EL PASO
SCIENCE FESTIVAL
2025
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EL PASO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
SPEAKER SERIES
Join us for an inspiring Speaker Series featuring renowned scientists who will share their groundbreaking discoveries, the challenges they overcame, and the passion that propelled them into the world of science.
Distinguished speakers will delve into recent scientific breakthroughs, explore real-world challenges, and discuss innovative solutions shaping the future. But beyond the science, they will also reveal their personal journeys—what inspired them, the obstacles they faced, and how they persevered to become leaders in their fields.
These sessions are designed to be informative, thought-provoking, and engaging for students of all ages, future innovators, and lifelong learners. Whether you're curious about space exploration, artificial intelligence, quantum theory, or the origins of the universe, this is your chance to hear from the experts and ignite your own scientific journey.
Come with questions, leave with inspiration— the future of science starts with you!
Speaker Series Schedule:
SATURDAY APRIL 5th
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sebastian - The Geometry of Space and Time
Sebastian is a contemporary artist from Chihuahua, Mexico who is recognized internationally for his monumental sculptures. Throughout his artistic career, Sebastián has produced over 180 public artworks in many places around the world, and has participated in several hundred exhibitions in many galleries and museums. Sebastián holds five honorary doctorates for his studies in math, geometry, and science. This presentation includes sculptures from his Transformables, Quantics, and Parallel Universes series. (In Juarez Room)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Origenes by Dr. Gerardo Herrera, Mexico’s most cited scientist!
We approach, in an integrated manner and with a causal thread, the origins that concern us the most: the origin of consciousness, the origin of life, and the origin of the Universe, in a reflective talk that moves from the present to the past.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Panel: The Power of Science: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
Moderador: Dr. Alfredo Aranda currently works at the Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Colima. Dr. Aranda does research in Cosmology, Elementary Particle Physics and Mathematical Physics. Their current project is 'Higgs and Flavor physics'.
Panelists: Mario Borunda, José Luis Enriquez, Maria Magdalena Montserrat Contreras Turrubiartes, Olienka de la O, Jesús Saenz
In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements, global challenges, and groundbreaking discoveries, science has never been more crucial to our future. Join six distinguished scientists as they explore how science shapes our daily lives, drives innovation, and solves the most pressing problems of our time.
From the mysteries of the universe and space exploration to artificial intelligence, medical breakthroughs, the mysteries of our universe, and the future of DNA research, this engaging discussion will highlight how scientific thinking impacts everything around us. More than just a talk, this panel is an invitation—to curiosity, to discovery, and to a future where you could be the next scientist changing the world.
High school students, aspiring innovators, and lifelong learners: bring your questions, challenge ideas, and get inspired to explore the boundless possibilities of science. The future needs thinkers, problem-solvers, and dreamers.
1:00 PM - 1:35 PM
Dr. José Luis Enríquez
From Detours to Discoveries: Unconventional Paths: A Scientist’s Odd Journey.
Not every scientist starts in a lab. Some take the scenic route—and that’s exactly what makes their journey so powerful.
Dr. José Luis Enríquez Carrejo didn’t follow the typical path into science. Before becoming a respected professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and earning his degree from UTEP, he was in the world of management and finances. In this inspiring talk, he shares how he made the leap into science, driven by curiosity, determination, and the desire to make a difference.
Now working at the frontiers of materials science and nanotechnology, he explores ways to engineer better materials for real-world problems—from medical applications to sustainable energy innovations. But his story is more than just research—it's about proving that it's never too late to venture into new pathways and chase big ideas.
If you’ve ever wondered whether science is for you, or if it’s too late to start, this talk will show you what’s possible when you believe in your potential—and are willing to build your own path.
1:40 PM - 2:15 PM
Dr. Manuel Antonio Ramos - Shaping Scientists: A Binational Journey in Physics Education and Research
This talk will present an extraordinary experience as a student during my early undergraduate days at Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) and later at University of Texas at El
Paso, where, I was able to get my education in Quantum Physics along mentoring in diverse research areas including numerical simulations using ECRA-UTEP code, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) by Prof. Dr. Jorge A.López-Gallardo from UTEP. At the moment my occupation is a research professor at the Physics and Mathematics Department of UACJ where I have been able to follow my great mentor steps, by helping undergraduate and graduate students during their higher
education process. Finally, I will present some cases of study in material science and an
overall panorama of the research projects at UACJ
2:20 PM - 2:55 PM
Dr. Mario Borunda - Solar Power in Deep Space: Can the Sun Light the Way to Jupiter and Beyond?
Description:
We know solar panels work here on Earth—but can they power a spacecraft all the way to Jupiter or Saturn, where sunlight is much weaker? In this fascinating talk, we’ll explore how solar cells behave in the extreme environment of outer space. Learn about the surprising challenges—radiation, temperature, distance from the Sun—and how scientists and engineers are pushing the limits of solar technology to power the next generation of deep space missions. If you’re curious about space exploration, renewable energy, or the future of technology, this talk is for you!
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Celebration in Honor of Dr. Jorge A. López
Enjoy a cello performance, watch congratulatory videos, and participate in roasting Jorge while celebrating his accomplishments.
SUNDAY APRIL 6th
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
TBD
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
William has built an impressive career as an engineer, contributing to leading companies such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, Eaton Corporation, and Rockwell Automation. Today, at Microsoft, he is part of a team developing solutions with various technologies that are reshaping the way we live, work, and connect with the world.
But William’s journey began long before his professional achievements—with the powerful influence of his parents, immigrants from Nicaragua. Through honest and heartfelt reflections, he will share how he navigated adversity, overcame challenges, and remained focused on his dreams—proving that even those from the most modest beginnings can reach extraordinary heights.
William’s talk is more than a story of personal triumph—it’s an invitation to believe in your potential, embrace change, and help shape the future."
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dr. Joel Quintana
Artificial Intelligence: Truths and Myths.
Joel has nearly 20 years of experience in developing defense and small satellite systems. Throughout his career, his research and educational endeavors were primarily directed toward cultivating the next generation of the aerospace workforce and facilitating upward mobility for students.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
AI & the Internet of Things: How Smart Tech is Changing Our World! 🤖🌍
What if your refrigerator could order groceries when you run out? Or your watch could warn you of health issues before they happen? What if entire cities could think and adapt to make life easier and safer?
This isn’t the future—it’s happening right now!
Join Antonio Rodriguez at the El Paso Science Festival for an exciting and eye-opening journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT)—the technology that’s making our world smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before!
🔹 How do AI and IoT work together to improve our daily lives?
🔹 What are smart homes, self-driving cars, and intelligent cities?
🔹 How can young minds like YOU be part of the next tech revolution?
From machines that learn to gadgets that “talk” to each other, this fun and interactive presentation will show you how AI and IoT are shaping the future—and why it’s more exciting than ever!
Perfect for kids, students, and curious minds of all ages—come see the technology that’s changing our world and get inspired to be part of it!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dr. Luis Basurto
Building a Window to the Galaxy: My project to build a Radio Telescope at UTEP
Follow Dr. Basurto's journey of building and operating a radio telescope array at the UTEP Physics Department—an effort driven by hands-on ingenuity and curiosity. Designed to detect the 21-centimeter emissions from atomic hydrogen, this instrument opens a window into the interstellar medium (ISM)—the vast clouds of gas and dust that fill the space between stars and help shape galaxies like our own Milky Way.
This is a story of persistence, creativity, discovery, and sometimes frustration—echoing the spirit of early scientists who built their own tools to explore the cosmos. Along the way, we’ll learn why observing atomic hydrogen is essential for understanding how galaxies form, evolve, and move. Come see how one small project can connect us to the grand structure of our galaxy—and remind us that science begins with a question and the will to build the tools to find the answer.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
El Vengador Cuántico: The mad masked scientist.
The Secret of Knowledge: Why Science Works
Can we really trust our senses? Our brains evolved to help us survive—not to see the world as it truly is. In this mind-opening talk, El Vengador Cuántico explores how our perceptions can mislead us and how, after thousands of years of trial and error, humanity developed a powerful tool to reveal the hidden structure of reality: science.
Come discover why science works, what makes it unique, and how keeping an open mind is key to seeing beyond the illusions our brains create. If you've ever wondered what truth really means, this is a talk you won’t want to miss.