About Us
Empowering the Next Generation of STEAM Leaders
OUR MISSION IS TO SPARK AN INTEREST IN STEAM FOR ALL YOUTH IN SAN JOSE, INSPIRE THEM TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION, AND HELP THEM REALIZE THEIR OPPORTUNITIES IN STEM THROUGH CONTINUAL ENGAGEMENT.
Science Extravaganza
Science Extravaganza (SE) is organized and executed by SJSU students with the support of STEAM professionals.
SE is made possible with great help from the Bay Area Professional Chapter of the Latinos in Science & Engineering (MAES). SE is the biggest student led event at San Jose State University and SE 2026 will be the 27th Edition!
What Do We Do?
Science Extravaganza is divided into two main parts, in two semesters.
During the Fall Semester, we outreach middle schools around San Jose. We work with the schools to set up a time for us to come to the school and host an overview of SE and host a STEAM-Based fun workshop for the students. This helps spark their interest in STEAM and makes it fun for them while also learning the different careers in STEAM.
During the Spring Semester, the second weekend of February, we bring 350+ middle schoolers from schools we attended on the Fall to SJSU. Throughout the day, we have our industry partners host STEAM-based workshops, usually related to the field their company specializes on, and the students rotate throughout the different workshops. We have our SE Volunteers support us with logistics and support the workshops our industry partners host. Overall, is a day full of fun for everyone! The kids get to see themselves as future STEAM students, and our industry partners learn a lot from our kids ideas and thoughts.
Meet Our Team
This is our Executive Board, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEAM leaders through engaging workshops and mentorship. They volunteer their time to make this event a success!
Co-Chair
Jessie Garcia
She/Her/Ella
B.S. Industrial Design
Hello everyone! My name is Jessie Garcia, and I’m an industrial design major. I absolutely love being a woman in STEM and showing what we can achieve. My parents are from Mexico City, and their journey inspires me every day. I absolutely love working with kids and am so inspired the way they see the world. I’m so excited to work with you all and inspire future generations of innovators and dreamers!
Samantha Nicole Figueroa
Co-Chair
She/Her/Ella
B.S. Computer Engineering,
M.S. Artificial Intelligence
✨ Hello everyone,
My name is Samantha-Nicole Figueroa (Sam).
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, and this Fall, I’m beginning my Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. I was born and raised in San Jose, California, and I’m a proud first-generation daughter/student from immigrant parents from Jalisco, Mexico. I’m also very proud of my involvement in amazing organizations and conferences. 🌟 Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect. 🤝
Jose Luiz Sarabia Torres
Treasurer
He/Him/Él
B.S. Mechanical Engineering,
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hey everyone! I’m excited to be back, but now as the Treasurer for Science Extravaganza! I’m from Redwood City, last year SOLES President, and a huge América fan. This year, we’ll host one of the most unforgettable events for the students in the San Jose community, showcasing all the STEAM opportunities awaiting them at SJSU!
Sanjana Munjam
School Outreach Assistant
She/Her/Hers
B.S. Data Science
Hey everyone! I’m Sanjana, and I’m a second-year Data Science major. Volunteering with SE last year was amazing; I really enjoyed connecting with both the team and the students, and it was great seeing what a fun, inspiring learning experience the event is. That positive energy and impact is what made me want to join the organizing side this year. I'm excited to jump in, contribute to this amazing team, and help us grow our outreach so we can share this valuable experience with as many students as possible!
Sneha Wadhwa
School Outreach Assistant
She/Her/Hers
B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Hello everyone! I’m Sneha Wadhwa, a third-year Biomedical Engineering student at San José State University. I’m passionate about combining science and engineering to design solutions that improve everyday lives. Being part of Science Extravaganza lets me share that excitement with young students and show them how fun and meaningful STEM can be. I’m thrilled to inspire the next generation of curious minds to explore and create!
Sebastian Gomez Valdez
MAES Liason
He/Him/Él
B.S. Electrical Engineering
Hello everyone, my name is Sebastian. I am an electrical engineer major as well as a transfer student. I love STEM and love to teach others about it. I think there isn’t enough diversity in STEM, and so I want to reach out to anyone who might be interested but discouraged by the notion that it is only for “smart” gifted students. I believe anyone can be in this field if they really want to.
Karen Salib
Media Manager
She/Her/Hers
B.S. Computer Engineering
Hi everyone! ✨
My name is Karen Salib, and I’m super excited to be serving as the Media Manager for Science Extravaganza this year! I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you. 🙌
I’m currently a third-year student majoring in Computer Engineering 💻 In addition to SE, I’m also involved with MESA as a Peer Advisor!
Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!
.png)
Leia Ragsdale
Publications Manager
She/Her/Ella
B.S. Aerospace Engineering
Hey everyone, I'm Leia! I am a third-year aerospace engineering major with 2 minors: CompSci & Physics! I'm super excited to be the Publications Manager for SE this year! I completely nerd out when it comes to STEAM; being able to advocate and expose Title I schools to these amazing careers is something I'm super passionate about especially since I grew up, 1st gen, not knowing what STEAM was.