Utah STEM Fest: See Yourself in STEM 

A mesmerizing interaction with ferrofluid, an awe-spiring chemical reaction, a chance to experiment driving an electric vehicle simulation — these can all spark interest in STEM-related careers as students discover the possibilities that exist in these fields. 

To foster these opportunities, the STEM Action Center organized the 2025 Utah STEM Fest on September 16-17, inviting sponsors from across the state to gather and lead hands-on experiences for over 8,300 attendees. ASPIRE was one of over 60 organizations represented at the event. 

“It’s physical science, it’s life sciences, it’s all kinds of STEM,” said Fawn Groves, the education and community engagement specialist at ASPIRE. “It really is a career exploration and exposure event with lots of hands-on, fun activities and demonstrations.” 

ASPIRE helped participants to understand wireless EV charging through hands-on learning opportunities with magnets in order to discover how a magnet can help run a motor, how to power a car with and without wires, and explore a driving simulation for an in-motion charging electric vehicle. 

“They got to play with a magnetic liquid known as ferrofluid, flip some switches, and see what can create magnetism while exploring magnetic fields,” Groves said. “The other hit was the CARLA simulator; they got to practice driving, going over the charging pads and watching the battery charge.” 

Max Ramsdell, the software engineer who helped students operate the CARLA electric vehicle driving simulation, agreed, saying that he enjoyed sharing about the difficult problems that ASPIRE is working to solve with the students and their chaperones. 

“We had many interactions that helped improve understanding of electricity in general, and many people really liked the simulation of the electric semi-truck and the wireless charging pad,” Ramsdell said. 

According to Groves, a key highlight of the event was the opportunity to help students recognize that they could help solve and work on the projects and problems that were presented at the STEM Fest. 

“I want students to be able to look at big things that other people do and realize, ‘I could have a part in that,’” she said. “That’s what I want others to take away, this is our thing and we want them to see themselves as a part of it.” 

For students and families interested in seeing themselves in STEM, reach out to Fawn Groves for more information. 

About ASPIRE & Utah Electrification:  

Headquartered at Utah State University, ASPIRE is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. ASPIRE has demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and managing a range of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects and fostering strong partnerships across the EV charging ecosystem. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise across electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, as well as economics, social sciences, and policy. In 2023, ASPIRE was designated the lead institution in building Utah’s Intelligent Electrified Transportation Plan. More information on the center can be found at aspire.usu.edu, and more on Utah’s electrification efforts can be found at utahelectrification.com. 

Contacts: 

Fawn Groves 
Education & Community Engagement Specialist 
Utah State University 

Writer: 
Kayleigh Kearsley 
Marketing & Communications Intern 
ASPIRE ERC