Outreach
Speaking to diverse crowds about science, lemurs, genetics, sparrows, and humans is one of my favorite things to do! I regularly remote into classrooms to speak to students via various programs like #SkypeAScientist. See me setting up for a #SkypeAScientist session on the photo!
Below is a letter adapted from an original letter written by Kathryn R. Wedemeyer-Strombel, which I hope will convey how passionate I am about #scicomm and below that are some examples of my past outreach efforts.
Dear USA Taxpayers:
As a taxpayer funded scientist, having earned funding from the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health, I take my responsibility to serve the public and do my science for all seriously. This responsibility is one of the main reasons why I take time and make it a priority to do outreach, like the talks listed below, both in person and via Skype. I want to be transparent about what I do, to give back, and to inspire a new generation of scientists. Additionally, I LOVE doing these kinds of activities. It is a much fun for me as for the students.
I am forever grateful for the funding I receive from both the government of the USA and especially from you, the taxpayers. It has truly changed my life and made my research possible. I earned my PhD to help inspire young girls as well as young people from rural areas, to be a role model, and show that liking school and being smart are wonderful qualities. I earned my PhD to bring science to non-scientists, to help share what it is we actually do as scientists. To show that we, like you, are people with jobs that we often love, and sometimes dislike. Doing outreach, sharing my love for science and my journey, from humble beginnings in Kentucky to the forests of Madagascar to the streets of Atlanta, and speaking about the awesome stuff I get to do for research is something that I truly love doing. Sharing my work reminds me why I do my work – to inspire, to reach people, to make the world better for all of us.
If I can be a resource for you, a teacher you know, or a child interested in science, please let me know. I am best able to talk about being a scientist, how to become a scientist, biology, genetics, ecology, conservation, and primates. If you want to talk other topics (e.g., marine mammals, birds, chemistry, human psychology, etc.), I have lots of scientist friends and colleagues with whom I can connect you! Please reach out to me at kathleen.e.grogan@gmail.com
Thank you, truly, for your support. My science is for you.
Sincerely,
Katie
Representative Outreach Activities
Scientist Speaker (2010-Present) for more than 30 engagements across the southeast USA, including #SkypeAScientist classrooms, Atlanta Science Festival Science Classrooms, Durham 8th Grade School Days Program, Duke Center for Science Education Science Summer Camp, Duke Lemur Center Technician & Intern Talk Series, St. Mary’s School Summer Science Camp for Biology Explorers, Duke University Annual Science Under the Stars Event, and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Triangle BEST Fest, National Association of Science Writers 2012 Conference Duke Lemur Center Research Tour, ScienceOnline2013 Conference Duke Lemur Center Research Tour
Contributing Blogger (2020-2023) for The Molecular Ecologist
Speaker & Panel Participant (2014-2016) for In’s & Outs of Graduate School Seminar & Panel Discussion at Minority Serving Institutes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman University
Guest Scientist Blogger (2012-Present) for Dispatches from the Field, The Female Scientist, Lemur Conservation Network, and Duke Lemur Center Education Center Blog (Post 1 & 2)