Outreach Events
Center for Energy Research members participate in outreach events and activities throughout the year, in order to spark student interest in STEM careers and share our research with the public. This is a listing of outreach-specific events, to view general CER events instead, visit the page here.
Upcoming Outreach Events
2024
MAY
3 & 7
Friday Transfer Day
A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations, and endless resources.
WHEN: May 3 and May 7, 2024
WHERE: UC San Diego
ABOUT: This signature event welcomes admitted first-year students and transfer applicants to experience UC San Diego campus life through immersive tours and academic insights. Participate in showcasing your unit and helping students make informed decisions about becoming a Triton. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 9, 2024. Registration is required.
APR
13
Triton Days Open House
A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations, and endless resources.
Two CER labs opened to give tours to students: High Energy Density Physics Lab (Beg) and Solar Resource Assessment and Forecasting (Kleissl)
WHEN: April 13, 2024
WHERE: UC San Diego
ABOUT: This signature event welcomes admitted first-year students and transfer applicants to experience UC San Diego campus life through immersive tours and academic insights. Participate in showcasing your unit and helping students make informed decisions about becoming a Triton. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 9, 2024. Registration required.
Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo
The Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo is an inclusive and annual art, science, and culture fair that welcomes families from around southern San Diego.
WHEN: April 13, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
WHERE: MERCADO DEL BARRIO/1101 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113
ABOUT: The event is open to the community and will be part of the fair, highlighting science, art, and culture.
TPES Scientific Discovery Day
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Torrey Pines Elementary
ABOUT: The Torrey Pines Elementary Foundation is looking for presenters from the community who would be willing to conduct three 30-minute sessions on a scientific topic for children in any of the following grades: K-1, 2-3, or 4-5. If interested, please submit a form online.
Expanding Your Horizons
MAR
9
WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: University of San Diego
ABOUT: Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) seeks volunteers to present hands-on science and technology workshops to enthusiastic young women at the EYH 2023 Conference on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the University of San Diego. Approximately 300 sixth- to tenth-grade girls throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the EYH-San Diego Conference. The girls will participate in three workshops throughout the day in small groups (approximately 15 students each), escorted by two female college mentors. Workshop presenters in all science, math, and technology fields are needed. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and motivate young women to pursue STEM careers. To participate, please contact CER coordinator Dmitriy Orlov.
Circuits and Electricity
JAN
TBD
WHEN: Late January 2024 ( to be set up) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m
WHERE: Diegueno Country School, 15663 Circo Diegueno Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
ABOUT: Introduction and presentation for second-grade students. The presentation will include motor kits, Van de Graaf generator, circuit boards, and hand cranks.
Call for volunteers!
For participation, please contact Marlene Patino.2023
TPES Scientific Discovery Day
WHEN: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 8:30-11a.m.
WHERE: Torrey Pines Elementary
ABOUT: The Torrey Pines Elementary Foundation is looking for presenters from the community who would be willing to conduct three 30-minute sessions on a scientific topic for children in any of the following grades: K-1, 2-3, or 4-5. If interested, please submit a form online.
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)
WHEN: Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: University of San Diego
ABOUT: Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is seeking volunteers to present hands-on science and technology workshops to enthusiastic young women at the EYH 2023 Conference, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the University of San Diego. Approximately 300 sixth- to tenth-grade girls from throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the EYH-San Diego Conference. The girls will participate in three workshops throughout the day in small groups (approximately 15 students each), escorted by two female college mentors. Workshop presenters in all fields of science, math, and technology are needed. This is a great opportunity to have fun and motivate young women to pursue STEM careers. To participate, please contact CER coordinator, Dmitri Orlov.
2022
2022 APS-DPP Plasma Sciences Expo
WHEN: October 20, 2022
WHERE: Spokane, WA
ABOUT: A little over 300 students were able to take part over a 2 -3 hour period. The organizers were pleased with the enthusiastic on-site response of the teachers and school leaders.
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)
WHEN: March 5, 2022
WHERE: Virtual
ABOUT: Volunteers from CER presented hands-on science and technology workshops remotely to enthusiastic young women on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 9am to 12pm. There were 10 virtual workshops total covering computer science, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics and/or math. For the virtual conference, the students were divided into two separate groups, one for 6th-7th graders and one for 8th-10th graders. Each student attended two workshops (~9:30-10:30 and ~11-12).
2021
2020
No outreach events in 2020 due to COVID-19.
2019
61st Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics
WHEN: October 21-25, 2019
WHERE: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Triton 5k
Join team CER for the 3.1 mile run!
WHEN: Sunday, April 7 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
WHERE: Triton Track & Field Stadium | UC San Diego
MAR
23
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual STEM conference for girls in grades 6-10, connecting 350-450 girls from around San Diego County with STEM professionals in the San Diego community. Each group of 15-20 girls is mentored by 2-3 female STEM undergraduate students, providing the girls with additional STEM-based interactions. The goal is to increase the girls’ interest in STEM careers by providing exciting and engaging hands-on learning experiences.
WHEN: March 23, 2019
WHERE: 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo
The Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo is an inclusive and annual art, science, and culture fair that welcomes families from around southern San Diego.
WHEN: March 16, 2019
WHERE: MERCADO DEL BARRIO/1101 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113
MAR
02
STEM resource fair at the 11th Annual "Comienza Con un Sueño
“It Begins with a Dream” college conference at UC San Diego. Organized by UCSD CREATE and EAOP, the purpose of this event is to provide information and motivation to middle and high school students (6-11 graders) from historically underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. With over 1,000 prospective students and parents who are interested in exploring educational pathways, information about higher education/resources and STEM opportunities, our goal is to engage students by providing hands-on demonstrations and experiments.
WHEN: March 2, 2019
WHERE: UC San Diego
JAN
18
Partners in Science Conferences
Each January, a national event brings together participants in teacher-research programs from across the country to discuss their research. At this event, teachers may elect to take a lab tour of CER.
View the 2019 Agenda
WHEN: January 18-19, 2019
WHERE: Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA
JAN
17
San Diego High Tech Fair
The High Tech Fair's charter is to enlighten 7th–12th grade students to the world of science and the possibilities of a scientific career. Local organizations provide the interactive experiences that allow students to view "real life" applications of what they may be learning in the classroom.
We were featured on local news!
WHEN: January 17-18, 2019
WHERE: Balboa Park Activity Center, San Diego, CA
2018
NOV
8-9
Introduction to Plasma Science Expo
Plasma Science Expo is an exhibition that focuses on hands-on science education. It is for students at all levels, parents, teachers and the general public.
CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer
WHEN: November 8-9, 2018
WHERE: Portland, Oregon, Oregon Convention Center
MAR
10
Expanding Your Horizons
A Saturday workshop of hands-on activities led by STEM role models, for middle and high school girls. The event aims to inspire girls to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More event details available here.
CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer, will lead at least 2 different workshops
WHEN: March 10, 2018
WHERE: University of San Diego (USD)
FEB
03
Camp Symposium
The CAMP Statewide Research Symposium is an annual meeting where CAMP students and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) graduate students from UC schools have the opportunity to present their research in oral or poster format.
http://cwo-test.ucsd.edu/students/sponsor/camp/activities.html#CAMP-Statewide-Research-Symposi
WHEN: February 3, 2018
WHERE: UC Irvine, Irvine, CA
JAN
25
San Diego High Tech Fair
The High Tech Fair's charter is to enlighten 7th–12th grade students to the world of science and the possibilities of a scientific career. Local organizations provide the interactive experiences that allow students to view "real life" applications of what they may be learning in the classroom.
http://www.thecwsandiego.com/story/37287371/the-high-tech-fair-comes-to-balboa-park
WHEN: January 25-26, 2018
WHERE: Balboa Park Activity Center, San Diego, CA
2017
MAR
04
Expanding Your Horizons
A Saturday workshop of hands-on activities led by STEM role models, for middle and high school girls. The event aims to inspire girls to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More event details available here.
CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer, will lead at least 2 different workshops
WHEN: March 4, 2017
WHERE: University of San Diego (USD)
FEB
07
Public Talk: Plasmas and Energy
Saikat Chakraborty Thakur, CER's Outreach Committee co-char, will give a public talk at San Diego Mesa College about Plasmas and Energy as part of their Science Lecture Series
WHEN: February 7, 2017
WHERE: San Diego Mesa College
FEB
04
2017 Statewide Research Symposium
Organized by California Alliance for Minorities Program (CAMP), the Statewide Research Symposium is an annual meeting where CAMP students and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) graduate students from UC schools have the opportunity to present their research in oral or poster format.
Two CER members, Carlos Coimbra and Saikat Chakraborty Thakur, will be participating as judges at the symposium.
WHEN: February 4, 2017
WHERE: UC Irvine
JAN
13
Partners in Science National Conference
As part of the Partners in Science National Conference, CER members participated by giving public talks and laboratory tours. This annual program allows high school science teachers to work alongside college or university scientists on real-world laboratory research of mutual interest.
Simon Bott-Suzuki organized a CER tour for 30 high school science teachers, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur gave a talk about CER on behalf of Director Farhat Beg, Steven Mayfield gave a talk on FF21, and Bill Torre gave tours of the micro grid and Carlos Coimbra's solar lab. Several teachers from the event are now working with CER members to develop energy related lectures for their students. View the event program here.
WHEN: January 13, 2017
WHERE: San Diego, CA
2016
MAR
05
Expanding Your Horizons
A one-day event at USD that encouraged middle and high school girls to consider careers in STEM, early enough to impact their math and science course selection in high school. CER volunteers led workshops focused on energy, electricity, motors, dynamos, and plasma science.
WHEN: March 5, 2016
WHERE: University of San Diego (USD)
2015
OCT
13
High Tech Fair
The San Diego Science Alliance puts on this annual fair for middle and high schoolers with over 60 interactive exhibits on Energy & Clean Tech, Biotech, Conservation & Environment, Bioengineering, HealthTech, Infotech, and Robotics.
CER rented a booth and presented hands-on demonstrations of electricity and solar forecasting
WHEN: October 13-14, 2015
WHERE: Fleet Science Center
JUL
28
Lab Tour for SVTN Van de Waals
CER hosted a visit from the SVTN Van de Waals, a student study group attached to the faculty of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology. The annual tour exposes students to the range of plasma physics research they could aspire to after graduation.
CER members gave technical presentations on inertial fusion, laboratory astrophysics, and related basic plasma processes, then led a tour of the HEDP and PISCES laboratories.
WHEN: July 28, 2015
WHERE: UC San Diego
JUN
18
Training session for Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
In support of PowerPlay, a new exhibit at the Fleet Science Center, CER staff were invited to share their expertise on energy science with Fleet volunteers.
Two CER principle investigators gave presentations to Fleet volunteers on global energy use and UCSD's microgrid. Volunteers then toured two of CER's labs.
WHEN: June 18, 2015
WHERE: Fleet Science Center
JUN
07
World Oceans Day
An event hosted by the Birch Aquarium exploring ocean biodiveristy and ways the public can make an impact on changing oceans.
CER had an interactive booth demonstrating our research and general energy principles.
WHEN: June 7, 2015
WHERE: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla
APR
17
BE WISE
The San Diego Science Alliance program engages young women grades 7-12 in STEM learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions.
A CER member attended as a mentor to students while they learned about STEM concepts and careers
WHEN: April 17-18, 2015
WHERE: Fleet Science Center
APR
04
Triton Day
A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations and endless resources.
Two CER labs opened to give tours to students: High Energy Density Physics Lab (Beg) and Solar Resource Assessment and Forecasting (Kleissl)
WHEN: April 4, 2015
WHERE: UC San Diego
MAR
25
Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair
Promotes scientific literacy and interest in the fields of STEM education to all 7th–12th grade students in San Diego and Imperial counties.
A CER member participated as a judge at the science fair.
WHEN: March 25, 2015
WHERE: Balboa Park, San Diego
MAR
11
Vista Unified School District STEM Fest
Science festival for the students and families of Vista Unified School District
CER provided an interactive booth demonstrating our research and general principles of energy
WHEN: March 25, 2015
WHERE: Vista Unified School District
MAR
07
Expanding Your Horizons
A one-day event at USD for girls in grades 6 through 10 to engage in hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
CER led a team of scientists in presenting an interactive workshop called "Electrify Your World". View the CER news article about the event
WHEN: March 7, 2015
WHERE: Shiley Center for Science and Technology, UC San Diego
2014
OCT
21
High Tech Fair
The San Diego Science Alliance puts on this annual fair for middle and high schoolers with over 60 interactive exhibits on Energy & Clean Tech, Biotech, Conservation & Environment, Bioengineering, HealthTech, Infotech, and Robotics
CER rented a booth and presented hands-on demonstrations of electricity and solar forecasting. View articles and pictures
WHEN: October 21, 2014
WHERE: Fleet Science Center
MAY
22
BE WISE
The San Diego Science Alliance program engages young women grades 7-12 in STEM learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions
3 female CER members spent a night with 75 middle school girls at the Wild Animal Park to mentor them as they learned about STEM concepts and careers
WHEN: May 22-23, 2014
WHERE: Fleet Science Center
MAY
10
Transfer Triton Day
A chance for UCSD transfer students to get acquainted with the people and places of UC San Diego before school starts
CER's High Energy Density Physics lab opened to share their research
WHEN: May 10, 2014
WHERE: UC San Diego
APR
25
Classroom Presentation
"Plasma is Star Stuff: A journey from the cosmos to your computer chip" at Texas Lutheran University
Saikat Chakraborty Thakur from CER arranged and delivered this presentation. See a video of this talk on CER's video page
WHEN: April 25, 2014
WHERE: Texas Lutheran University
APR
24
Student Sustainable Outreach Day
Organized by the UCSD Engineers for a Sustainable World to provide high school students with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead more sustainable lives
CER's Coimbra Energy Group gave a lab tour and participated in a career panel
WHEN: April 24, 2014 / 10:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE: Price Center, UC San Diego
APR
05
Triton Day
UCSD opens up for admitted students and family to explore campus, meet faculty and alumni, and enjoy student performances.
CER opened 3 labs to present our research to future tritons.
WHEN: April 5, 2014
WHERE: UC San Diego
MAR
01
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
10 scientists from CER and General Atomics presented a hands-on workship "Electrify Your Life". View the article and pictures
WHEN: March 1, 2014
WHERE: San Diego
JAN
17
Partners in Science
Provides research opportunities for high-school teachers to work with investigators in academic or non-profit labs
CER opened our labs and guided a bus tour of UCSD sustainabilty projects during a site visit for this program's annual conference
WHEN: January 17, 2014
WHERE: San Diego
2013
SU
'13
UC San Diego TRIO Outreach Program
TRIO prepares low-income, first generation college students to successfully complete high school, transition to the college of their choice and succeed in graduating with a two-year, four-year or vocational/technical degree.
CER took on a high-school student intern as part of a pre-college program. The student completed office work, toured 3 of our labs, and conducted informational interviews with staff.
WHEN: Summer 2013
WHERE: UC San Diego
SP
'13
MAR
02
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers
WHEN: March 2, 2013
WHERE: San Diego
2012
MAR
03
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers
WHEN: March 3, 2012
WHERE: San Diego
2011
MAR
05
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers
WHEN: March 2, 2011
WHERE: San Diego
-
'11
Older
NOV
05
APR
'10
MAR
06
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
"The Hottest Stuff on Earth: Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy", 3 presentations to 45 middle school girls
WHEN: March 6, 2010
WHERE: San Diego
FEB
28
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
"The Hottest Stuff on Earth: Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy", presentations to middle school and high school girls
WHEN: February 28, 2009
WHERE: San Diego
NOV
15
OCT
30
JUN
10
APR
12
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
"The Hottest Stuff on Earth: Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy", presentation to middle school girls
WHEN: April 12, 2008
WHERE: San Diego
SEP
08
Lab Tour
"Science That Matters" after school science enrichment program, Elementary Institute of Science, Chula Vista, CA
"Making a Star on Earth: Plasma Science and Fusion Energy", lecture and DIII-D National Fusion Facility Tour for 15 high school students and 2 teachers
WHEN: September 8, 2007
WHERE: Elementary Institute of Science, Chula Vista, CA
MAR
17
Expanding Your Horizons
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering
"The Hottest Stuff on Earth: Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy", presentation to middle school girls
WHEN: March 17, 2007
WHERE: San Diego
FEB
06
EIS Energy Commission Advisory Council
A premier science enrichment program dedicated to nurturing the intellectual curiosity of San Diego's young people by providing "hands-on" experiences to stimulate an ongoing appreciation and understanding science, technology and the environment.
CER member participated in the 2007 EIS Energy Commission Advisory Council
WHEN: February 6, 2007
WHERE: San Diego
NOV
29
|
Lab Tour May 12, 2005 |
Lab tour | Tour of DIII-D to University of San Diego undergraduate physics class | |
|
Apr 2, 2005 |
An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering | Instructor, "Plasma Science in Your Future" | |
|
8th Annual Educational Technology Fair Feb 23, 2005 |
Science fair exhibit | CER presented an exhibit at this event by the San Diego Science Alliance | |
|
TRIO/Upward Bound Program at UCSD Mar 13, 2004 |
TRIO prepares low-income, first generation college students to successfully complete high school, transition to the college of their choice and succeed in graduating with a two-year, four-year or vocational/technical degree. | CER member presented a , "Plasma Science and Fusion Energy" presentation to students | |
|
"Plasma Science and Fusion Energy" Career Day May 28, 2003 |
Career day | CER presented at a career day at Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside | |
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Plasma Expo Nov 2003 |
Science expo exhibit | Exhibit at the APS Division of Plasma Physics | |
|
TRIO/Upward Bound Program at UCSD Apr 2003 |
TRIO prepares low-income, first generation college students to successfully complete high school, transition to the college of their choice and succeed in graduating with a two-year, four-year or vocational/technical degree. | Classroom presentation titled "Plasma Science and Fusion Energy" | |
|
Southern California Junior Science & Humanities Symposium Feb 2003 |
The primary aim of JSHS is to encourage students at the high school level to engage in original research in the sciences, engineering or mathematics. | CER member served as a judge | |
|
7th Annual Educational Technology Fair Feb 19. 2003 |
Annual science fair put on by the San Diego Science Alliance | Interactive booth with science demos | |
|
Plasma Expo Nov 2002 |
Science expo exhibit | Exhibit at the APS Division of Plasma Physics | |
|
6th Annual Educational Technology Fair Oct 11, 2002 |
Annual science fair put on by the San Diego Science Alliance | Interactive booth with science demos | |
|
Academic Connections, UCSD Extension Jul 2002 |
Connects high achieving high school students with college subject matter | Radient Plasmas: from Neon Lights to Nuclear Fusion in-residence summer course for high school students | |
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Plasma Expo Nov 2001 |
Science expo exhibit | Exhibit at the APS Division of Plasma Physics | |
|
6th Annual Education Technology Fair Oct 19. 2001 |
Annual science fair put on by the San Diego Science Alliance | interactive booth with science demos | |
|
Plasma Institute for Teachers Jul 2001 |
Teacher training organized by the General Atomics Fusion Education Group | CER members were instructors | |
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5th Annual Educational Technology Fair Feb 21, 2001 |
Annual science fair put on by the San Diego Science Alliance | Interactive booth with science demos | |
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Plasma Institute for Teachers July 2000 |
tTacher training organized by the General Atomics Fusion Education Group | CER members were instructors | |
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San Diego Leadership Institute (SanDeLI-2) Mar 2000 |
An event organized by the San Diego Science Alliance to facilitate extending STEM outreach and improving science teaching in the public schools. | CER member was nominated to attend this event | |
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National Engineers Week Celebration Feb 26, 2000 |
Science fair at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center to celebrate National Engineers Week. |
10 CER members presented interactive demonstrations
ranging from avalanches and 2D turbulence, to plasma science. |
|
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4th Annual Educational Technology Fair Feb 23, 2000 |
Annual science fair put on by the San Diego Science Alliance | Interactive booth with science demos | |
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Lead Scientist/Teacher Alliance Workshop Jan 2000 |
An annual workshop by The American Physical Societywhich brings together scientists and public middle and high school teachers to develop approaches to STEM outreach and improved science education. |
CER member Rick Moyer was chosen to represent the San Diego Science Alliance at this workshop in Washington DC, and wrote a summary about the workshop for the Alliance's newsletter. | |
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Plasma Expo Nov 1999 |
Science expo exhibit | Exhibit at the APS Division of Plasma Physics | |
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Plasma Expo Nov 1998 |
Science expo exhibit | Exhibit at the APS Division of Plasma Physics |
