From left to right: Dr. Joanna Jezierska, Abril Diaz-Reyes, Sher Divina, Jeyan Lacson, Sandra Lu, Brooklynn Bradshaw, Presley Dubler, Ian Hinden
The UNLV Scientista Foundation received a $10,000 donation from Las Vegas-based international gaming company, playSTUDIOS. Since 2017, UNLV Scientista is a chapter of the National Scientista Foundation, and one of five affinity student organizations under the UNLV Multicultural Program for STEM and Health Sciences led by Dr. Joanna Jezierska, which challenges the gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM). This organization provides community and resources for women on campus pursuing STEMM disciplines by connecting students with industry experts, sharing scholarship opportunities, and facilitating an inclusive environment. UNLV Scientista also pursues local outreach, particularly through their annual #GirlsinSTEM Day – where the Scientistas partner with Clark County School District, the College of Engineering, and other STEM RSOs to introduce middle school girls to STEM-related workshops.
playSTUDIOS’ Empathon, described as a “hackathon for human kindness”, partners with local nonprofit organizations that are pitched by playMAKERS. This year, Abril Diaz-Reyes and Ian Hinden pitched UNLV Scientista for the playSTUDIOS Empathon 2024 and met with the Scientistas on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 to present the $10,000 check.
The Scientistas would like to thank the UNLV Foundation and Kara Peterson from the College of Sciences for guiding them through the donation process.