LMC’s MESA Program hosted representatives from several in and out-of-state colleges last week as part of a STEM Transfer Fair, an informational event designed to educate all math- and science-based students on the four-year transfer process.

The first purely STEM focused event was held  Thursday April 25 by representatives from a variety of CSUs and UCs as well as Arizona State University. The representatives—some faculty, some admissions staff and some students—each presented 10-to-15 minute panels in the MESA Center to discuss their programs and research opportunities and give general transfer advice.

The presentations were attended by about 30 students who  took notes finished homework and listened attentively . Most students strolled in and out as the panels progressed.

Second-year physics major Andrew Pirofalo was disappointed he didn’t learn more about mechanical engineering opportunities, but he did appreciate the newfound knowledge of programs like UC Irvine’s Transfer Admission Guarantee, a program ensuring admission to “highly qualified” students from all California Community Colleges.

After their panels, the representatives opened up for tabling, answering questions from remaining students as well as handing out informational fliers and collegiate knick-knacks.

Previously, LMC Transfer Services has held a school-wide transfer day each semester, but under the lead of Senior Program Coordinator Sandra Parsons, has now opted to host area-specific transfer events in an attempt to ensure more intimacy between students and college representatives.

MESA Director Nicole Trager hoped students gained a better understanding of research opportunities post-transfer.

“I think a lot of students don’t realize that there’s so many things at different school,” she said. “It’s a common misconception that it’s just those big research schools like Berkeley and Davis, but every school has lots of research.”

Student Dylan Ruaro said hearing from real representatives rather than reading from college websites showed him there are more STEM transfer options than he expected.

“They were really helpful because I didn’t know anything about other colleges,” said Ruaro.

Among the speakers’ messages were also a few recurring pieces of guidance. Cathy Samayoa, a postdoctoral fellow of CSU San Francisco, emphasized one prominent point: “Take every class at a community college that you possibly can.” said Samayoa

Though the event was scheduled to run from 2-5 p.m., representatives began packing up their booths by 4:30 after most of the students had already filtered out. However, consensus on the event remained positive.

“I think it was very successful and I hope it will be a recurring event in the future,” said Trager.

For more information related to the STEM transfer process and MESA’s services, visit the MESA Center located on the second floor of the Science Building or call (925) 473-7683.