ASM Grants Support Science Activities in Local Communities
After a hiatus imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, live science events made a comeback in 2022. As part of this effort, ASM launched a new grant program that provided funds up to $500 to help ASM members run microbiology-themed activities as part of extant science fairs and festivals. The activities of the 2022 grant recipients are highlighted below.
Jennifer Bennett, Ph.D. (Otterbein University)
She and her students led participants through microbiology-specific experiences using microscopes set up with demo slides of “exciting” microbes, such as Daphnia, Euglena and filamentous algae. More than 10,000 people participated in the festival, demonstrating the huge reach of these public activities. “We are excited to bring microbes to the community,” said Bennett.
Chequita Brooks, Ph.D. (Appalachian State University)
The impact on students was immediate. “The visit from Dr. Brooks inspired me to continue searching for a future career I would want to pursue later in life,” said one student. Another student added, “Dr. Brooks explained and demonstrated science as a fun and adventurous subject, which to me is appealing.” The event also had an impact on Brooks herself. “I definitely plan to continue doing classroom visits,” she said.
Karen Bushaw-Newton, Ph.D. (Northern Virginia Community College)
Karen Bushaw-Newton, Ph.D., organized several microbiology-themed stations, including one with microscopes for participants to observe the microbial worlds of pond water samples and rotting food; a fermentation station with infographics on the process of fermentation and its role in yogurt, cheese and chocolate; and a station focused on antigen-antibody interactions. “The feedback from parents in our post-event survey was very positive,” said Bushaw-Newton. “We will do the ‘Night of Science’ event again.”
Rania Smeltz (Virginia Tech University)
To demonstrate the importance of handwashing, the team displayed Petri dishes that had been streaked with samples collected from the following locations:
- Different places on the Virginia Tech campus.
- Daily commonly used items (such as iPhones).
- Washed and unwashed hands.
A constant stream of participants kept the team busy the entire day. “We did not expect there to be so many attendees!” exclaimed Smeltz. In the future, Smeltz and her team plan on adding volunteers and having more activities to meet the surging demand.
Mark Chee, Ph.D. (University of Tennessee Southern)
The idea, said Chee, was to create a venue “where I can get experts in to comment about the films and address some of the questions that come up” from audience members. “I was confident that these movies would be able to generate some kind of debate,” he added.
Rebekah Taylor, Ph.D. (Frostburg State University)
“The STEM camp was a great time, and our session was a success,” Taylor shared. “We will certainly do this camp again!”