Presenters

Pablo Sobron

Pablo Sobron is a research scientist at the SETI Institute who develops sensing technologies in robotic Earth and planetary exploration that include the Curiosity, Perseverance, and Rosalind Franklin rover missions. Pablo founded Impossible Sensing in 2016 to promote technology transfer activities among NASA, other federal departments/‌agencies, research institutions, and industry at all technology readiness levels. Visit the InVADER Mission website to find out more about some of his most recent work.

Jessica Damian

Jessica Damian has organized and promoted programs in higher education for 5 years. She is currently a Program Services Coordinator under STEM@CSM (HSI-STEM) where she promotes STEM opportunities and events like Family Science Day.

Kathy Diamond

Kathy is a lifelong biology student and professor at CSM who teaches general biology, cell biology, and other classes. She has been hosting an annual biology activity with the festival, ever since Astronomy Day expanded to Family Science Day. She loves to work with children and adults to model chemical structures of life.

Michael Gallien

Mike graduated from SFSU with a B.S. in Physics. He has been an Astronomy Lab Coordinator at CSM since 2018 and has supported Family Science Day every year. He has a special knack for creativity and problem solving and will be moderating all of our astronomy sessions.

Mandeep Gill

Dr. Gill is an observational cosmologist specializing in gravitational lensing and gravitational wave optical counterpart detection. He is the Outreach Coordinator at the Kalvi Institute of Particle Physics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and an astronomy instructor at Stanford University.

Jose Gutierrez

Jose Gutierrez teaches Engineering at College of San Mateo. He transferred from American River Community College to the University of California, Berkeley where he received his BS in Bioengineering. After receiving his BS he attended Stanford to obtain a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Have you ever wanted to learn about electronics and programming using an Arduino, but thought it was too hard? Jose will show you how to use Tinkercad-a free online simulation, to create your next Arduino project.

Mohsen Janatpour

Mohsen Janatpour is a professor of math, physics, and astronomy at the College of San Mateo. He has been on the faculty of the Math/Science Division of the College since 1979. He has been the Coordinator of CSM’s Astronomy Program since 1992 . He is the founder and coordinator of Family Science Day-which in collaboration with the San Mateo County Astronomical Society and the CSM Library has evolved into a campus wide event: Family Science & Astronomy Festival + Makerspace (FS&AF+MS).

Ken Lum

Ken is a retired emergency physician with a lifelong interest in astronomy. He has previously provided public solar viewing with his solar telescopes during the in-person Family Science and Astronomy Festival. For the virtual version of this event, he will give a brief account of how the sun works along with pictures and videos showing some of our sun's more spectacular moments. Ken is active in the San Mateo Co. Astronomical Society, providing many opportunities for the public to directly see astronomical objects and learn what we know about them.

Vijay Patel

Vijay is the father of an amazing 13-year-old daughter and an energetic 3-year-old son. He knew his calling in life was to help those in need. He is currently pursuing a career in nursing to fulfill that dream. He is the Nursing Student Association President and expects to graduate from College of San Mateo’s Nursing Program in 2022.

Ed Pieret

Ed is the current vice president of the San Mateo County Astronomical society and has served as the president of the organization for six years. During his time as president, the annual Astronomy Day celebration that CSM that SMCAS conducted for many years was expanded into the Family Science and Astronomy Festival. In addition to his SMCAS activities, he visits various Bay Area schools and gives presentations about astronomy topics using the name Astronomer Ed. (website: AstronomerEd.com).

Caitlin Porter

Caitlin is a second-year nursing student at CSM and wants to become a labor and delivery nurse. She is looking forward to getting out in the field and making a positive impact on people's lives. When she isn't studying, Caitlin enjoys cooking, running, and being a cat mom. She is part of the Nursing Student Association and holds the position of Activities Coordinator.

Katrina Rahn

Katrina Rahn is a maker, artist, and librarian. She loves to work with paper, whether it is origami, papercuts, or 3d papercraft.

Lavine Razeghi

Lavine is a second-year nursing student at CSM pursuing her A.S. and B.S. degree in Nursing. From a young age, becoming a nurse had always been her goal so that she could contribute to the backbone of the healthcare system, provide comfort, and advocate for others. As part of the Nursing Student Association, she currently holds the position of Activities Coordinator.

Mike Ryan

Mike Ryan is the current president and a 57-year member of SMCAS (San Mateo County Astronomical Society). He's a former student and 54-year volunteer with CSM and SMCCD. He's a career automotive, aerospace and systems engineer. He also worked as astronomy staff at the Academy of Science's Morrison Planetarium at Chabot Space and Science Center and at CSM in the 1960's. Mike holds a degree in physics with minors in geology and chemistry, an MBA, and professional certifications. He's educated thousands of people in astronomy and related topics.

Justin Stevick

Justin Stevick is an astronomy lab coordinator and adjunct faculty at CSM. He co-hosts CSM's monthly public stargazing program, Jazz Under the Stars. He teaches courses in observational astronomy and astrophotography. As a former community college student, Justin holds a special place in his heart for the community college system, faculty, staff, and students.

Elnora Kelly Tayag

Ellie Tayag is CSM’s Director of Learning Commons, a Librarian, and former K-12 teacher. In 2017, Ellie lead the library renovation for a dedicated Makerspace lab, thus building on the Makerspace that began in 2013. Since its inception, the Library Makerspace partnered with Family Science Day for hands-on maker activities that promote the love of science and maker culture. She enjoys making and the maker movement, banana splits, and treasure hunting.

Yen Tran

Yen Tran graduated from SFSU with a BA in Chemistry. She is an avid animal lover and a parent to two rambunctious cats, Alfred and Mittens. She is currently the Chemistry Lab Coordinator at College of San Mateo, providing support to the Chemistry Department

Alex Wong

Alex Wong is an Associate Professor of Physics at CSM. He teaches CSM’s first Drone-Based Engineering course. This will be his fifth year organizing the physics workshop at Family Science Day and he’s excited to explore ways physics can be done at home!

Jason Ismael De Guzman Yap

Jason Ismael De Guzman Yap has been working in the library field for 8 years, providing access to information to community members. Jason is CompTIA A+ Certified and enjoys upgrading computers in his spare time. He completed the Master Library and Information Science program at San Jose State University in 2016 and received his Associates in Library Information Technology from the City College of San Francisco in 2011.

Jordan Yee

Jordan Yee is currently an adjunct librarian at multiple California Community Colleges. His deep interest in nature and the natural world led to him working as a seasonal NPS Park Ranger at five National Parks. Using iNaturalist under the name Rgr_yee he has contributed 1510 observations covering 715 unique species, and he has assisted with 780 iNat identifications.

Keynote Presenter