From Classroom to Kickoff: Cedars-Sinai Takes STEAM to the Field

More than 700 Los Angeles fourth and fifth-graders traded their classrooms for SoFi Stadium during S.T.E.A.M. Field Day-a hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) experience. The inaugural event was a partnership among Cedars-Sinai, the Los Angeles Rams and Hollywood Park.

During the daylong event, students extracted DNA from strawberries, saw CPR demonstrations and ambulance simulations, and talked about science and medicine with physicians, pharmacists, nurses, professors and researchers at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.

"Early exposure to STEAM is critical, especially for students who may not always see themselves represented in science or healthcare careers," said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai. "By partnering with the Rams and bringing Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University into this experience, we are helping students see that careers in medicine, research and innovation are exciting-and attainable."

Participating students also explored behind-the-scenes areas of SoFi Stadium, connecting STEAM concepts to the innovation and engineering behind one of the world's most advanced sports and entertainment venues.

"I liked that we actually got to try things ourselves," said Elias Rivera, a fourth grader from Normont Elementary School in Harbor City who wants to one day become a doctor. "Math is my favorite subject, and my favorite part today was throwing the football into a small hole on the field."

Through its involvement, Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University helped students see themselves reflected in the future of healthcare and science, reinforcing its commitment to education, research and advancing health equity.

"What's powerful about a day like this is that students can see how many different career opportunities exist in healthcare," said Michael Farkouh, MD, vice dean for Research and Clinical Trials at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. "You don't have to leave Los Angeles to receive world-class training and education. Right here at Cedars-Sinai and our Health Sciences University, there are pathways in research, artificial intelligence, pharmacy technician, respiratory therapy and so much more."

The Health Sciences University was established in 2024 to prepare generations of academic scientists, physician leaders and allied health professionals for futures in healthcare and biomedical science.

"Our goal is to spark a passion that goes beyond a job-and to show students they can build meaningful careers while staying rooted in their communities," Farkouh said.

S.T.E.A.M. Field Day is part of a broader educational initiative to introduce Los Angeles youth to career pathways in sports, entertainment and healthcare. Cedars-Sinai helps shape the program's educational content, spotlighting professionals whose work reflects each STEAM discipline, including:

• Science - Casey Batten, MD
  Co-director of Nonoperative Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai, head team physician for the Los Angeles Rams and chief medical officerfor the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Batten represents how scientific research and evidence-based medicine support both elite athletes and everyday patients.
• Technology - Tiffani Bright, PhD
  An assistant professor of Computational Biomedicine and co-director of Cedars-Sinai's Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education, Bright leads efforts to develop AI tools to improve clinical decision-making and advance health equity.
• Engineering - Hector Melara
  An engineer and architect at Cedars-Sinai, Melara helps design and build healthcare spaces that support patients, families and caregivers. His work blends engineering, technology and math to create safe, functional environments where care happens.
• Art - John Lange
  Curator of Cedars-Sinai's art collectionand manager of the Cedars-Sinai Arts Program, Lange leads initiatives that integrate art into healthcare settings to support healing and wellbeing.
• Math - Joycelyn Frederick, BSHCM, CPhT-Adv
  Program director for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, Frederick prepares the next generation of pharmacy technicians for careers that rely on math, science and technology to ensure medication safety and accuracy for patients.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.