~ Baba Dioum, Singalese Environmentalist
Diversity Project Interns, 2010
Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center
This sentiment echoes my motivation for active participation in outreach and education activities over the last 15 years. I view science outreach as an opportunity to engage and excite students and the public about the natural wonders around them. This is important not only for encouraging young people to consider science as a career, but also for educating everyday citizens of our planet about the important, but not always obvious, roles that the natural world and biodiversity play in their lives. Only once nature is valued will its conservation become a priority.
International Outreach and Education Activities
- NESCent Ambassador Program, Bali, Indonesia (2012)
- Co-taught a four-week course on Molecular Ecology and Evolution for Indonesian and American undergraduate and graduate students at the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center.
- NSF Coral Triangle PIRE Participant, Manila, Philippines (2008)
- Established a mobile genetics lab at De La Salle University in Manila
- Organized and led workshops on microsatellite data analysis
- Lab instructor and guest lecturer for short course on Molecular Ecology and Evolution for Filipino graduate students and marine conservation managers.
Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center, Summer 2010
Undergraduate Mentorship and Outreach
- Evolution Annual Meeting – Undergraduate diversity mentor (2013 – 2014)
- Ocean Sciences Meeting – Undergraduate mentor (2014)
- The Diversity Project – Undergraduate mentor and project supervisor (2005 – 2010)
- NSF international research opportunity for undergraduates through Boston University and UCLA aimed at increasing representation of women and minorities in marine science. Served as a mentor and project supervisor for 2-4 undergraduates each summer in the following field and lab locations:
- Boston University Marine Program, Woods Hole and Boston, MA (2005-2007)
- De La Salle University – Philippines (2008)
- Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center, Denpasar, Bali (2010)
- NSF international research opportunity for undergraduates through Boston University and UCLA aimed at increasing representation of women and minorities in marine science. Served as a mentor and project supervisor for 2-4 undergraduates each summer in the following field and lab locations:
Middle and High School Outreach
- NESCent’s Darwin Day Roadshow, Hawaii (2015)
- Gave presentations on evolutionary biology and careers in science to middle and high school students on Hawaii and Maui.
- Increasing Diversity and Enhancing Academia (IDEA) High School Summer Science Institute, University of North Carolina Institute for the Environment (2014)
- Developed and led a half-day workshop on marine GIS and discussions on careers in ocean sciences with NC high school students.
- Science Outreach at New Dimensions Charter School, Morganton, NC (2014)
- Gave presentations on my personal research and careers in science to middle school science classes.
- North Carolina Science Olympiad State Tournament, volunteer (2012)
- NESCent’s Evolution Workshop for Educators (2012)
- Gave lectures on important topics in biodiversity science to NC high school and middle school science teachers.
- Science Outreach at Boston Community Leadership Academy (2009)
- Lectured and led hands-on activity on marine population genetics to AP Biology Class.
- Biology Inquiry and Outreach with Boston University Graduate Students (2007)
- College biology lab experience for inner-city Boston high school students
General Public
Fish and invert ID lessons with shoppers and retailers in Philippines fish market
- Barrier Island Environmental Education Program, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Island, SC – Naturalist (2001)
- Smithsonian National Zoo, Reptile House – Exhibit Interpreter (2000)
Elizabeth J. Sbrocco, Ph.D. 