EMIERT (Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table)

STEAM Educator Francisco Silva will discuss NASA en español resources for libraries, addressing both children's and adult services. This will be a training program tailored for librarians, focusing on NASA en español resources. This program will cover a variety of NASA's Spanish-language tools and materials, providing librarians with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage Spanish-speaking patrons. The training session will be structured to include an introduction to NASA en español, an overview of available resources, practical exercises, and time for questions and answers. 

About Francisco Silva:

I was born in 1984 in Madrid and I am a STEAM educator based in Las Vegas. With 11 years of experience focusing on youth education, I have developed a strong expertise in popular science and am known for my engaging interactions with the general public, fostering a love for science. 

My interest in astronomy began at the age of six, thanks to my mother, who instilled in me a sense of wonder about the universe. A special mention goes to my sisters, who have often been my patient and enthusiastic companions during countless nights of stargazing, supporting my passion and sharing in the wonders of the universe through my telescope. 

My academic background includes studies in computer science, computer engineering, and astronomy. This diverse skill set allows me to engage audiences through a variety of mediums, from hands-on experiments to captivating presentations. 

Throughout my career, I have worked with various organizations, including the Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Lions Club, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Clark County School District, Civil Air Patrol, State Park, National Parks Service, several Native Tribes, CSN, and UNLV. I have also contributed to several citizen science projects for NASA, JPL, The Planetary Society, and, focusing on asteroid tracking, Light Sail, and lunar and solar projects. In 2013, I joined the Las Vegas Astronomical Society (LVAS) as a member and volunteer. Today, I'm proud to serve as Vice President of their Education Outreach Program, a position I have held since 2018, promoting astronomy and space exploration in our community. In 2018, I collaborated with Denise Nikita, a doctoral candidate on the Astra project (air and space thermal nuclear rocket engine with turbojet project). In 2022, I was selected to participate in The Solar System Ambassadors Program, a national NASA and JPL engagement effort to share the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions with the public. I am proud to conduct over 100 STEAM events annually. Outside my professional endeavours, I enjoy reading books, listening to music, and playing video games.

This program is being presented in cooperation with NASA's Solar System Ambassador program.