The College of Science is committed to making science accessible, engaging and relevant to people’s lives. Through outreach, we support science literacy, connect with communities and help students see themselves in STEM. From hands-on activities in classrooms to public science events and student-led programs, outreach is one way we ensure science makes an impact. Here are a few examples of 2023-2024 outreach from across our departments:
In Integrative Biology, faculty and students participated in events such as Science Nights at local schools, Discovery Days, and sea-themed summer camps, with activities ranging from avian behavior trials to DNA sequencing workshops in Nepal. The department also contributed to public presentations and fundraisers for undergraduate research.
The Mathematics department hosted significant events like the Lonseth Lecture and Math For All Conference, while also providing educational enrichment through math circles and problem-solving sessions. Faculty gave lectures internationally and led outreach programs in local schools, aiming to make math accessible to all.
Biochemistry and Biophysics highlighted women leaders in STEM, hosted symposia and webinars, and engaged the public through biophysics demonstrations. The department's outreach extended to local schools, community events, and artistic projects that made science more approachable.
In Physics, outreach efforts included attending elementary school science nights and giving tours to high school students. Educators can visit the physics website to schedule a classroom visit from an OSU physicist.
The Chemistry department’s outreach initiatives aim to broaden access to STEM education and inspire a diverse range of students to explore science. Through a variety of programs, the department offers hands-on experiences, community events, and immersive camps that connect underrepresented and local students with real-world science opportunities. Learn more about chemistry outreach.
The Microbiology department organized creative and educational events such as agar art, career panels, and science nights, while also hosting a microbiology camp for high school students to explore STEM careers.
The Department of Statistics held outreach activities focused on recruitment and research growth including a joint research forum with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. The department also held two conferences in Corvallis during the 2024 summer.
In the Dean’s Office, the Science Success Center organized Discovery Days where OSU welcomed more than 1,300 elementary students to experience science outside the classroom. Discovery Days, a biannual outreach event, brimmed with activities for kids to enjoy while they met graduate and undergraduate students eager to share their enthusiasm for the inspiring field.
The Dean’s Office also did recruitment outreach, visiting community colleges and middle and high schools to promote STEM programs and science career paths, engaging over 300 students in total.
These collective efforts typify the College’s commitment to science education, community engagement and inspiring future generations in STEM.
