Pat Brandes, (in center with eye glasses) with other scientists participating in the San Joaquin County Schools' 'Dinner with a Scientist' program. (photo: Ronald Parker) - Photo Credit: n/a

by Patricia Brandes and Shannon Brewer, Stockton FWO
Biologists Pat Brandes and Shannon Brewer of Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office were among 27 scientists who shared knowledge with students from San Joaquin County schools during the 12^th Annual Dinner With a Scientist Program event March 10 at the University of the Pacific. Sponsored by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, the program is a forum for local middle and high school students to interact with scientists from different disciplines.  Fifty teachers and approximately 150 students attended the event and interracted with scientists from a variety of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. 

Natural resource professionals from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Fish and Game also attended.  Brewer and Brandes represented the field of fisheries biology. Students and teachers were divided into small groups with one or two scientists at a table for dinner.  The students and their teachers had an opportunity to learn about science and science careers from scientists sharing their table.  The program also included a 20-question, science competition and a presentation by Dirk Verdorn, a meteorologist at KCRA-TV in Sacramento.  During dessert, students and teachers were able to move to other tables to interview other scientists.

The students and teachers asked about how the scientists became interested in fish biology, work hours and work environment.  The students and their teachers were also interested in the local work of the Service, and the status of salmon in California. They were provided with brochures on Careers in the Fish and Wildlife Service, and on invasive plants and animals.  Students in Brandes’ and Brewers’ groups aspired to be veterinarians, marine biologists, microbiologists, and engineers.  It was a pleasure spending the evening with them.  This event serves as one way to increase interest of students and teachers in the sciences.