University of Houston-Downtown
Presenters: Stephanie Chavarria & Landon Sanz, University of Houston-Downtown
Project: STEM with Purpose: Integrating Service Learning and Technology to Inspire Future Scientists
Description of the project: This presentation highlights a technology focused service-learning initiative that connects University of Houston–Downtown STEM undergraduates with organizations serving middle school aged youth. As Service-Learning Peer Leaders, we guide interdisciplinary teams in developing Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills -TEKS-aligned experiments that merge natural science and computer science, such as low-cost robotics builds, introductory game-design challenges, and web-based science simulations. Delivered as part of a credit-bearing course, our outreach takes place across multiple settings, including middle-school STEM events, specialized learning programs, and community organizations. This structure allows undergraduates to apply course concepts in authentic environments while supporting early STEM engagement for a wide range of learners.
Evidence of success comes from increased engagement during outreach sessions, positive feedback from teachers, and reflective student assessments showing gains in leadership, confidence, and communication skills. The initiative is also intentionally cost-effective, built on inexpensive materials, open-source tools, and technologies already accessible to students, making it a scalable model even for large course sections. Core to our planning is a design matrix that maps learning objectives, materials, and costs, ensuring each experiment remains both budget-friendly and pedagogically strong. These designed experiments encourage younger students to see STEM as creative and collaborative while helping college students apply theory to community impact. We will showcase the strategies for designing cross-disciplinary, tech-infused service learning that builds curiosity, confidence, and real-world relevance in STEM education, as well as our experiences.
Biography: Stephanie Chavarria is a fourth-year biology student and a Service-Learning Peer Leader from the University of Houston- Downtown. She was a course participant through the Scholars Academy under the guidance of Dr. Mary Jo Parker, where she developed a passion for advocacy and connecting classrooms with communities. She leads groups of undergraduate students in designing STEM experiments for middle school-aged students, emphasizing the importance of higher education in STEM. This role has transformed her journey from mentee to mentor, strengthening her leadership while supporting peers in building confidence and problem-solving skills.
Landon is a 4th-year biology student at the University of Houston–Downtown with experience in tutoring and clinical research. He tutors biology and anatomy for the UHD Natural Sciences department and designs monthly biotechnology labs for high-school students at Lone Star College. He conducts pediatric clinical research with Wake Forest physician scientists and completed a grant-funded internship leading his own study managing consent/IRB tasks, REDCap builds and writing a first-author manuscript. He published a first-author review on plastic degradation and has multiple manuscripts near completion, with presentations at PAS 2025, ATE PI 2024, and Wake Forest’s 2024 conference.