About Us

We are empowering the next generation through inclusive, hands-on science led by undergraduate students.

Nuestra Ciencia logo

Nuestra Ciencia is a bilingual, community-driven research and outreach program connecting Cal Poly undergraduates with local elementary students through microbiology education. Nuestra Ciencia was created in 2021 to dismantle misconceptions in microbiology and to empower Latinx youth by showing them that science is for everyone. Nuestra Ciencia provides opportunities annually for over 30 undergraduate students to gain experience teaching bilingual microbiology lessons, and for over 300 2nd-6th grade students from six bilingual schools in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barara Counties to experience science activities in Spanish. Undergraduate mentors design and teach relevant lessons on topics like vaccines and food safety, helping children not only grasp scientific concepts but also see themselves as future scientists. At the same time, college students gain invaluable experience teaching in Spanish, affirming for all the value of the Spanish language, culture, and voice in STEM. Through our Aprender Haciendo Lab ('Learn By Doing Lab'), we bring elementary students to the Cal Poly campus to learn in college science labs and spark a lasting interest in science. We believe that Nuestra Ciencia is more than a program—it’s a growing movement to transform how science is taught, who it includes, and what it means to belong. Nuestra Ciencia is also part of a network of university and community partners transforming education, called University-Community Links. UC Links sites bring historically marginalized P-12 youth together with university students in guided activities that engage their minds and connect them to each other, their communities, and the world around them.

Our Teams

Nuestra Ciencia is composed of three teams — Research, Lesson Development, and Outreach — to study impact, create engaging science lessons, and build lasting community connections.

Research Team

Our Research Team investigates the impact of bilingual microbiology education on both elementary students and Cal Poly undergraduates. Using a participatory, design-based research approach, the team collects and analyzes data—such as surveys, interviews, and teaching artifacts—to better understand how students’ views on science, identity, and language evolve. Their work helps refine lesson design and provides valuable insight into how bilingual education fosters empowerment, belonging, and STEM engagement across communities.

Lesson Development

Our Lesson Development Team creates fun, interactive science lessons that connect with students' lives and cultures. From hands-on activities to real-life examples, these lessons involve K-12 students in Cal Poly's signature Learn-By-Doing teaching philosophy. The team works collaboratively to ensure each lesson is educational, culturally relevant, and engaging for young learners.

Outreach Team

Our Outreach Team helps tell the story of Nuestra Ciencia through eye-catching posters, flyers, and social media. They're the creative minds behind our visual style — from designing our logo and brand colors to building this website! Whether it’s spreading the word about events or making science feel more fun and welcoming, this team makes sure everything we share looks great and connects with our community.