2012 Nifty 50

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering's Nifty 50 program, presented by Life Technologies Foundation, recognizes the commitment to developing tomorrow’s scientists and engineers by sending 50 exciting scientists and engineering professionals into San Diego’s K-12 classrooms. Nifty 50 speakers will share their passions, their major influences, and their challenges or road blocks encountered in their careers.

This year’s program will place particular focus on the student experience: what students will personally take away from each presentation in terms of a greater interest in science and engineering. By communicating with partnering teachers prior to the actual classroom presentation, scientists and engineers will have the opportunity of better understanding unique attributes and interests of each class, such as previous science experiences, level of science background learning, and the general classroom dynamic. By understanding these variables ahead of time, our 50 dynamic scientists and engineers will be able to share their passion and expertise in a way that can best be absorbed and appreciated by all students.

Members of the Nifty 50 are drawn from San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering's 125+ member collaborator network that includes leading private sector firms, major colleges and universities, research institutes, professional science and engineering societies, Balboa Park informal science and engineering educators and centers, various military and community organizations, and cross-border science and engineering institutions.

Highlights of Nifty 50’s in 2012

This year the Nifty 50’s Speaker Program has reached around San Diego County with its presentations. Scientists from various institutions from academia to industry have participated. Here are just a few of the schools, teachers and scientists that have benefitted from the series:

Dr. Alison Marsden, UCSD, Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Research presented to Mrs. Tracy Rabasco, 6^th grade teacher and her class at Joan MacQueen Middle School, Alpine

Dr. Mike Maxwell, National University, Zoology, presented to Ms. Carinne Carroll’s 3^rd grade class at Fay Elementary in San Diego

Dr. Ricardo Carretero, SDSU, Applied Mathematics presented to Ms. Carmen Villegas, 10^th grade teacher at Sweetwater High School in Chula Vista

Mr. Paul Germain, GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Biology presented twice for Nifty 50’s. He visited Dr. Ev Nusic’s 11^th grade class in Pine Valley, CA. and also did a program for Ms. Ellie Vandiver’s 11^th grade class at University City High School

Dr. Huda Makhluf, National University, Biology and Molecular Biology presented to Mrs. Lenelle Wylie’s 10^th graders at Helix High School in La Mesa

Dr. Geoffrey Wahl, Salk Institute, Molecular Biology, Cancer Research presented to Ms. Kimberley Elliot at Health Sciences High School and Middle College

Dr. Michael Sailor, UCSD, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Nanoscience presented to Ms. Nora Hepler’s 11^th grade class at Mt. Carmel High School in Poway

Dr. Andrew Cooksy, SDSU Chemistry, Physical chemistry and Spectroscopy presented to Mr. Brad Lappin’s 8^th grade class at Tierra del Sol Middle School in Lakeside

Dr. Julian Schroeder, UCSD, Biology, climate change and drought resistant plants presented to Mr. Chris Morissette’s 12^th grade class at High Tech High at San Marcos

Dr. Michael Kalichman, UCSD Ethics and Science presented to Mr. Donald Wopperer’s 8^th grade class at Memorial Prep Middle School in San Diego

Dr. Jim Rohr, SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, Physics and Hydrodynamics did a presentation for Ms. Evelyn Ramirez’s 8^th grade class at Farb Middle School in San Diego

Other scientists have volunteered their valuable time from companies such as:

• Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• ActivX Biosciences
• NOBCChE
• BD Biosciences
• Life Technologies
• San Diego Gas & Electric
• La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology
• Northrup Grumman
• General Atomics
• San Diego Zoo

There are still many programs scheduled in the upcoming weeks including a presentation by Chancellor Fox and Dr. James Whitesell at Health Sciences High School and Middle College for Ms. Kimberly Elliot’s honor students.