2019 - 2023

The STEM Ambassador Program is a collaborative project that seeks to foster greater inclusion in science by training scientists to engage members of the public in innovative ways outside traditional venues.

Participating scientists (referred to as “STEM Ambassadors), link their research, personal interests, experiences, and desired social impacts to a particular “focal group,” gathered around shared interests, hobbies, circumstances, or experiences that resonate with the scientist. Scientists engage the group in place, rather than requesting the group travel to an informal science education venue. Examples of unconventional learning venues in which scientists were able to effectively engage the public include, but are not limited to; a youth residential treatment center, a state prison, a cooking class, and a daycare facility. This program provides greater access to science for those who do not or cannot visit science education venues, reinforces the connection of science to everyday life, and opens portals for scientists to gain new ideas and perspectives from the community.

The OSU team will explore how participating scientists evolve their confidence, science self-concept and impact identities through engagement with the program and document changes in their perceptions about engaging the public with science.

Partner Institutions:

• University of Utah
• Michigan State University
• Institute for Learning Innovation

Center Team: