Graduate Students A HutchLab Team

 

Overview

In 1996, SEP expanded our scientist-mentor group to include graduate students in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, a joint program with the Fred Hutchinson Center, the University of Washington, and the Institute for Systems Biology. Graduate students can elect to work with SEP as one of their two teaching requirements, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to work closely with outstanding teachers to strengthen their ability to share their passion for science with teachers, students, and the public.

The purpose of the MCB TA requirement is to develop teaching skills that students may use in their careers. While a traditional TA experience is a useful preparation for a faculty position in a research university, diversification of the scientific job market ensures that many PhDs will spend some or all of their subsequent careers outside academia. Academics are likely to find themselves explaining science to non-specialists such as journalists, business executives, and policymakers, as well as to the general public. For these reasons, students have a need for alternative educational experiences that teach effective communication with people who lack a technical background.

 

Program Requirements

In addition to hosting a SEP teacher in lab for one week during the summer, MCB graduate students who participate in the SEP program for TA credit must attend four training workshops (March-June) and complete approximately 32 hours of science education outreach during the following year. MCB graduate students work with SEP Lead Teachers and SEP staff during the workshops. The training workshops are designed to improve science communication and presentation skills, as well as develop audience-appropriate teaching tools and strategies. These skills are then utilized by mentor scientists in their interactions with their SEP teachers and their involvement in community outreach events. Outreach activities may include:

 

 

 


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