Monday - Oct 20
STEAM Speaker Series
Periods 1-7 | Theater
The STEAM Speaker Series takes place throughout the school day. Watch guest speakers during periods 1-7 in the theater or via the live stream.
About the Speaker Series
Expert Speakers
Scientists, mathematicians, artists, and technologists from local companies and universities sharing their experiences.
In the Theater
Presentations take place in the Spartan Theater for 300+ students. Speakers discuss their background, projects, and latest research.
Inspiring Stories
We are grateful for our speakers' willingness to share their stories and inspire the next generation of STEAM professionals!
Period 1
From an African Village to the American Ivy League: Story of Motivation, Ambition and Grit
Ikhide Imumorin
Period 2
From Lab to Life: Commercializing Engineering Research to Transform the Plastics Industry
Molly Morse
Period 3
A Day in the Life of an Atmospheric Chemist
Reem Hannun
Period 4
How Drones Are Changing the World — and Why You Could Build the Next One
Alex Norman
Period 5
History and Future of Biotech
Damon Tighe
Period 6
My career in accelerator physics
Nicole Neveu
Period 7
Empowerment Through Making: How 3D Printing Changes Everything
Jason Reynolds
Period 1
Ikhide Imumorin
California State University Biotechnology (CSUBIOTECH) - Executive Director
Ikhide Imumorin is Executive Director of California State University Biotechnology (CSUBIOTECH) program, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a professor, researcher, and bioentrepreneur. He previously held faculty positions at Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Spelman College, and Valdosta State University, and earned a PhD from Texas A&M University. His presentation is a story of the journey of a little boy from an African village to a professor in the American Ivy League, and its lessons about motivation, ambition and grit as ingredients for success in life.
Period 2
Molly Morse
Mango Materials
Dr. Molly Morse is the CEO and co-founder of Mango Materials, a San Francisco Bay Area-based biomanufacturing start-up that converts methane gas into biodegradable materials. She received her Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and her B.S. from Cornell University. Molly will discuss the journey from scientific inspiration to starting a company to commercializing a new material for the plastics industry.
Period 3
Reem Hannun
NASA
Reem Hannun is an atmospheric chemist who specializes in developing and deploying specialized instruments to measure Earth's atmospheric composition. She has worked at NASA since 2024 and earned her PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University. In her presentation, she will discuss her background and career path, the Earth's unique atmosphere, and overview some of her current research questions.
Period 4
Alex Norman
Matternet
Alexander Norman is the Chief Operating Officer at Matternet, where he has spent nearly a decade pioneering urban drone delivery across Europe and the U.S. An aerospace engineer by training, he helped lead the world's first certified drone delivery operations. Alex will take students on a journey into autonomous drones, showing how drones are transforming logistics and saving lives through real projects delivering medical supplies between hospitals.
Period 5
Damon Tighe
Bio-Rad
Damon attended Saint Mary's College of California for a BS in Biology/Chemistry and worked on the Human Genome Project and large sequencing projects at the National Labs. He has worked at Bio-Rad for over a decade helping instructors bring hands-on biotechnology into the classroom. His presentation goes through the history of biotech and looks at what's happening at the leading edge.
Period 6
Nicole Neveu
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Dr. Nicole Neveu is a staff scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Her research has focused on electron beam dynamics simulations for the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and she now supports Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) operations as an area physicist. She will cover the basics of particle accelerators and her background and career progression.
Period 7
Jason Reynolds
Peak Technology / Jinxbot
Jason Reynolds is the founder of Jinxbot 3D Printing, a fabrication lab he launched in his garage over a decade ago that grew into a full-service creative and manufacturing space in Mountain View, CA. In 2025, Jinxbot was acquired by Peak Technology Enterprises, where Jason now serves as Director of Advanced Development. His presentation explores how 3D printing empowers people to move from consumer to creator, breaking down barriers between ideas and reality through accessible technology.
Tutorial Wednesday
John Collins
Academic Entertainment
John Collins a.k.a. The Paper Airplane Guy held the world record for paper airplane distance for ten years and is the author of five books of original designs. Called the world's foremost expert on paper aircraft, he has appeared on Conan, Nat Geo, Discovery, and ESPN's Sports Science. His presentation is a tremendously fun romp through aerodynamics using paper airplanes to demonstrate wing loading, center of gravity, drag, lift, thrust, and many more fluid dynamics ideas.
Tutorial Friday
Stephen Treder
Magic Bubbles & Balloons
Stephen Treder has over 8 years experience as an analytical chemist and currently repairs chemistry equipment throughout the bay area. He is an accomplished bubble artist, balloon twister, stilt walker, and science demonstrator. His presentation features chemistry and physics demonstrations that will inspire learning by showing how understanding the science behind how the world works allows you to manipulate it in wondrous ways.
Attend
Find and attend the unique events hosted this week.
Learn
Listen and learn from experts, clubs, and peers.
Participate
Engage in the interactive activities hosted throughout the week.