The Goodrich-Blair lab recently participated in the Wolbachia Project!
Learn more here about "Discovering the microbes within" through this citizen science initiative founded by the Bordenstein lab!
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Science (microscopes!) in the community
One of my favorite ways to engage people with my work is to bring microscopes to local events or classrooms. Simply by peering into a microscope, kids (and their parents!) are transported to the unseen world that exists all around them. This experience often reveals the "micro"-scale of tiny organisms and the cells that make up all organisms.
We often bring our favorite model organisms to share including: worms, flies, zebrafish, stentor (a cilliate), and tardigrades (right panel)! Kidzu event flyer - Mix it up in the Makery |
Jenny at NC DNA Day Science Festival 2013
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Model organisms on display. Top: worms (C. elegans) Bottom: tardigrades (H. dujardini)
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Building DIY-microscopes with students and teachers
I've also helped local students and teachers build low-tech, Smartphone compatible, DIY microscopes using Kenji Yoshino's Instructable, "$10 Smartphone to digital microscope conversion!". This allows students access to a user-friendly microscope to exercise their curiosity in the classroom or beyond. Building and using a microscope successfully with their own hands not only helps kids understand how they work, but it helps them picture themselves in STEM careers.
DIY microscope images: Lily pollen, wasp wing, ballpoint pen tip
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Encouraging young women to explore STEM
As a female cell biologist, I am especially committed to encouraging the participation of young women in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) activities. I volunteer with a local girl scout troop and participate yearly in FEMMES (Females Excelling in More Math, Engineering, and Science) on the UNC campus. These hands-on experiences help challenge the stereotypes girls have about STEM fields and the people who work in them. .
Using "Kitchen Chemistry" to explore surfactants
with local Girl Scouts
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Girl Scouts visit the Goldstein lab
Spring 2016
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