On May 17, the Lawrence Hall of Science made that idea official — opening its newly reimagined Community Lobby with “Together @ The Lawrence,” a ceremony honoring Community Science Heroes and Ohlone Science Diplomats whose work, and whose stories, now live at the heart of the space.

“This new Community Lobby reflects a larger vision for The Lawrence — one where science is deeply connected to people, culture, place, creativity, and everyday life,” said Rena Dorph, Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science, during opening remarks. “At the heart of it all is a simple idea: science is people-powered.”

The redesigned lobby features exhibits and stories rooted in the East Bay, highlighting researchers, educators, artists, families and community leaders whose work reflects science as something shaped through collaboration, culture and lived experience. 

Among the honorees was Dolores “Auntie Dottie” Lameira Galvan — elder and matriarch of her East Bay Ohlone community — recognized for her lifelong work teaching and sharing Ohlone tradition, land stewardship, and the living knowledge of her elders.

Also recognized was 11th-grade student Aidan Ahmed, whose work focuses on developing STEM learning tools and expanding access through technology and AI.

“I’ve worked a lot throughout my childhood, and even as I’ve gotten older, trying to serve the community,” Ahmed said. “Being recognized among all these other people who make such a big impact is really cool. Being featured here means when other kids and people come here, they can be inspired by these stories and maybe inspired to make their own initiatives to help other people.”

Science Hero Victor Bojorquez, a member of the tappenekšekma Ohlone Science Diplomats program, was honored for helping co-create exhibits and experiences that connect Ohlone knowledge, culture and science.

“To me, it’s mainly recognizing the perseverance that not just myself, but the whole tappenekšekma team went through,” Bojorquez said. “We did make an impact, and we shed some light on culture and tradition. We did something that mattered to us and that can maybe matter to other people and teach them something they can walk away with.”

Brothers Jonathan and William Zhang were also recognized for their work expanding access to science communication through multilingual storytelling and educational tools. During the ceremony, presenter and Public Experience Design Lead Michelle Rodriguez highlighted Jonathan’s work through the Polyglot Initiative, which promotes science communication in multiple languages.

“We believe in connecting people through language and culture,” Jonathan said. “Language is not just practical communication, but understanding. That’s why we promote stories in English, Spanish, Chinese and most recently, American Sign Language, so people can understand each other better, see each other and hear each other.”

William said the recognition reflected the importance of building connection through shared understanding and representation.

“Culture shouldn’t bring people apart,” he explained. “We should focus on all our differences, and that should bring us together and unite us. It’s really exciting to have our work shown, and we can continue to expand and show more people the work we’re doing.”

Other honorees included Emma Wang, Janet Barnes, Jenny Hartigan, Teresa Barnett, Leonor I. Rebosura, Dr. Signe White, Annette Chan, Saul Cuevas-Landeros, and Blanca O. Hernández.

The event also featured the unveiling of yuutka — the Chochenyo word for “place of the acorn” — an interactive installation co-created with Ohlone youth from the tappenekšekma Ohlone Science Diplomats program. The exhibit centers Ohlone knowledge, intergenerational learning and relationships to the land, and officially opened with a ribbon-cutting led by Ohlone youth diplomats, community leaders and partners — counting down in Chochenyo, the first language of the East Bay: Kaphan… Uthin… Himmen.

The celebration closed with a community gathering in Forces that Shape the Bay featuring Ohlone-forward breakfast items from the ‘ammatka Cafe, as guests explored the transformed space and the stories behind it.

The lobby is officially open to all visitors. Come find your story in it.

Community organizations, UC Berkeley student groups, and Lawrence staff spread across the Outdoor Nature Lab and surrounding exhibits on April 26, hosting hands-on activities focused on science, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Children crowded around tables practicing beach sand cleanup with Latino Outdoors, while visitors explored water pollution and runoff with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Other booths featured dinosaur fossils from the Paleontological Society of Berkeley, water justice education from EthiCAL Apparel and herbal scratch-and-sniff sticker activities hosted by the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden.

The event also highlighted environmental stewardship through composting education. At a vermicomposting booth hosted by UC Berkeley’s Student Environmental Resource Center, visitors learned how worms can transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost.

“I think that small-scale composting efforts in a city like Berkeley, where we have pretty comprehensive municipal composting, is still incredibly important,” said Maya Kuo, representing the program. “Not only as a tool for self reliance, for connectivity on campus, but for education — like here we are today, talking to so many people, getting them more involved.”

Kuo explained composting helps people better understand the systems they rely on every day.

“Being more connected to where things come from — our systems of food and waste — is incredibly important,” she said. “Understanding where your food scraps go and what it can be is an incredibly powerful tool.”

One of the most popular stations of the afternoon centered on Ohlone culture and traditional ecological knowledge.

Led by Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino, leaders of UC Berkeley’s ‘ottoy Initiative, families gathered around tables outside to make tule dolls using native reeds.

“Tule, in our Chochenyo language, is called rookoš,” Medina said. “This is a native plant and reed that we utilize in a whole bunch of different ways in Ohlone culture. The dolls really talk about our relationship here to the land and how inherently Ohlone culture is connected to the East Bay landscape.”

As children tied together bundles of tule, Medina explained the deeper meaning behind the activity and its connection to Earth Day.

“We are celebrating Earth Day today,” he said. “We want to always celebrate the abundance here in the East Bay for thousands and thousands of years by the Ohlone people right here. These dolls are just a sweet way to be able to show some love for this native reed that grows in abundance in the East Bay.”

Later in the afternoon, visitors gathered inside the 3D Theater for a performance by the Alphabet Rockers, a Grammy Award-winning children’s hip-hop group focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and advocacy.

Before the performance began, Medina addressed the audience, asking the crowd to say “Ohlone” aloud together and reminding visitors that Berkeley’s original name is xučyun. His remarks grounded the celebration in the history of the land itself and emphasized the continued presence of Ohlone people in the East Bay today.

The Alphabet Rockers then transformed the theater into a high-energy dance party as children jumped from their seats and families filled the aisles. The performance blended music, movement and messages of community and belonging, closing the celebration on an energetic note.

The performance, sponsored by EBMUD, brought Alphabet Rockers together with Oakland rapper Gina Madrid to debut “H2Flow en Español.” The original English version of “H2Flow” was developed in 2025 for World Water Day in collaboration with EBMUD and students from Piedmont Avenue Elementary School in Oakland. “H2Flow” highlights the journey of each drop from the Mokelumne River to the tap and reinforces the message that water is for everyone, encouraging listeners to skip bottled water and “drink the clean water flow—just like that.”

By the end of the afternoon, the Earth Day Celebration had become more than a science event. Through music, cultural demonstrations and environmental education, the gathering encouraged visitors to think more deeply about their relationship to the natural world — and to the people who have cared for it for generations.

The transformation has been years in the making. As The Lawrence has worked to update its exhibits, deepen its community partnerships, and make its spaces more inclusive and welcoming, the lobby remained one piece that hadn’t yet caught up. That changes this spring.

“We’ve done so much work to update the rest of the building and engage our visitors,” said Michelle Rodriguez, Director of Content Strategy. “The lobby redesign is about making it a multi-use space that really functions for everybody — and telling a clearer story about what science is and what it should be.”

That story has a tagline: Science is people powered. And from the moment visitors walk through the front doors, they’ll feel it.

The first thing visitors encounter in the renovated lobby won’t be a sign or a display case. It’ll be a tree.

yuutka (yoot-kah) is the Chochenyo word for “the place of acorn,” and it gives its name to one of the lobby’s most exciting new features: three large Black Oak trees that greet visitors at the entrance, brought to life through a playful mixed-reality experience. Virtual acorns fall from the branches, and visitors can gather them while learning about the seasonal rhythms of the East Bay and the deep traditions of the Ohlone people, who have called this land home since long before any institution existed here.

The yuutka experience was co-created with Ohlone youth from the tappenekšekma Ohlone Science Diplomats program and is designed to be the lobby’s warm first hello — an invitation to explore, play, and connect with the original science of the East Bay.

“In Chochenyo, the first language of the East Bay, tappenekšekma, means ‘learners and teachers’ and acknowledges how Ohlone youth participants in this historic program at The Lawrence are learning about museum exhibit design while simultaneously teaching about Ohlone culture through their work,” said Vincent Medina, a leader of UC Berkeley’s ‘ottoy Initiative.

“To witness this representation led by Ohlone people, where everyone benefits together, is what ‘ottoy—repair— looks like in action; it speaks to positive change that the ‘ottoy Initiative, which is proudly based at The Lawrence, is accomplishing together with our community and our colleagues.”

From the yuutka tree, visitors move into a refreshed look at the man whose name the institution bears. The Ernest O. Lawrence exhibition is being modernized and reframed: where the previous display focused on Lawrence’s individual achievements, the new version tells a bigger story. Lawrence’s greatest contribution wasn’t just the cyclotron — it was the way he practiced science, bringing together people across disciplines and building something larger than any one person could do alone.

That spirit of collaboration is still alive and well across the Bay Area today. From Lawrence’s Berkeley hills laboratory, the story ripples outward to the researchers, educators, artists, and community members who carry that same curiosity and generosity forward.

Perhaps the most personal element of the new lobby is a series of large-scale panels spotlighting Bay Area community members — people The Lawrence has worked with, learned from, and been inspired by over the years. Their stories are as varied as the community itself: a young person now writing books in multiple languages, a volunteer who has been with The Lawrence for decades, community organizers, researchers, educators, and more.

Together, their portraits make a powerful argument: that science isn’t only something that happens in a lab. It happens in neighborhoods, classrooms, kitchens, and parks. It happens wherever curious people come together.

“Working with the Science Heroes has been my favorite part of this whole project,” Rodriguez said. “We want to show the people behind the science, increase representation, and help visitors — especially young people — see themselves as the future of science.”

Not everything is changing. The lobby will keep some of its most beloved hands-on interactives, including the earthquake shake tables, KEVA planks, and rocket launchers, all in an updated configuration. Clearer wayfinding will also help visitors — especially first-timers — discover that there’s much more to explore downstairs and throughout the building.

As with Future of Food, all signage will be bilingual in English and Spanish, with elements of Chochenyo. And scattered throughout the space, visitors will spot a cast of new characters: local wildlife including a fence lizard, red-shouldered hawk, great horned owl, bobcat, and a family of gophers — playful nods to the Berkeley hills ecosystem just outside the building’s doors.

Installation begins May 6, and although The Lawrence will remain open throughout the renovation, some areas will be temporarily cordoned off on public days. The full lobby experience will be ready for visitors on May 16, with a community celebration and $5 Day on May 17.

This April, as part of Volunteer Appreciation Month, The Lawrence is proudly celebrating the volunteers who bring these moments to life.

From guiding visitors through the Animal Discovery Zone and Outdoor Nature Lab to supporting activities in Hands-on Biotech, Future of Food, and the Planetarium, volunteers are woven into nearly every part of the Lawrence experience. They help visitors dive deeper into exhibits, feel more confident trying something new, and leave with a stronger sense of curiosity than when they arrived.

“Volunteers play a key role in bringing The Lawrence Hall of Science mission to life,” said Reyna Hamilton, Director of Program Leadership & Impact. “They create welcoming, engaging experiences and help visitors connect with science in meaningful ways.

Today, The Lawrence’s volunteer community includes 45 adult volunteers and 144 youth volunteers, representing a wide range of backgrounds—from high school students exploring future career paths to retired professionals eager to share their time and expertise. Together, they have contributed more than 55,000 hours of service since 2010. This extraordinary investment of time, care, and commitment that has touched countless lives.

Their support extends the reach of Lawrence programs while keeping interactions personal, curious, and fun. Their impact is felt in both big and small moments.

For many volunteers, the most rewarding part of the experience is witnessing the moment curiosity clicks.

“I enjoy helping visitors do the marble machine,” one volunteer shared. “They have so much fun doing it and learn lots of ways to make their ideas come to life.” 

Another reflected on the joy of seeing entire families engage together: “Often, I will work at an activity, and the kids, their parents, and their grandparents are having fun. Three generations of a family all having fun learning science together.”

Others remember the spontaneous moments that reveal just how powerful science exploration can be.

“My favorite moment was the day two separate groups of kids ran up to me in the Outdoor Nature Lab to show me the salamanders they caught,” one volunteer recalled. “It really highlighted the wonder of science and how people can engage with the natural world in different ways.”

While volunteers make a lasting impact on visitors, many say the experience changes them as well. One volunteer said their time at The Lawrence helped them rethink how learning happens. 

“It helped me realize that there are so many ways to teach science, and that it really depends on who you’re teaching it to,” they shared. “The same love for science can be taught in high-energy, active ways, and also in quiet, information-focused ways as well.”

Beyond building practical skills, Hamilton says the goal is that volunteers leave with something deeper.

“We hope volunteers leave feeling inspired and proud of their contribution,” she said. “They see the direct impact they have on sparking curiosity and helping young people enjoy science. Most of all, we hope they walk away with a deeper appreciation for science, a stronger sense of purpose, and the knowledge that they helped create meaningful learning experiences for others.”

For some, that connection lasts for years. Dedicated volunteers like Mary Thompson, Susan Grossman, and Deborah Wang have each given more than a decade of service, contributing thousands of hours to The Lawrence community. 

Youth volunteers also make a lasting impression. Finn Zijlstra, a high school volunteer in the Animal Discovery Zone, is known as one of the exhibit’s friendliest faces and is consistently praised for his enthusiasm and welcoming energy.

To celebrate this incredible community, The Lawrence will host a Volunteer Appreciation event on Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors and staff are also encouraged to take part in a simple but powerful way: say thank you! A kind word or moment of recognition can mean more than you might expect.

At The Lawrence, every moment of curiosity begins with a spark. Volunteers are integral to kindling that spark of curiosity for scientists of all ages. Reflecting on the impact volunteers have across the organization, Hamilton offered a message of gratitude directly to those who make that work possible:

“Your time, energy, and care make a real difference every day,” Hamilton said. “Because of you, visitors feel welcomed, students stay curious, and science comes to life in meaningful ways. Your dedication truly powers our mission.”

This Volunteer Appreciation Month, The Lawrence is proud to celebrate the community members whose generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication help make science feel welcoming for all!

“Our Earth Day Celebration is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community and to celebrate the Earth,” said Chris Ziska, Program Lead for The Lawrence’s Outdoor Nature Lab exhibit. “We’re thankful for our participating organizations sharing their amazing work and passion for the environment with our members and visitors!”

Highlighting the event will be Grammy- and Emmy-winning Alphabet Rockers, featuring artist Gina Madrid, who will debut the Spanish-language version of H2Flow, sponsored by EBMUD. The original English version of H2Flow was developed in 2025 for World Water Day in collaboration with EBMUD and students from Piedmont Avenue Elementary School in Oakland. The Spanish version will debut in April in celebration of Earth Day. H2Flow highlights the journey of each drop from the Mokelumne River to the tap and reinforces the message that water is for everyone, encouraging listeners to skip bottled water and “drink the clean water flow—just like that.”

More than a dozen partners and student organizations from UC Berkeley and across the Bay Area will deliver hands-on science activities for museumgoers. Visitors can explore Ohlone tradition and knowledge with the ‘ottoy Initiative, observe dinosaur bones with the UC Museum of Paleontology, handle hissing cockroaches with the UC Berkeley Entomology Club, and more! Visit the event webpage to see the full list of participating organizations.

“I’m excited to participate in the Earth Day event at The Lawrence Hall of Science and share more about Latino Outdoors and our mission of connecting communities to the outdoors,” said Aurora Cortes, SF Bay Area Regional Coordinator for Latino Outdoors. “I hope that attendees, especially young kids, engage with our sensory based activity and learn about the importance of taking care of our Earth!”

The Lawrence invites families to count down to Earth Day with special Earth Month activities at the science center! Starting March 29, each week the Outdoor Nature Lab will highlight a different way to explore and engage with nature in our backyard:

• March 29–April 4: Stick Dice Pilot and Counting in Chochenyo Cards
  Come learn how to play the traditional Ohlone game of Stick Dice (ṭallik), which has stood the test of time as a way to preserve culture, build community, and have fun! Plus, learn to count in Chochenyo, the first language spoken in the East Bay.
  
• April 4th–April 11: Native Plant Sensory Scavenger Hunt
  Explore the Outdoor Nature Lab with our brand new sensory scavenger hunt- native plants! Using our ID sheet and Meet Ohlone plant cards, observe, touch, and smell our wonderful native East Bay foliage!
  
• April 11–April 18: Ohlone Plant Posts
  Come find our plant posts around the Outdoor Nature Lab and use your phone to learn how these native plants benefit the ecosystem and the Ohlone community that call the East Bay home.
      
• April 18–April 24: Biodiversity Nature Journaling
  Gear up at our Outdoor Nature Lab Field Station or Observation Caches and head into the lab to observe and draw local organisms! Add your nature journal image to our shareback wall to inspire and inform others!

The Earth Day Celebration grew out of an idea from Chris Ziska to bring The Lawrence and UC Berkeley communities together to mark the holiday, engage families, and showcase organizations focused on understanding and celebrating the natural world. Now in its third year, the Earth Day Celebration has expanded to include new activities and more than double the number of participating organizations since its first iteration.

We can’t wait to celebrate our amazing planet together!

Soon, they’ll be able to explore science with their minds, too.

Opening in late February, a new interactive experience is coming to The Lawrence. Mindball invites guests to sit across from a partner, place sensors against their foreheads and attempt to move a small ball across a table—using only their brain activity.

The Lawrence’s Learning Designers, Lee Bishop and Jacqueline Ryan, helped bring the activity to Hands-on Biotech and describe it as a playful introduction to brain-sensing technology.

“It has these little sensors that sense your brain waves and can tell if you’re relaxed and focused—sort of in the zone, like meditation,” said Bishop. “You can move a physical ball with your mind. You’re trying to out-relax the other person.”

Rather than rewarding intense concentration, the game challenges players to quiet their thoughts. As participants relax, the ball slowly rolls toward their opponent. The calmer someone becomes, the more control they gain.

The result is often surprising, especially across age groups.

“She assumed a little kid wouldn’t be able to relax because they’re so high energy,” said Ryan, recalling a colleague’s earlier experience with the exhibit. “But seeing him try to calm himself down and use different methods was really powerful. Adults have a lot of stress, so it can be surprising who’s actually more relaxed.”

While Mindball feels playful on the surface, it reflects a rapidly evolving area of biotechnology. Biosensors are already embedded in everyday life, from fitness trackers to smart watches that monitor heart rate, sleep and physical activity.

“There’s a lot of wearable tech that collects data about your body,” Ryan said. “This is a cool way to experience biosensors in a fun, hands-on way that might feel more relatable to visitors.”

The exhibit also opens the door to deeper questions about how brain-sensing technology could be used in the future.

“If you can sense brain activity to move a ball, think about what else scientists are working on,” Bishop said. “That’s an ongoing area of research that’s only going to become more important.”

Those conversations align with the broader goals of Hands-on Biotech, which explores how studying living systems from microbes to humans can help solve real-world challenges, from disease treatment to climate change.

Alongside Mindball’s debut, visitors will also see the return of a favorite activity: pipetting rainbows.

Using pipettes—scientific tools designed to transfer precise amounts of liquid—young scientists fill small well plates with brightly colored solutions. By following templates or creating their own patterns, they transform laboratory techniques into colorful designs.

The activity introduces visitors to the precision scientists use in research settings, while leaving room for creativity.

“You see a pattern and then make the same pattern out of liquid,” Bishop said. “It’s something you don’t usually get to create in your life—color designs made from science tools. People take it even further than our templates and create designs they’re really proud of.”

Together, the two experiences showcase different sides of biotechnology: the microscopic precision of laboratory work and the emerging technologies that connect directly to the human body.

Mindball and pipetting rainbows debut in Hands-on Biotech Feb. 28. Visit this spring to move a ball with your mind, experiment with real lab tools and explore the science shaping our world from the inside out.

Reyna Hamilton

Director of Program Leadership & Impact, Public Engagement
She/Her

Reyna has worked at The Lawrence for nearly 15 years.

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: I am a BIPOC educator, maker, and lifelong learner with over 25 years of experience working with children, families, and communities across the Bay Area. I am passionate about making STEM learning hands-on, welcoming, and meaningful for learners of all ages. I currently serve as the Director of Program Leadership & Impact at the Lawrence Hall of Science, where I oversee School and Community Engagement, Elementary Camps, Volunteers, and Science Museum Floor Programs. Before joining the Lawrence, I worked in out-of-school-time education, leading middle school afterschool programs and state-funded child development programs.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: The best part is helping young people and community members see themselves in a new way—as scientists, engineers, and problem solvers. Throughout my education and career, mentors and hands-on experiences helped me build that same confidence and sense of belonging in STEM. When we bring hands-on science directly to schools and communities, we remove barriers to access and spark curiosity. I see this work as nurturing the seeds that can grow into future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and lifelong learners.

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: Ohhhh teachers don’t have favorites! But if I had to choose, it would be the Build, Engineer, Invent festival. I created this program about ten years ago, and it has grown and evolved through many updates into what it is today. What I love most is how well it works for a wide range of ages, from preschoolers to adults, and in many settings, including school days, family programs, and community events. The engineering activities are hands-on, fun, and designed with multiple entry points so everyone can jump in and succeed.

Ime Edokpayi

Associate Director of Outreach
He/Him

Ime has worked at The Lawrence for 7 years.

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: After earning my B.S. in Biology in 2016, I spent several years working in Afterschool programs as an informal STEM educator. Around 2018 I joined The Lawrence as a museum educator, and transitioned to facilitating high-quality STEM programs at The Lawrence and in schools and community organizations all around the Bay Area.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: I love being able to spark curiosity and excitement about science in an accessible way, especially for budding scientists… often times science can be technical and rigorous, but adding an element of simplicity and joy is one of the highlights of my job. I also love teaching and learning in general – bringing my own perspective and expertise to a program, but being willing to listen to kids (and kids at heart!) to learn more about the world is often the best part of working with new schools and communities.  

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: I love a good festival or science show, but my favorite On-The-Go program is the workshop Squid: The Inside Story. Mainly because of my biology background and getting to dive into squid anatomy, but more subtly it’s one of those experiences that gets youth extremely curious. It’s great to see students come in with a million questions and ideas about squid, and then use the workshop experience to explore their very own questions and ideas through a scientific process. There’s always at least one kiddo who’s hesitant to be in the room, and by the end of the program, is the main one asking questions like “Where is the heart?”,  “Is this the ink sac?”, or “Can we get more time!?”

Olivia Wilborn-Pilotte

Outreach Educator
She/Her

Olivia has worked at The Lawrence for nearly three months.

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: I earned my Bachelors in Biology from the University of Oregon, where I worked in a plant ecology lab. I have always loved scientific exploration and working with youth, but after graduating I transitioned from research to education because I am passionate about expanding access to STEM for youth of all backgrounds and experiences. Since moving to the Bay Area in January, I have worked as an Education and Interpretation Intern with the National Park Service and an Environmental Educator for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: The best part of doing outreach for The Lawrence is seeing that spark ignite in students when they realize that science can be FUN! It is a discipline built on curiosity, collaboration, creativity, ingenuity and persevering through mistakes—all traits that come very naturally to many youth! I feel incredibly lucky to be able to help facilitate these experiences and be welcomed into new learning spaces by students and staff throughout the Bay Area!

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: My favorite Lawrence On-The-Go program is our Phenomenal Physics festival! It highlights natural phenomena like magnetism and optics that many of us observe in our surroundings, but may not completely understand. The activities encourage hands-on learning and break down the different concepts clearly. They transform what can be an intimidating subject for early learners into an experience that is accessible and engaging for all.

“We see this beautiful view of the Golden Gate and the fog pouring in this evening,” he told the crowd. “The sun sets. We know that when the sun rises tomorrow, every day, we see more and more restoration, more and more repair happening around us when young people who come here are able to learn about our culture in Ohlone-led ways.”

Trevino added that The Lawrence’s commitment to integrating Ohlone culture is something worth honoring. 

“The Lawrence has stood steadfast to include Ohlone culture in this place,” he said, “never flinching, but in fact, working to add more. This right here is something to celebrate.”

Guests then moved into the theater for a lively program of “lightning talks,” each precisely five minutes long with slides that advance automatically every 15 seconds. The Lawrence collaborated with Ignite San Francisco to create a “science variety show” that matched the breadth of scientific inquiry with the diversity of The Lawrence’s science center offerings.

From The Lawrence’s own Head of Sponsored Projects Tim Ereneta sharing his science origin story to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researcher Tanny Chavez discussing her work in artificial intelligence, each speaker used their time to spark curiosity and offer a window into cutting-edge science while highlighting  the important work happening at The Lawrence. Talks featured the science behind fire in California, neuroscience and genetics, biotechnology, and particle physics.

One of the most memorable moments came from high school scientist Vinan Adhikesavan, a participant in The Lawrence’s East Bay Academy for Young Scientists (EBAYS). Speaking on the dangers of lead contamination, he opened with a striking reminder: 

“Humans have been using lead for almost 8,000 years, and we’ve known it’s been dangerous for about 3,000 of them. So why have we kept using it despite knowing the dangers, and how has this recklessness impacted us and our communities today?”

Vinan went on to describe how he and fellow EBAYS researchers collected soil samples in West Oakland and Piedmont as part of the Community Lead Research Lab, finding that estimated lead exposure for infants was 800% higher in areas with low grass coverage compared to areas with high coverage. His findings demonstrated not just the severity of environmental injustices in local communities, but also the extraordinary impact youth scientists can make when given support, mentorship, and the opportunity to pursue meaningful research.

Another highlight of the evening came from Director Rena Dorph, who offered an inspiring look at The Lawrence’s reach and mission in her talk, “The Lawrence – By the Numbers.”

“Our work happens in many different places, here at our UC Berkeley science center, out in schools, communities, parks, and more across the U.S. and around the globe,” she told the audience. “We want every kid to be a scientific thinker. Our impact, how our work transforms kids and communities, is a story not only told by individuals but also by the numbers of people we reach.”

Dorph shared that The Lawrence will have welcomed 150,000 visitors by year’s end, including 30,000 who attended free of charge, as part of the museum’s commitment to ensuring children have access to high-quality science learning. More than 20,000 Bay Area students learn with The Lawrence through field trips annually, over 1,000 teens participate in research programs, Lawrence On-the-Go vans reached more than 66,000 people last year, and Lawrence-designed curricula are used by more than 7 million students nationwide — one in five public schoolchildren in the United States. Since its founding, The Lawrence’s programs and curricula have reached more than 250 million people around the world. 

“If that many people formed a nation,” Dorph said, “it would be the fifth largest in the world.”

Throughout the evening, guests also watched video interviews with summer campers and teen research participants who shared stories of discovery, experimentation, and the moments at The Lawrence that made them feel curious, capable, and inspired. Their voices offered a glimpse into what young visitors experience every day: that science is not distant or abstract, but alive, welcoming, and something they can do with confidence.

As the night drew to a close, the community rallied together around a  fundraising call-to-action, raising over $300,000 to support The Lawrence’s programs. The incredible generosity of sponsors, patrons, and donors uplifts The Lawrence’s work to make science learning joyful and empowering for all.

By the time the final guests drifted out into the cool Berkeley night, Champagne Supernova had delivered exactly what it set out to do: celebrate science, celebrate community, and celebrate the bright future being built through curiosity, creativity, and collective support at The Lawrence.