TTAG at The Living Desert

On February 25th Tech Trek Alumnae Group (TTAG), their parents and several AAUW TTAG members met for a delightful and educational afternoon at The Living Desert (TLD). We started with a presentation by local Conservation Data Scientist Cassandra Strizak who discussed her educational background, career path, and her personal journey to TLD. She reviewed how her ideas of what research is had changed from high school to workforce. Cassandra also reviewed the important conservation projects which are the heart of TLD’s mission. Cassandra showed us the Baby Desert Tortoise Project, gave us all a tour of a plant lab and shared TLD’s role in the local environment. Our excellent TLD tour guide, Doreen Myhers, and AAUW member, Shelly Westebbe, led us through the animals. One highlight was visiting the Petting Zoo where TTAG member Alexa, now a high school senior, volunteers as a Zooteen. Alexa shared volunteer opportunities at TLD, her recent college acceptances and her interest in the environmental sciences. A key feature of our Tech Trek Alumnae events is the interaction among students, parents and AAUW TTAG members. The group ended the afternoon with snacks provided by TTAG leadership and discussion of the day & activities and career paths.

Submitted by Aurora Wilson and Janet Hartzler Braslow

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TTAG is back!!!!

Tech Trek Alumnae Group is back after a COVID hiatus.  On October 15th a group of alumnae and parents toured the Palm Springs Air Museum and enjoyed a lecture on the history and science of flight. They were able to view the many historic planes and the new arrival– Walt Disney’s personal plane. It was a very enthusiastic group who also shared a lunch with several AAUW members.  Thank you to Gail Aune, Louise Kermode and Carol Marcus for their assistance.   The Tech Trek Alumnae committee is looking for new members to help organize events to further our Tech Trek students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into their futures. Contact Aurora Wilson if interested in helping at wilsonpl@verizon.net.

Is the best part of Tech Trek being part of the Alumnae Group? It might be! We continue the learning that began at Tech Trek Camp for our alumnae.

Continuing and building on the relationships forged at Tech Trek Camp is what our Alumnae Group is all about!

We learned about the desert plants and their ecological importance here in the desert. After the hike we enjoyed a catered lunch on the patio of the facility and then were treated to a lecture on bats and met our new best friends, a lizard and rosy boa!  This program was not only fun but gave the girls an opportunity to see another STEM career in action! Many thanks to my committee member, Kathy Zeidel, who gave me the connection to the Visitor Center and graciously made follow-up calls to all of our Tech Trek alumni to encourage attendance.

Aurora Wilson

Tech Trek Alumni Group Chair