FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2012

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Media Contacts
Kim Ramsden / Chris Bauer, PR Co-Directors, (651) 221-9423
Sarah Imholte, PR Coordinator, (651) 221-9412

SCIENCE FUSION SERIES KICKS OFF JANUARY 5 AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA, CONNECTING LOCAL SCIENCE STARS WITH KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS

Four-part event series features scientists and education professionals from African American, American Indian, Latino and Hispanic, and Asian American communities making a difference in the STEM disciplines

St. Paul, Minn. – Science, culture and opportunity will meet during the Science Museum of Minnesota's popular Science Fusion event series, which takes place the first two weekends in January. This long-running event series focuses on the accomplishments of members of the Twin Cities' African American, American Indian, Latino and Hispanic, and Asian American communities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

During each of the Science Fusion events, which run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., science professionals from leading Twin Cities companies will present displays that demonstrate their passion for their work and highlight the contributions they've made to science and innovation. Visitors of all ages will get a memorable, hands-on look at the scientists' areas of expertise in a science fair-style setting that is the perfect atmosphere for in-depth, one-on-one interaction between visitors and presenters.

In addition to recognizing achievements in STEM disciplines, Science Fusion events are designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators and introduce them to a wide array of science-related career opportunities.

The 2013 Science Fusion event series is sponsored by Donaldson Company, Inc. In conjunction with Science Fusion, the Science Museum and Donaldson Company will recognize students from around the metro area and greater Minnesota as recipients of the Donaldson Science Award. The award program honors Minnesota middleand high-school students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in or passion for a STEM discipline, either in the classroom or outside of school. Students are nominated for the award by teachers or mentors and publicly recognized at the Science Fusion events.

The 2013 Science Fusion event series includes:

21st annual African Americans in Science: Saturday, January 5
First celebrated in 1992, African Americans in Science was the pioneer Science Fusion event and has become a beloved Science Museum tradition. Visitors will meet science and educational professionals from the Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH), Donaldson Company, Ecolab, 3M and more. They'll learn about what they do through interactive displays and presentations, and discover the inspiring contributions they've made to technology, education, health care, and innovation. African Americans in Science will also feature a performance by the Urban Jazz Quartet.

American Indians in Science: Sunday, January 6
Visitors will meet individuals from the Twin Cities' American Indian communities who have made significant contributions to science, engineering, and education. Presenters from Ecolab, 3M, Donaldson Company, Open Cities Health and the North Star American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Alliance and Professional Chapter will share their areas of expertise through hands-on activities and dynamic displays.

Amantes de la Ciencia: Saturday, January 12
Amantes de la Ciencia (Lovers of Science) introduces visitors to science and education professionals from the Twin Cities' Latino and Hispanic communities. Companies and organizations represented this year include Donaldson Company, Ecolab, 3M, Open Cities Health, and the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. Activities from previous years' events include making milagritos (cards expressing wishes, hopes, and dreams), building geodesic domes out of marshmallows and toothpicks, and learning about human DNA. Amantes de la Ciencia will also feature a performance by Mariachi Buen Tiempo.

Asian Americans in Science: Sunday, January 13
Rounding out the 2013 Science Fusion series, Asian Americans in Science give visitors an opportunity to meet science and education professionals who represent many geographic backgrounds, from Southeast Asia to the mainland and the Pacific Islands. The presenters, including representatives from 3M, Ecolab, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesota's Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, will share stories about their experiences and successes in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, and get visitors involved with hands-on activities that relate to their areas of expertise. Asian Americans in Science will also feature performances by Mu Daiko and New Cloud Dance Group.

Ticket & Event Details
Up to four children get in free with each full-price adult admission. For special group and individual rates for people with limited incomes, call (651) 221-9444. Presenter stations will be located at various locations throughout the museum. A complete list of presenters and locations will be available in the lobby on level 5 on the day of the event.

The Science Museum of Minnesota serves more than one million visitors each year with its hands-on exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, special events, and unparalleled education programs. It is located at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. For specific directions, parking information, hours, show times and ticket information, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org.

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Please note: Images from past Science Fusion events are available. Contact Sarah Imholte at (651) 221-9412 or simholte@smm.org for access.