By Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JULY 19, 2024 – UTRGV’s annual “Energy & U” show, an educational showcase which started in 2023, has inspired more than 40,000 local K-12 students since its inception on the principles of energy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Dr. Karen Lozano, Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor in Mechanical Engineering and director of the PhD program in Materials Science & Engineering and the UTRGV Nanotechnology Center of Excellence, serves as principal investigator on the grant support awarded by the National Science Foundation to implement “Energy & U” in the Rio Grande Valley.

With the most recent shows completed in May, Lozano praised the award-winning show's growth and its ongoing positive impact on the community.

“The Energy & U show is a fantastic opportunity for audiences of all ages to experience the excitement of chemical demonstrations and the natural connection between energy and STEM education in a fully produced, on-stage science extravaganza,” Lozano said.

“The UTRGV team began live shows in January 2023, and since then, attendance has steadily increased. This growth is especially noticeable on community day, where young children, parents, and grandparents come together to enjoy and learn from the production.”

The weekday functions reserved for schools were opened two months in advance and filled up within a week, demonstrating the growing popularity of the event within the community.

“The excitement for kids and adults alike is so contagious, it energizes the whole Energy & U team. The comments afterward are so rewarding,” Lozano said. “The discipline, responsibility and commitment of the students, staff and faculty who participate in the E&U production is outstanding.”

Students at UTRGV's 'Energy & U' show engage enthusiastically with the live demonstrations during the Friday, May 24, 2024, show. (UTRGV photo by Jesus Alferez)

Since its inception, “Energy & U” has reached more than 40,000 students at UTRGV alone.

Lozano emphasizes four main goals for the Energy and U program:

• Learning the first law of thermodynamics.
• Inspiring respect for natural resources
• Igniting innovation in energy-related themes
• And motivating students to pursue higher education.

“Being present on such an awesome stage is a great way to demystify engineering, to show our Valley kids that they can join us at UTRGV in the very near future to have fun and learn with us.”

Jorge E. Vidal, Engineering research associate II at UTRGV and director of “Energy & U,” emphasized the collaborative nature of the event.

“This is a multidisciplinary effort where students, faculty and staff come together with the same goal: to inspire future generations of STEM enthusiasts,” Vidal said. “Being part of this show means contributing to a production that not only educates but also inspires and excites young minds about the wonders of science and engineering.”  

Lozano said “Energy & U” continues to reflect UTRGV’s commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

“By engaging young minds in science and technology, we're opening doors to future careers in STEM fields. This initiative reflects UTRGV's dedication to educational advancement,” she said.

This year's “Energy & U” shows took place from May 20-25. For more information about “Energy & U,” visit https://www.utrgv.edu/energyandu/.

Jorge E. Vidal, Engineering Research Associate II at UTRGV and director of 'Energy & U,' directs behind the scenes during the on-stage science extravaganza, “Energy & U,” an educational STEM show that has reached over 40,000 students. (UTRGV photo by Jesus Alferez)