An Interview with the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education.
Today, February 11 marks the celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration institutions and civil society partners, this day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.*
Learn from the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education, Dr. Stephanie Ogren, about the importance of making science education accessible for curious minds of all ages.
What is your favorite part about working in science education at the Museum?
Designing and sharing programs for the public! We get to interact with a large cross-section, from K-12 students to the general public. Finding ways to engage a diverse audience, while sharing relevant science topics is exciting. Making science fun and accessible is rewarding, and it fills a need within our society.
What is your favorite program at the Museum?
I enjoy when we are able to host others in the community to share their stories; that is when the Museum is at its best and fulfilling its mission. For example, when we had women scientists come in to share their experiences with students, it really allows for an authentic connection to people in our community that are doing amazing work. By having scientists talk about their struggles, fears and successes, it shows students that there are many paths that are available to them and that scientists are not all the same.
How does the GRPM encourage visitors to pursue science?
We have many points of entry for learners of all ages. We have programs, events and exhibits as an institution that tie together the ideas of science, history and culture. I believe by focusing on big themes and multiple perspectives, we can interest a diverse audience.
Are you working on any fun, local projects right now that support science education?
I am really excited to continue working on the Grand River. The Museum and many partners are working on documenting the fish and bug communities as well as specifically seeking to document Lake Sturgeon in the river system. We do this by going out in a boat at night, while using spotlights to visually look for them (fish) in habitats that we know they use. If we locate one, we will try to net it and tag it. We have not yet located one in the Grand River.
If we catch one, we will share the process on social media!
Tell us how the community can get involved in science local projects.
We are working on an amazing citizen science project related to the Grand Rapids White Water River Revitalization project. The public can help us collect data that will be used to document river use now and in the future. We started this project last year and with about 25 volunteers were able to document people using the river on a daily basis. We will again be coordinating the effort and plan to have training for new volunteers in May. Volunteers are asked to walk approximately 1 mile along the river in downtown Grand Rapids and count the number of people fishing in different sections. This will provide a baseline so when the river habitat is altered due to the rehabilitation we will be able to see if it alters where and when people use the river.
Source: “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” (UNESCO.org, 2020).