How do UC Davis scientists educate the public on important research carried out on their campus? And how can awareness improve science?
UC Davis is a leading research institution where the advanced sciences are carried out daily by teachers, staff and dedicated students. One of the most important aspects of science is the sharing of knowledge acquired from experiences and research studies.
In 2020, a group of scientists met to promote the true diversity of STEMs. They trained the graduate of the UC Davis and chapter Postdoc Society for the progress of chicanos / Hispanic and Amerindians in science (GSPD Sacnas).
The Sacna GSPDs include a wide range of scientists who study everything, from humans to insects, many of whom go to the community to share their knowledge. Their efforts have earned national recognition of the GSPD sacnas Excellence in the diversity of STEMs and the community building For two years in a row.
What is scientific awareness?
Scientific awareness is an effort to share knowledge and information to everyone in our community. Whether we are talking about the science that we put in young children, to organize scientific demonstrations for families or to share our trips in scientific fields with young adults, scientific awareness takes many forms. It promotes curiosity, creates confidence in science and decomposes obstacles to our local communities.
Why is scientific awareness of awareness?
Educate and inspire the next generation
The under-represented minority students in STEM lacks role models in science. Many older representations of scientists often did not include marginalized groups. When GSPD Sacna volunteers present themselves as scientists and show that people from a wide range of environments belong to STEM, it empowers the next generation of future scientists. This type of awareness helps to make STEM careers more accessible and exciting for young students.
Improve important scientific skills
Scientists are deeply passionate about their work, but effectively communicating complex ideas to non-experts take practice and efforts. Working with children and young adults offers graduate students and postdoctoral researchers an additional communication experience of their incredible scientific results. Volunteering for awareness also gives scientists a greater feeling of belonging to their communities. Many former GSPD Sacnas Board have brought their communication skills in successful careers in industry and the academic world.
What does scientific awareness look like?
How to speak to children of science
Tess Leathers is a fifth year doctorate. Student and long -standing member of the Board of Directors of the GSPD Sacnas Student Axolotl development. As one of the K-8 awareness-raising officers, Leathers works with the Woodland Prairie Elementary School to provide scientific activities for their fourth and fifth year classrooms.
Leathers graduate students manage activities and interact with students. Each workshop begins by sharing their research and what is a scientist. Students are always curious and ask a lot of good questions. Then, they share a fun and practical lesson to show students that they have what it takes to be scientists too.
How to speak to teenagers of science
Deana Villagomes is a fourth year doctorate. Student student and awareness agent studying molecular and cellular biology. Because high school students are more advanced in STEM, the high school awareness team organizes computer workshops.
For example, villagomas and other graduate volunteers have taught bioinformatics and sequencing to West Sacramento high school students. Other events include the Journey to Science series where students also learn more about the speaker’s career paths that demystify the process of going to college and becoming a scientist.
How to speak to young adults in science
Clarisa Martinez is a fourth year doctorate. Student and one of the awareness agents for community colleges studying immunology. Many undergraduate students are passionate about their interests, but do not know how to sail in the future. This is where GSPD Sacnas intervenes to help the undergraduate students on and off campus.
Martinez and his volunteers organized higher education panels to educate students on the process of applying and carrying out a higher education diploma. Martinez also worked with the Woodland Community College, helping their annual event Bridge to Science and launch of a summer research program.
Bridge to Science is designed to inspire and support community students who pursue diplomas in science. With more than $ 1,000 in funding obtained for the event, 15 COE students participated in a rich research experience which included two laboratory tours, a graduate student panel, visits to California Raptor Center and a visit to the campus. In addition to bridge to science, Martinez and his team also led two sessions of the Mesa undergraduate research scholarship programA summer initiative conducted by UC Davis and WCC.
There are also opportunities for UC Davis undergraduate students to have practical mentorship. Since 2021, GSPD Sacnas has organized its higher education preparation program where UC Davis undergraduate students apply for higher education are twinned with graduate students to guide them throughout the application and interview process. Launched by Jasmine Esparza, this program helps students learn to write declarations, to ask for recommendations and interviews on ACE higher education.
How to get involved in scientific awareness
GSPD Sacnas invites scientists and academics from all walks of life to join us in our mission to make a difference in STEMs and promote an inclusive community in UC Davis.
How you can get involved: