A group of 7 young Guatemalans will present a scientific project at GLOBE NASAan international platform that promotes science around the world. At this event, which will take place in the Dominican Republic, the chapines will share about their innovative low cost repellent designed to prevent diseases such as dengue and Zika.
Young Guatemalans will present a scientific project at GLOBE NASA in the Dominican Republic
A group of talented young Guatemalans from Huehuetenango, Chiquimula, Chimaltenango and Guatemala City will be participating in the Regional Meeting for GLOBE Latin America and the Caribbean. This event will take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republicfrom October 21 to 25, 2024, and will feature the participation of students and scientists from various countries who share a passion for the environment and scientific research.
He GLOBE Program ―Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment― is an international initiative that aims to promote scientific literacy and generate connections between people interested in environmental issues. This program is supported by NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Department of State (DoS).
Innovative project: low-cost repellent to prevent diseases
The group that will represent Guatemala is made up of seven talented students, all under 18 years of age, who are part of the STEAM Program. These young people were officially sworn in at an event held on October 16, 2024, with the participation of the Vice President of the Republic, Karin Herrera, the National Secretary of Science and Technology, Gabriela Montenegro and the acting deputy head of mission of the Embassy of United States in Guatemala, Dave Fogelson.
The team will present an innovative project whose objective is the prevention of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya, through the creation of a homemade repellent low cost. This repellent is made with natural and accessible ingredients, such as bay leaves, cloves, lemon tea, garlic and vinegar, and emerges as a sustainable solution in the context of the loss of forest cover, a factor that has increased the proliferation of these vectors in Guatemala.
The presentation in the Dominican Republic will be an opportunity to show the talent and creativity of these young people on the international stage, being the only team that has represented Guatemala at this symposium for the last 20 years.
About the STEAM program
He STEAM program has been fundamental in the development of scientific vocations in Guatemala, encompassing primary, secondary and undergraduate students, as well as in-service teachers and the general public. This initiative encourages the participation of young people in scientific projects that allow them to better understand their environment and propose solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Through its alliance with GLOBE Program from NASA, Guatemalan students have had access to a global platform that allows them to collaborate with other young scientists from different countries. GLOBE is a community committed to the study of the Earth system, using tools and resources that complement NASA’s research efforts. The environmental data collected by participants is integrated into research projects at the community or individual level, generating a direct impact on the understanding and preservation of the environment.
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