Alliance Discussion with Research!America Civic Engagement Awardees

On Thursday, May 29th, at noon E.T. we had an Alliance Discussion with Research!America Civic Engagement Awardees. Three awardees from Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program and Public Engagement Content Awards shared their experiences developing and implementing innovative projects that build relationships and promote dialogue between scientists and non-scientists in the public.

In the seven years since its inception, Research!America’s Civic Science Initiative has supported nearly 150 projects. The initiative empowers STEM graduate students, professional students, and postdoctoral researchers to address problems at the intersection of science and society and foster connections with public officials, community leaders, and the public to catalyze meaningful change in their local communities.

We heard from:

Ashley Lauterbach, Belmont University
“Pharmacy Advocacy Initiative: Preparing Voices of Change” – a project that highlights the role of pharmacists beyond the counter as change agents for healthcare advocacy.

Justine Silva, University of California, Irvine
“Compassionate Conversations: Training for Ethical and Inclusive Brain Donation” – a digital training initiative that equips medical professionals to engage thoughtfully with brain donor families.

Dr. Myeshia Shelby, Howard University
“Interfaith Dialogues: Building Science Perspectives” – facilitated conversations between scientists and faith-based communities on the importance of scientific research.

Dr. Fanuel Muindi, Professor of the Practice, Civic Science Journalism, Northeastern University; Founder & Director, Civic Science Media Lab, will join as a discussant.

Watch the recording.