Calling all middle and high school students! Join Young Women In Bio (YWIB) on the Stanford campus for an inspiring evening of STEM exploration with Professor Brodsky from UC Santa Cruz. We will discover how Earth science connects directly with engineering, robotics, and the world around us—especially here in California. See how understanding earthquakes, ground movement, and structural stability can shape the future of robotics, building design, and disaster preparedness. From Arduinos to testing marshmallow toothpick towers, this event is all about learning by doing. If you're part of a robotics team, interested in earthquakes, or just love to experiment and build, this is a great opportunity to explore the crossover between Earth science and technology and to meet others who share your curiosity.

Note: This is a drop-off event (parents/guardians should not attend). Space for the event is limited, so please register only if you can attend. Should your availability change after registration, please email sanfranciscoYWIB@womeninbio.org so we can offer your space to another student. Pizza and beverages will be provided.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.  Registration, networking, and pizza
5:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Welcome and introductions
6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.  Arduino demonstration
6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.  Earth sciences research and lecture
6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Hands-on Earth science and earthquake activity

YWIB Age Group

Middle school and high school

Speaker Bios

Emily Brodsky, PhD, Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Dr. Brodsky is a professor and earthquake physicist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her research focuses on connecting empirical observations of earthquakes with fundamental physical processes. Professor Brodsky earned her AB from Harvard in 1995 and PhD from Caltech in 2001. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and the recipient of numerous national awards. She has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and presented over 150 invited lectures in 34 states and 15 countries. Her work has been featured in major press outlets such as the BBC, NPR, Time Magazine, NY Times, Nature, Reuters, LA Times, and The Wall Street Journal. 

Kiara Yoon, YWIB Ambassador Alumna

Kiara is a former YWIB ambassador and volunteer and a current high school senior. She is involved in a variety of STEM activities, including captaining her school’s Science Olympiad team and contributing to her city’s Youth Climate Advisory Board. She is passionate about Earth science and its intersections with biology and art.

Pricing Information

• Members/Non-Members: Free

 Please read the WIB Code of Conduct.

Registration Deadline

August 20, 2025

Maximum Capacity

30

Parking Information

After 4:00 p.m., free parking is available at the Roble Field Parking Garage, an underground garage on the Stanford campus.