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Students inspire and unite local community at the UNC Science Expo, part of larger statewide initiative

Members of Dr. Yan’s research group interact with visitors
Members of the department of applied physical sciences (APS) returned to the annual UNC Science Expo on April 01, 2023 to share their enthusiasm for science with the community. Graduate students and faculty from the research groups of Zijie Yan and Wubin Bai offered hands-on science activities and held an interactive demonstration of light-matter interaction using miniature optical tweezers. Science Expo visitors had the opportunity to tour the Kenan Science Laboratories to witness research facilities firsthand.

“These tours sparked excitement and scientific interest among the visitors, especially in the kids who are the torch bearers and potential leaders of science in the future,” said Dr. Monika Kataria, a postdoctoral student in Dr. Yan’s research group.

As part of the North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest)’s annual statewide initiative, the UNC Science Expo has welcomed students, faculty, and members of the local community to campus for a fun-filled, educational day of science since 2010.

“This scientific outreach interactive event brings the community together to celebrate science,” said Kataria. “Visitors really appreciated participating in the hands-on activities and demonstrations. We are excited to return to the event next year!”

The North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest) celebrates science throughout April by hosting more than 800 educational hands-on science events statewide. An initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the NCSciFest fosters a positive, encouraging environment to support and inspire science education. Now in its 13th year, the event is recognized as one of the nation’s leading science festivals.

View additional photos from the UNC Science Expo here.