Sandia joined Quest Science Center to help create a vibrant hub of curiosity, creativity and collaboration at the eighth annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair.
Held on April 18 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California, the event united over 70 local organizations including schools, nonprofits and leading research institutions like Sandia, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and NASA to ignite a passion for STEM education throughout the community.
From enthusiastic kids and high schoolers to curious parents, college students and staff, the fair showed how community-driven efforts can spark innovation and learning.
Sandia provided an opportunity for kids to interact with Chip Watson, the friendly robot dog, and a group of researchers offered a hydrogen research activity.
Led by postdoctoral researcher Liam Taylor, with support from Technical Business Development Specialist Matt Meyer and Community Relations intern Amelia Harrison, the hands-on water electrolysis demonstration invited participants to learn about the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen and showed how hydrogen can be harnessed as an energy source.
Liam guided attendees through the energy cycle of converting water to hydrogen and back, explaining Sandia’s work on hydrogen-powered technologies like the SF Breeze high-speed ferry.
Attendees of all ages asked thoughtful questions about hydrogen production, storage and advances shaping the future of fuel. Some discussed how they might one day ride on a hydrogen-powered vessel, connecting science to real-world possibilities.
“Working in the H2 exhibit provided me the opportunity to take a complex concept like hydrogen and translate it into an engaging activity for a younger audience,” Amelia said. “Through collaborating with Liam, we sparked curiosity among students and showed them how hydrogen is evident in the world around them.”
The Tri-Valley Innovation Fair demonstrated the impact of bringing researchers, educators, business professionals and families together to foster a culture of innovation and learning. Through experiences like these, Sandia and its partners are advancing science and building a stronger, more engaged community ready to shape the future of energy.