How are 91¿´Æ¬ Davis scientists educating the public about the important research conducted on their campus? And how can outreach improve science?
91¿´Æ¬ Davis is a premier research institution where cutting-edge science is conducted daily by dedicated faculty, staff and students. One of the most important aspects of science is sharing knowledge gained from experiments and research studies.
In 2020, a group of scientists came together to promote true diversity in STEM. They formed the 91¿´Æ¬ Davis Graduate Student and Postdoc chapter of (GSPD SACNAS).
GSPD SACNAS includes a wide range of scientists studying everything from insects to humans, many of whom go out into the community to share their knowledge. Their efforts have earned GSPD SACNAS national recognition for for two years in a row.
What is science outreach?
Science outreach is an effort to share knowledge and information to everyone in our community. Whether we talk about the science we conduct to young children, host scientific demonstrations for families or share our journeys into scientific fields with young adults, science outreach takes many forms. It fosters curiosity, creates trust in science and breaks down barriers for our local communities.
Why does science outreach matter?
Educating and inspiring the next generation
Underrepresented minority students in STEM lack role models in science. Many older depictions of scientists often did not include marginalized groups. When GSPD SACNAS volunteers introduce themselves as scientists and show that people from a broad range of backgrounds belong in STEM, it empowers the next generation of future scientists. This kind of outreach helps make STEM careers more accessible and exciting for young students.
Improving important science skills
Scientists are deeply passionate about their work, but effectively communicating complex ideas to non-experts takes practice and effort. Working with children and young adults gives graduate students and postdoctoral researchers additional experience communicating their amazing scientific findings. Volunteering for outreach also gives scientists a greater sense of belonging in their communities. Many GSPD SACNAS board alumni have carried their communication skills into successful careers in both industry and academia.
What does science outreach look like?
How to talk to kids about science
Tess Leathers is a fifth year Ph.D. student and long-standing GSPD SACNAS board member studying axolotl development. As one of the K-8 outreach officers, Leathers works with Woodland Prairie Elementary School to provide science activities for their fourth and fifth grade classrooms.
Leathers’ fellow graduate student volunteers lead activities and interact with the students. Each workshop starts by sharing their research and what it’s like to be a scientist. The students are always curious and ask lots of great questions. Then, they share a fun, hands-on lesson to show the students that they have what it takes to be scientists too.
How to talk to teenagers about science
Deana Villagomes is a fourth year Ph.D. student and a high school outreach officer studying molecular and cellular biology. Because high school students are more advanced in STEM, the high school outreach team hosts computer science workshops.
For example, Villagomes and other graduate student volunteers taught bioinformatics and sequencing to high school students in West Sacramento. Other events include the Journey to Science series where students also learn more about the speaker's career paths that demystifies the process of going to college and becoming a scientist.
How to talk to young adults about science
Clarisa Martinez is a fourth year Ph.D. student and one of the community college outreach officers studying immunology. Many undergraduates are passionate about their interests but are uncertain about how to navigate the future. That’s where GSPD SACNAS steps in to help undergraduates both on and off campus.
Martinez and her volunteers have hosted graduate panels to educate students on the process of applying and completing a graduate degree. Martinez has also worked with Woodland Community College, assisting with their annual Bridge to Science event and launching a summer research program.
Bridge to Science is designed to inspire and support community college students pursuing science degrees. With over $1,000 in funding secured for the event, 15 students from WCC participated in a rich research experience that included two lab tours, a graduate student panel, visits to the California Raptor Center and a campus tour. In addition to Bridge to Science, Martinez and her team have also led two sessions of the , a summer initiative jointly run by 91¿´Æ¬ Davis and WCC.
There are also opportunities for 91¿´Æ¬ Davis undergraduates to have hands-on mentorship. Since 2021, GSPD SACNAS has hosted their Graduate School Readiness Program where 91¿´Æ¬ Davis undergraduates applying to graduate school are matched with graduate students to guide them through the application and interview process. Started by Jasmine Esparza, this program helps students learn how to write statements, ask for letters of recommendation and ace graduate school interviews.
How to get involved in science outreach
GSPD SACNAS invites scientists and scholars from all backgrounds to join us in our mission to make a difference in STEM and foster an inclusive community at 91¿´Æ¬ Davis.
How you can get involved:
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