I believe that science should be accessible and am committed to developing and implementing effective scientific outreach. My work is done through the Anthropology Graduate Student Association, the labs I am associated with, as well as independently via programs such as Skype A Scientist. I am especially committed to enhancing online learning tools via the creation of digital resources.
In addition to partipating in community outreach programs, I have also put together my own outreach programs and products.
Products & Programs
Frontiers for Young Minds
This easy-to-read scientific paper is designed to introduce youth to the oral microbiome from an evolutionary perspective. Check out our publication, "The Milions of Microbial Reasons You Need to Brush Your Teeth".
Penn State Anthropology Festival
As outreach coordinator for the PSU Anthropology department, I organized the 2023 Anthropology Festival. This event featured 9 activities related to anthropology and archaeology and had over 300 attendees.
Stories Under the Sky
Along with Kyle Smith, I co-run an event series called Stories Under the Sky. We tell myths and folktales about the stars, Sun, Moon, and sky from cultures all around the world. We also talk about how people have used the sky for navigation, timekeeping, and understanding the cosmos. Following the stories, we give a guided tour of the sky, including pointing out constellations and letting attendees look through a telescope. Past events have taken place at the Penn State Arboretum (funded by the Tygel Endowment), the Lemont Village Green, the Davey Lab Planetarium, and AstroFest. Please contact me if interested in learning more or collaborating.
- Thursday, August 5, 2021 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Thursday, August 12, 2021 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Thursday, August 26, 2021 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Thursday, September 2, 2021 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Friday, June 3, 2022 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Friday, July 8, 2022 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at AstroFest
- Thursday, July 14, 2022 at AstroFest
- Friday, July 15, 2022 at AstroFest
- Saturday, July 30, 2022 on the Lemont Village Green
- Saturday, August 27, 2022 on the Lemont Village Green
- Friday, September 2, 2022 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Monday, September 12, 2022 at Easterly Parkway Elementary School *stories in Spanish/cuentos en español*
- Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Davey Lab Planetarium
- Friday, April 7, 2023 in Bernel Road Park
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Easterly Parkway Elementary School *stories in Spanish/cuentos en español*
- Friday, May 26, 2023 in the Penn State Arboretum
- Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at AstroFest
- Thursday, July 13, 2023 at AstroFest
- Friday, July 28, 2023 in the Penn State Arboretum
Past Stories Under the Sky
Laboratory Based Outreach
For more outreach related to my research, please check out the MicroARCH Laboratory website.