplinary research institutions combining technology and art.

“The San Diego Science Festival is a meaningful opportunity for local alumni to get involved in the community,” said Armin Afsahi, UCSD Alumni executive director and assistant vice chancellor of alumni affairs. “As part of the university’s 50th anniversary celebration, we are delighted to recognize these individuals — and the more than 130,000 alumni worldwide — who are making a positive impact.”

Numbering more than 40,000 in San Diego County, UC San Diego alumni are at the forefront of the region’s innovative development and economic growth — from founding many of the area’s biotech and technology companies to educating the next generation of leaders. Partnering with the San Diego Science Festival, UC San Diego alumni scientists will share with the local community the exciting, real-world applications of scientific advances, from brewing beer and crafting flavorful chocolate, to the engineering technology behind "Avatar’s" clear displays and "Tron’s" software.

Now in its third year, the annual San Diego Science Festival is a collaborative community effort to inspire students of all ages to excel in STEM education and careers. Various events throughout the region offer interactive demonstrations and hands-on exhibits to engage kids and parents alike, demonstrating how research translates into practical innovations to better society.

“The festival is really a family event,” said panelist Jim Rohr. Rohr volunteers with current UC San Diego students, helping them create interactive demonstrations for the Festival. “It’s wonderful to see that connection between kids and parents, to see the parents’ enthusiasm and the kids stepping up to ask questions.” A video of Rohr can be accessed on the Jacobs School of Engineering website.

In addition to “Celebrating 50 Years of Science,” UC San Diego alumni will host the following Science Festival events. To register and to see a complete listing of Festival events, visit www.sdsciencefestival.com/day-4.html. 

• Engineering the Future: March 20, Cymer, Inc. Headquarters, 1–4 p.m.  

Discover how technologies seen in the movies are based on real life engineering—from Iron Man’s titanium suit to the high-intensity lasers in Star Wars. Admission is free.

• Science of Brewing: March 21, Ballast Point Brewery and Distillery, 5 p.m.

Join head brewer Yuseff Cherney, ’69, and scientist Chris White, ’62, of White Labs and learn why good science is essential to good beer. Admission is $10. Ages 21 and up only.

• Sweet Science: March 23, Senomyx: 6:30 p.m.

Explore the science behind chocolate and taste with Chuao Chocolatiers Michael, ’85, and Richard, ’84, Antonorsi. Admission is $20.