ROOTS Refugee Students Visit UC San Diego Labs

Date: June 4, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093

LA JOLLA, CA — ROOTS brought refugee students to the University of California San Diego on June 4 for a campus visit and tour of bioengineering laboratories, giving young participants a firsthand look at university-level science and research.

During the laboratory visit, a lab director provided an overview of current research and introduced students to the kinds of questions scientists and bioengineers investigate. Participants toured working research spaces, saw laboratory equipment up close, and learned more about how experiments, imaging, engineering, and data are used to study real-world problems.

The experience connected directly with ROOTS’ broader mission. The organization aims not only to teach individual science activities but also to help students imagine where an interest in STEM could eventually lead. Seeing working scientists and university laboratories can make those possibilities feel much more tangible.

Students also explored the UC San Diego campus through a scavenger hunt featuring the university’s well-known sculptures and landmarks. Combining laboratory science with campus exploration gave participants a chance to experience a major research university as both an educational and welcoming place.

About ROOTS

ROOTS, the Refugee Children’s Organization for Tech and Science, is a youth-led volunteer organization dedicated to expanding access to STEM education and enrichment opportunities for refugee children in San Diego. Through partnerships with refugee-serving organizations, schools, universities, and community institutions, ROOTS organizes free STEM camps, STEM Days, educational field trips, book drives, benefit concerts, and other programs designed to build curiosity, confidence, friendship, and community among young learners.