UC Merced takes pride in encouraging the younger generation to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers by counting on some of the top educators in the fields.
To help expand the knowledge and encourage young girls to think about careers within STEM, cognitive science Professor Lace Padilla and mechanical engineering Professor Ashlie Martini recently highlighted their work on the CBS television show “Mission Unstoppable,” a series that spotlights cutting-edge female scientists and STEM professionals to inspire young girls.
The next episode airs Saturday at 8:00 a.m. In it, Padilla, a cognitive neuroscientist, discusses how the brain works to fill in information and draw conclusions based on perception, a process known as visualization decision-making.
“I always wanted to know why paintings make you feel a certain way or why do movies make you feel something,” said Padilla. “I wanted to understand how the brain helps people understand made decisions with that information that is why I got into cognitive science.”
Last weekend’s episode featured Martini, who discussed tribology, the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion and how the three main focuses of tribology — friction, wear and lubrication — affect everything around us.
If you missed Martini’s episode, you can watch it online.
