Achievement

Individually and in groups, our Trainees take seriously their commitment to communicate science to the general public and to encourage young people to explore STEM careers. A team of five Trainees created interactive walk-up activities for a Member’s Night at our regional science center, enabling children and adults to examine many biofuels crops, view algae under a microscope, and learn how these are processed to become fuels. A different team of six Trainees designed and delivered a 3-week mini course on Energy & Sustainability in summer honors program for rising high school seniors state-wide. Another Trainee visited 20 AP biology classes in 4 schools to discuss sustainable energy, ecology, and climate change and to encourage students to pursue STEM careers. IGERT co-PI’s & Prgm. Coord. mentored as needed and facilitated arrangements. They note that these activities also provide excellent frameworks for Trainee professional growth in learning to communicate with diverse audiences.