EDG 4930 (section 73DB) Informal STEM
Practice I
Student’s Name: Brett
Walker UF ID #: 9592-1848
Major: Geological Science Year,
College: 5, Liberal Arts and Sciences
Institution where you will conduct
your internship:
The Paleontological Research Institution and it’s two
educational venues, The Museum of the Earth, and the Cayuga Nature Center.
Contact Supervisor/Mentor:
Name:
Dr. Carlyn Buckler
Title:
Senior Research Associate-
Paleontological Research Institution
Adj.
Professor of Museum Studies- Cooperstown Graduate Program, State University of
New York
Email
address:
Cbs36@cornell.edu
Brief description of your plans for the internship experience:
I
will be assisting Dr. Buckler on developing education outreach programs for
“The University of Syracuse Lava Project,” which originated from the Earth
Science Department at Syracuse University. This project will involve the
development and implementation of education and outreach programs and primarily
for grades 3-12, and the general public. My ultimate goal for this experience
is to weave together my skills in the Earth sciences and augment my knowledge
about STEM education to include more diverse audiences and a breadth and depth
of program experiences for the public. I
will also gain experience in proposal writing, grant implementation, and
collaborative projects in the Informal Science Education industry. Another goal
I have is to practice top-notch professionalism in my workplace, adding
experience in evaluation, implementation, communicating science to the public,
teamwork, organizational skills and cooperation with professionals in my field,
including bridging the gap between scientific information and the public
understanding of science.
In a few sentences, describe how you will communicate with your supervisor/mentor during
your internship experience:
Dr. Buckler and I will be
having weekly meetings at her estate as well as sending periodic emails, texts,
and phone calls to each other that address any questions or updates concerning
our project. We will also have episodic meetings with other people associated
with developing the project, including Dr. Peter Plumely from the Museum of
Science Technology, Syracuse, Dr. Mary Mills at the Corning Museum of Glass,
Dr. Robert Ross at the Paleontological Research Institution and Museum of the
Earth, Cornell University, Dr. Joe Heimlich, Ohio State University COSI, and
others.
