Inspiring young learners to explore STEM, spark curiosity at UB

Christina Escobar’s prideful path began behind the scenes — but it has since evolved into a role that connects UB with hundreds of young students across the region.

Escobar started as an executive assistant to the dean in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, she was asked to help lead a new focus on engaging K-12 students. Drawing on years of experience supporting outreach initiatives, she stepped into the opportunity and expanded the school’s programs to reach students as early as sixth grade through camps and hands-on learning experiences.

Today, as the school’s associate director of outreach programs, Escobar leads a range of programs designed to introduce middle and high school students to science and engineering in approachable and engaging ways. From coding challenges and robotics builds to group presentations and creative design projects, the programs are intentionally interactive — and a little competitive.

She says the transformation she sees during these programs is one of the most rewarding parts of the job: Students who begin the week unsure or shy often leave with new confidence, friendships and a curiosity about STEM fields they hadn’t considered before.

For Escobar, the work reflects a True Blue mission shared across the university.

“We are not just separate beings; we are a community,” Escobar says. “We all have the same goal about being engaged in the UB community — supporting each other to go out into the community and make a broader impact.”

Escobar also spends significant time visiting schools and attending community events throughout Buffalo and the surrounding region, where she meets students and families who may not have previously imagined themselves pursuing careers in engineering or science. She enjoys the direct connection with young people, often encouraging them to try something new.

Small moments, such as a student recognizing her months later in a grocery store or sharing that they were inspired to apply to camp, are reminders of the lasting impact those connections can have.