NASA SCIENTIST CHARLIE GALINDO talks with students about his work on a Mars exploratory project at Lyford High School. The career aeronautical scientist stressed education for good careers. Lyford High School was paid a special visit by NASA aerospace contract scientist Charles "Charlie" Galindo Jr., last Wednesday. The guest speaker was accompanied by UTB's South Texas Engineering Math and Science (STEMS) director Javier Garcia.

"Don't be afraid of the sciences (referring to science majors). I never liked office work. I loved being outside and that's what I do" Galindo said, to the classroom filled with attentive students.

Because of his education and perseverance Galindo has worked on research projects on other planets. Currently he does research for life on Mars (Astrobiology), in his job at Merging Excellence and Innovation (MEI), which has a research contract with NASA.

Working for NASA has also allowed him to venture to research missions in the Amazon Basin, Guatemala Tropical Rain forest , Spain and Italy.

Currently NASA has 15,000 employees on site. "Anybody can work at NASA. Employees include lawyers, doctors, nurses, policemen. It's not just scientists working there"

Galindo's advice to students before ending his presentation was "There are no barriers too powerful to prevent you from an education. It doesn't matter who you are; the opportunities are open to you. Prepare for tomorrow, today."

Once the bell rang for next period some students stayed behind to speak with the scientist. "It was so neat to have him here!" said one Biology tutor. "We had a good response from students. A few of them returned asking for STEMS member applications."

STEMS is a club through UTB to get students interested in math and science. Students involved in STEMS are presented with many exciting opportunities.

In two weeks STEMS will venture to Rancho del Cielo, a Biology field station in Mexico, to study three biomes.

Biomes are distinct ecological communities of plants and animals living together in similar climates such as deserts, forrests, or tundras, according to the University of California at Berkeley.

On January 12, 2008 STEMS students can look forward to NASA Space Day at UTB. There will be 10 hands on activities dealing with space, a portable planetarium, Martian meteorite, exhibits, and other exciting activities.

For more information about having a STEMS program in your school contact UTB's STEM director Javier Garcia at 956-882-5058.