Outreach

ChEM-H Undergrad Scholars Program

The lab mentors many undergraduates performing independent, multidisciplinary research. The ChEM-H Undergrad Scholars Program, in collaboration the Stanford Chemistry, Engineering & Medicine for Human Health Institute, emphasizes interdisciplinary projects that allow motivated undergraduates to meaningfully explore areas of science complementary to their primary majors.

Stanford SSRP-Amgen Scholars Program

In addition to the ChEM-H Undergrad Scholars Program, the lab also mentors students from partner institutions through the The Stanford Summer Research Program/Amgen Scholars Program. This intensive summer residential program focuses on providing outstanding research experiences to students whose home institutions do not focus on research in their areas of scientific interest.

NGSS Early Implementers Initiative

As part of the ongoing effort to introduce the new Next Generation Science Standards in California’s public schools, Chris is a scientific advisor to the The NGSS Early Implementers Initiative, which focuses on providing high-quality, college-level continuing science education to elementary and high school science educators. We collaborate particularly closely with the Oakland Unified School District, and have facilitated teacher visits both to Stanford and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in addition to the program’s keystone summer institutes throughout northern California.

Girls teaching Girls to Code

We participate in Stanford’s The Girls Teaching Girls to Code program. This program is centered around college women who teach and inspire Bay Area high school girls to explore Computer Science and Engineering. Students participate in a yearly code camp to learn coding basics, build exciting projects, and develop relationships with mentors in the field.

Nightlife


We’re involved in The CalAcademy Nightlife events, where the museum is open after hours to 21+ visitors with drinks, food, and additional themed programming. Our lab demonstrates yeast biology, showing visitors live yeast and the powers of fermentation.

Podcasts


We’re involved in the production of two biology podcasts:
The Benchtime Stories, where Stanford grad students tell stories from the world of biology, highlighting the scientific method and the major discoveries that made the field what it is today and The Less Abstract, which features the authors of recent peer reviewed papers to discuss the paper’s abstract in plain English and make it a little less abstract.

Elementary Schools


The lab is also involved in bringing science (and fun) to kids in elementary schools. We regularly travel to the Central Valley and visit 4th grade classes where we lead class discussions on scientific topics ranging from yeast biology to the search for alien life on Mars. By getting kids enthusiastic by science, we hope to inspire the next generation of lifelong learners, just like ourselves.