Mayra Sanchez of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provided insights into careers in science learning and public engagement during a recent panel presentation.
Professionals from scientific and educational organizations shared their insights and experiences on a Science Engagement Career Panel, coordinated by the Science Learning and Public Engagement major in the School of Education at The City College of New York.
Displaying a photo of herself as a toddler on the beach, Marieke Bender, an environmental educator at the Battery Park City Authority, acknowledged growing up as a “huge nature nerd” who wanted to work outside, so she studied environmental science. Marrying her love of the outdoors with her interest in New York City history, Bender eventually became a tour guide at Central Park. In her current position, she leads nature outings and field trips for diverse audiences, and creates lesson plans and design curricula for multiple programs. She also noted that she is looking to hire a seasonal team of educators.
The renowned mathematician and retired professor Chaim Goodman-Strauss, who is now the outreach mathematician for the National Museum of Mathematics, said that MoMath, as it is known, “offers exciting programs for undergraduates and recent graduates passionate about mathematics.” Among them are: the Real Operational Outreach Training (ROOT) summer program for undergraduates majoring in math or a related field; the Exponent Fellowship for graduating math majors seeking professional experience in math outreach and education; and the Centroid Fellowship for graduating math or STEM majors interested in museum administration, and the intersection of math and education.
Mayra Sanchez, an environmental educator at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, graduated from Hunter College with a dual degree in chemistry and environmental science, focusing on earth science systems. She then worked at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center before becoming a program manager and lead educator for the City Parks Foundation’s CityParks Green Girls program for girls and gender nonconforming students. She is also a member of the NASA Earth to Sky program’s Team New York City, serving as an informal educator in the city’s metropolitan area.
The event was co-sponsored by the City College Academy for Professional Preparation, the City College Initiative to Promote Academic Success in STEM, and the Division of Science and its Biology Department.
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Syd Steinhardt
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