Volunteers from Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes, Wash., refinery recently showcased the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to students at Island View Elementary School’s Science at Work Night.
Amanda Cavazos, Lauryn Humphreys and Elise Concepcion staffed a hands-on demonstration table that captivated students with a playful yet educational dive into the world of non-Newtonian fluids.
Cavazos and Humphreys, both tech services refining engineers, brought their expertise and enthusiasm to the event. With years of experience optimizing refinery processes, they are skilled at applying scientific principles in large-scale industrial environments. Joining them was Concepcion, a tech services process engineering college intern, whose fresh perspective and energy added a relatable spark for the young attendees.
Their demonstration table featured a hands-on experiment with non-Newtonian fluids — substances that defy the usual rules of liquids and solids. Using a mixture like cornstarch and water (often called oobleck), they invited students to explore its quirky properties. The setup was simple but effective.
For Cavazos, the night was about showing students that science isn’t just in textbooks — it’s everywhere.
“At the refinery, we use physics and chemistry every day to keep things running smoothly,” she shared with a group of fifth graders. “This fluid is a fun way to see those ideas in action.”
Humphreys echoed that sentiment, emphasizing problem-solving.
“Engineering is all about figuring out how things work and making them better. Tonight, you’re the engineers,” Humphreys told the students.
Her knack for explaining complex concepts at the students’ level kept them engaged and asking questions. Concepcion, still early in her career journey, related to the young learners.
“I loved science fairs growing up,” she told the students. “Playing with stuff like this got me curious about engineering.”
The Marathon Petroleum table was one of many at the event, where local professionals from marine biologists to software developers joined forces to ignite STEM passion in Anacortes’ youth. For Island View’s budding scientists, it was a night of discovery thanks to the volunteers who showed that curiosity fuels progress.
