In September, the University hosted Science EXPO, an event to promote science awareness among the public. This event followed on the heals of the STEMville Science Symposium, held on campus last March, which was likewise designed to enhance science communication between scientists and the public. Science EXPO was a joint effort of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s IMPACTS Program and the UNC Pembroke College of Arts & Sciences.  Drs. Erika Young and Crystal Walline of the UNCP Biology Department were among the scientists who provided activities that were both entertaining and educational for the day-long event.  

The IMPACTS (Inspiring Meaningful Programs and Communication Through Science) Program funded last spring's STEMville Science Symposium.  Scientists from UNCP and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) were joined by nursing students and other collaborators from the UNCP community to launch creative, hands-on science activities.  The conference-style symposium hosted more than a hundred sixth and seventh grade students from 11 middle schools in Robeson County. 

Members of the UNCP Biology faculty who participated were Drs. Velinda Woriax (department chair), Kaitlin Campbell, Crystal Walline, and Erika Young.  Biology alumni Chrisha Dolan (now on the faculty at FTCC) and Kameron Richardson also participated.  Activities involved carnivorous plants, pond water, insect pollinators, epidemiology, and asthmatic lungs.

Junior members of the Biology faculty who participated in Science EXPO and STEMville are on their way to becoming Morehead Science Ambassadors.  The IMPACTS Program is funded by the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and is the joint effort of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and the North Carolina Science Fair.

 

Chrisha Dolan (left) and Dr. Kaitlin Campbell (right)