The DC NEWS
Ignite, Inspire, Empower

November, 2017

The Discovery Center Welcomes New Board Members

The Discovery Center for Science and Technology has added Dr. Charles Volk and Christine Schieferle. Members serve three-year terms. In this issue of The DC News we highlight Dr. Volk.
 
Dr. Volk currently serves as Director, Advanced Product & Technologies Strategy for Northrop Grumman's Navigation and Maritime Systems Division. He is responsible for identifying emerging and disruptive technologies; development roadmaps for new product introductions; coordinating product and performance requirements with customers; and coordinating investment strategies within Northrup Grumman.
 
Dr. Volk currently serves on the Transportation and Related Equipment Technical Advisory Committee (TRANSTAC) for the Department of Commerce; the San Fernando Valley Engineers' Council board; and advisory boards for the college of engineering at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and California State University in Northridge.
 
"Dr. Volk is a great addition to the board, sharing our passion for preparing a home grown STEAM educated work force for tomorrow."  - Mary Jane Seebach, The Discovery  Center, Chairman

In addition to Dr. Volk, The Discovery Center's board includes the following members (executive committee members indicated by title):
 
Mary  Jane M. Seebach - Chairman (Bank of America)      
John Bradley - CFO (Attorney, Bus.Consultant)         
Terri Parks- Secretary & GoGirls Initiative (Amgen, Retired)      
Ken Bauer - VP HR and Planetarium Initiative  (ValueClick, Retired)     
Jennifer Boone - VP Education (Conejo  Valley Unified School District)
Karen Lindsey - VP Volunteers (Conejo Recreation & Park District, Retired)   
Charles Volk - VP Fund Development (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
Christine Schieferle - VP Community Outreach (Santa Paula Unified School District)
Nathen Fox (Managing Director at Sovance, LLC)   
Cathy Fudurich - (Communique Sales)      
Carrie Glicksteen - (Educator)   
S tanley C. Mantooth - (Ventura County Superintendent of Schools)
V icki Murphy - (CAO & Director of Alumni Services, CasaPacifica)  
Linda Organ - (California Lutheran University, Retired)
Gary Elliott The Discovery Center Celebrates the Life of Gary Elliott

"Gary Elliott was the first President of The Discovery Center.  It was Gary that really pushed for the creation of a science center rather than a children's museum for our community as we were developing the concept and the mission of our organization.  Gary was fully committed to our project. His presidency came at a time when we were working closely with the City.  Gary played a profound role in The DC. "

~ Carrie Glicksteen, The  Discovery Center, Founder
 
Gary was born on April 9,1961 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He graduated from Ole Main High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1994 from Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri. 

Gary's quest for making a meaningful difference in discovery medicine research led him to Thousand Oaks in 1989, where he began a 20 year career doing what he loved - stretching his scientific mind by conducting experiments while listening to an eclectic array of music in the flow cytometry lab at Amgen Inc. He was an active member of the community and his passion for science paired with a goal of inspiring creativity for future generations was supported through his active participation with The Discovery Center fo Science and Technology of Ventura County.

At the young age of 27, Gary was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease "Dermatomyositis" and his life was forever physically challenged. 

Gary is fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted loving son, amazing husband, father, brilliant scientist, avid fisherman and resilient wonderful human being.  He spoke his mind, challenged the mainstream and had an uncanny wit matched with a sense of humor.  The four letter word, "can't" was alway met with an inquisitive challenge.

For those wishing to send a message to the family, please email [email protected] and she can forward on the message to Mia, his wife.

The family asks, for those wishing to carry on Gary's passion for supporting discovery science, promoting curiosity and creativity, donations can be made at http://www.discoverycntr.org/donations.

The Discovery Center Receives VC STEM Golden Gear Award

On October 17th The Discovery Center for Science and Technology was awarded VCSTEM's Golden Gear Award for innovative and outstanding STEM programs.

The Ventura County STEM Network (VC STEM) is a group of key decision makers from education, business, parent organizations, and community agencies dedicated to improving academic access and excellence.

Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters!


GoldenGear Golden GearB

(Mary Jane Seebach - Chairperson, Vicki Holloway - Executive Director, 
 Sarojani Angal - Family Science Night, and Steve Yoshinaga - Family Science Night)

Support The Discovery Center While You Shop Online
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AmazonSmile

The Discovery Center Out and About in the Community

Association of Science and Technology Centers Annual Conference - September 2017

Vicki Holloway, Executive Director and Matthew Chuck, DCTeens Co-Director traveled to San Jose, CA for three days of networking, brainstorming and education sessions.  Concepts, ideas and equipment/materials were collected to bring back and use with The Discovery Center.


ASTC


Gold Coast Science Network Conference (GSCN) for STEM Education - November 2017

GSCN is a chapter of California Science Teachers Association dedicated to supporting STEM education.  The Discovery Center's participation provided a great opportunity to talk with educators and other non-profit on timely topics and ideas around STEM education.


GCSN 12th


CSUCI Science Carnival - November 2017

The Discovery Center had an incredible time with the Electric Pickle and Pencil Lead Light Bulb activities at the CSUCI Science Carnival. Thank you to National Charity League - Vista Robles Chapter and our DCTeens for coming out to volunteer with us.  Over 2,000 participants and 400 volunteers.  


ScienceCarnival2017

Reid's Gift Summer Program - August 2017

Thank you to Reid's Gift Summer Program for inviting The Discovery Center to spend some time with the campers talking about rocket science, building bottle rockets and launching them. 
Reid's Gift Summer Program is designed for youth and adults (14-23 years of age) with developmental disabilities whose goals include becoming more independent. 


Reid's Gifts


Thousand Oak Libraries (Main and Newbury Park Branches) - July

Thank you to the Thousand Oaks Acorn for highlighting The Discovery Center's Family Science Night Program in their July 20th edition. 

We love the opportunity to bring this program to our local libraries. This summer we had a great turn out between the two TO Library events - over 350 adults and youth attended.  Thank you to all our volunteers who make these events possible!

Library FSN 2018




Science Speaker Series - January 25, 2018
7:30-9:00pm

"STEM CELL-BASED REGENERATIVE MEDICINE"


Join us as Dr. Leonardo Morsut, Assistant Professor, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Biology USC, talks about how we can now communicate with stem cells and tell them to replace damaged cells or to attack particular tumor cells.

Tickets can be purchased or at the door or online at  https://discoverycentersciencespeakerseries2017.eventbrite.com/ 

Location: Lundring Event Center located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, 130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Parking adjacent to center. Open seating.

Thank you to some of our Supporters
 who help make our programs possible.
Blue ICS Told Cydcor
 
The Discovery Center relies on the support of people like you to bring our programs to the community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your generous gift is tax deductible.  Consider a gift today by going online to www.discoverycntr.org.  Thank you!