On the weekend of Sept. 13th and 14th, 11 DEQ staff members joined organizations from across the city and state at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to celebrate ScienceFest, OMSI’s annual celebration of scientists, engineers and innovators who are inspiring future generations. DEQ was one of dozens of vendors, ranging from assistive living technology companies to mermaids, that set up at tables and event spaces throughout the grounds. OMSI reported more than 4,300 visitors attended the event this year.
On Saturday, Valerie Arkell and Andrea Matzke from DEQ’s Water Quality Division shared information about the state of Oregon’s water and waterways and made water-themed magnets with the children that stopped by. Tiffany Mosher from DEQ’s Lab set up one of DEQ’s own SensORs and demonstrated how it monitors air quality in Oregon. Meanwhile, Justin Haynes, Henry Moormann and Marjorie Hay from the Vehicle Inspection Program shared information about Oregon’s air quality and how it connects to the vehicles on the road and the work they do at the VIP stations.
“The crowd was so engaged and enthusiastic,” remembered Chris Varley, “I don’t think there was a moment all day when I wasn’t in conversation with someone.”
On Sunday, Susan Mills and Chris Varley hosted a memory matching game about the criteria pollutants that make up the Air Quality Index, all while promoting DEQ’s own OregonAir app to connect residents with the most local and accurate information about the state of Oregon’s air. Edgar Arellano and Tu Thuy, consultants from Erica Timm’s Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program chatted with visitors in both English and Spanish and shared resources connecting them to opportunities to receive money back when the buy or lease an electric vehicle.
“It was really fun being in such a pro-science environment. I loved connecting with the community, especially with the kids, and sharing all the great work DEQ does for the people of Oregon,” explained Susan Mills.
“The crowd was so engaged and enthusiastic,” remembered Chris Varley, “I don’t think there was a moment all day when I wasn’t in conversation with someone.”
Keep an eye out for Oregon DEQ at next year’s OMSI ScienceFest and other public events across the state.