Discovery Days inspires curiosity and a passion for science

Magnus L’Argent, a fourth-year mechanical engineering and physics double-major student, volunteered on behalf of the Oregon State University American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics club.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to give back to the broader community and try to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists and get them interested in STEM,” L’Argent said.

Svea Bruslind, who volunteered with Sigma Delta Omega, a sorority dedicated to women in science, actually attended Discovery Days as a young child. From Lacomb, a small town outside of Lebanon, she is a fourth-year student majoring in zoology and minoring in photography.

“It’s important that we give a human face to science. The kids can remember, ‘Oh, I met this super cool person from Discovery Days and they taught me all of these cool facts,’” Bruslind said. “Science has a history of being elitist and that is really unfortunate because science is for everyone. Every single person on earth interacts with science on a daily basis and it’s important they have a positive experience with it.”

Students traveled from Lincoln City, Sweet Home, Stayton, Toledo, Albany, Lebanon, Philomath and Corvallis to participate in the activities. Together with the College of Science, the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering and the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences participated. More than 10 other clubs and organizations volunteered their time as well.

The College of Science is proud to continue the Discovery Days legacy, and is excited to offer the program again April 18 and 19 this coming spring.