ROCK the Science

ROCK the Science aims to raise awareness of life science careers and the pathways that lead the way for students to engage with industry professionals.

For Students and Educators: Meet and network with professionals in fields such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, and more. Discover the paths they took to get where they are today and get tips for pursuing your own dream career in science and innovation.

For Professionals: Take an evening to meet other industry professionals and mentor students and teachers interested in life science careers.

Students from ULP's Summer Research Program will be exhibiting their posters and awards will be given for Best Poster Presentation.

The event programming will include a keynote, a career panel discussion, and poster presentations from the Summer Research Program students. The 200+ attendees include students, educators, employers, and community partners aimed at increasing industry-aligned life science career opportunities for students and professionals while expanding access to an exceptional workforce for employers.

Let's ROCK the Science in Orange County!

Presented in partnership with:

ThermoFisher Scientific, Vital Link, Coastline ROP, College and Career Advantage ROP, North Orange County ROP.

About our mission:

ULP takes an innovative and highly-effective approach to making high-wage careers in STEM accessible to diverse populations, while fostering innovation, economic development, and job creation within the life sciences sector. Working in tandem, ULP’s wet lab incubator provides the costly laboratory infrastructure innovators need to foster life science innovation and advance life-saving technologies, while its workforce development program provides the next generation with exposure and access to the practical, technical, and hands-on skills needed to succeed in the STEM workforce.

Since opening in 2019, our innovative workforce development programming has inspired more than 1,400 students; 84% are students of color, 61% identify as female, and 50% are from low-income families. In 2022 alone, this programming served 689 students, 87% of whom indicated an interest in pursuing a career in STEM, and 21% of whom stated that they are or will be first generation in their family to attend college. Ava, a high school student participant mentored by a resident company, said this of her experience:

“ULP has been a pivotal factor in setting the direction for my future academic and professional pursuits. It is one of the few high-caliber places available to high school students considering careers in life sciences. The quality of instructors exceeded my expectations; I have met amazing mentors who are leaders in their fields all while gaining experience in the ULP’s state-of-the-art lab.”

To continue empowering students like Ava, our immediate goal is to widen the breadth and reach of our programming. These goals can only be achieved with investments from like-minded supporters like you. Because of your personal commitment to innovation within the region, we invite you to join us to support applied STEM education in OC for all students.