OUTREACH

We recognize the importance of public engagement in science to inspire students and promote diversity in STEM. Our lab members actively participate in scientific outreach events and community initiatives.

Together, we strive to make a positive impact in our community and foster a passion for scientific exploration.

The UCLA Volunteer Center

Members of the Sobreira lab enthusiastically volunteer at The UCLA Volunteer Center, an organization dedicated to coordinating service activities both on campus and across Greater Los Angeles.

This year, the Sobreira lab is gearing up to participate in UCLA Volunteer Day 2023 as part of the "Heal the Bay" program. "Heal the Bay" is a distinguished environmental nonprofit founded in 1985, dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and cleanliness of the coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles.

SACNAS conference

Debora has been selected as the UCLA faculty representative for the SACNAS conference in October 2023. SACNAS stands as the premier multidisciplinary and multicultural event promoting diversity in STEM across the nation. This conference is not just a gathering; it's a transformative experience that equips, empowers, and energizes participants for their journeys in academia and the STEM professions.

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS)

Debora plays an integral role as a judge for both posters and talks. This conference is a platform dedicated to historically underrepresented community college, undergraduate, and postbaccalaureate students pursuing studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

West LA Shelter

Kailee volunteers at the West LA Shelter, a part of the LA Animal Services. Their mission is to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of both animals and people. They also actively encourage and advocate for adoptions, rescues, and increased awareness about animals.

San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties Science & Engineering Fair

Debora serves as a judge and also as a mentor for highschool students at the San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties Science & Engineering Fair at California, USA.

Expanding Your Horizons

Debora has actively volunteered for Expanding Your Horizons (EYH), an organization that hosted STEM career introduction conferences for young women nationwide. She was a member of the organizing committee and served as the Donations Co-Chair. At EYH conferences, Debora co-led hands-on human genetics workshops, simplifying complex concepts. Through EYH, she encouraged girls to explore STEM and engaged in discussions about gender-related challenges in society, work, and science.

K-12 schools

Debora participated as a volunteer at Franklin Fine Art Center in Chicago. At this local public school, she designed and conducted experiments while providing invaluable assistance to elementary-grade students whenever required. Through this position, Debora strives to spark the curiosity and excitement of these young students and show them that science is more fun and less intimidating than they think.

Leadership Alliance program

During her postdoctoral training at the University of Chicago, Debora actively mentored numerous undergraduate students as part of the Leadership Alliance program. This program is dedicated to offering research opportunities and fostering networking experiences for over 4,000 emerging scholars, with the overarching goal of advancing the representation of underrepresented minority groups in higher education and research at advanced levels.