Medicine

Primary tabs

Lilly

Lilly will offer a series of hands-on, interactive or observational learning opportunities for a diverse audience, primarily (not exclusively) targeting pre-K, grad and middle school. Attendees will walk through different learning stations revolving around the concepts of molecule structure and function, and the effect of their modifications in biological models. Temporary tattoos, other giveaways will be available.

Southwest HS

Mind over Muscle In this experiment, festival participants will use a hand dyanomter to measure your maximum grip strength and relate this to the electrical activity of the muscle. The strength of contraction of a whole muscle is dependent on the total number of muscle fibers involved and can be correlated with an EKG sensor. Participants will test their abilities by using maximum effort to test their grip over time and determine the mean force generated over the time period.

California State University Program for Biotechnology (CSUBIOTECH)

Host a booth to showcase the work of biotechnology in the Cal State University system. CSUBIOTECH provides grants and awards, organizes the annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium, promotes industry-responsive curricular innovations, and serves as a liaison between the CSU and government, regional and biotechnology industry partners, including philanthropic partners.

Lilly

Lilly will offer a series of hands-on, interactive or observational learning opportunities for a diverse audience, primarily (not exclusively) targeting pre-K, grad and middle school. Attendees will walk through different learning stations revolving around the concept of DNA structure and function, and effect of its modifications in biological models. Temporary tattoos, other giveaways will be available.

Southwest HS (SD)

The students will be determining how virtual reality goggles impact vital signs like heart rate and breathing rate. It should be pretty interactive. The lead teacher is working with a cohort of Biomedical pathway students. I can send some photos of the equipment.

UCSD Biomedical Engineering Society

UCSD BMES will create a model of the cardiovascular system for SDFSE 2023. We will use a system of clear tubing along with red colored water and clear orbeez to simulate the major arteries of the system and red blood cells. We will connect this system to a manual pump for the user to interact with. With each pump, LED lights connected to an arduino will indicate heart rate, blood oxygenation, and fluid flow.

UCSD Bioengineering Graduate Society

UCSD BEGS will present 2 bioengineering demos at SDFSE 2023. The first demo showcases engineering design principles in the form of brainstorming, designing, and building a bacteriophage that will “attack” a bacteria of their choosing. The second demo will focus on tissue properties and structures as it relates to creating solutions for problems in human health. Students will replicate different tissue layers with common household items for bone, skin, and cardiac tissue.

La Jolla Institute for Immunology

We will review how your body develops immunity with antibodies. Visitors will cut out paper antibodies to discuss how they relate to COVID-19 and vaccines. Visitors will construct a replica of a virus to explain the structure of viruses like COVID-19. Separately, we will bring a prepared petri dish sealed with bacteria expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) contained in a dark box. Visitors will shine a UV flashlight on the dish to see the bacteria glow. We will discuss GFP and immunology.

2026 Festival Presenting Sponsor

2026 Festival Gold Sponsors

We Love Our 2026 Sponsors!

It takes true community spirit and engagement to build a successful Festival Week and momentum to support ongoing programs. Our mission is to provide meaningful year-round STEAM experiences for youth and adults alike in San Diego, and throughout the state of CA through our virtual platform.

2026 Sponsors  

Contact Us

Want to attend?

Want to get involved?

Have a question?

Send us a message and we will get back with you right away!

Copyright 2008-2026, San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering