On January 29th, during Sustainability@UC week, the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) and the Office of Sustainability hosted an undergraduate and graduate Poster Session and Community Organization event. This event gave an opportunity for our UC students to showcase their research to the UC community and the public. The research topics spanned across sustainability-related topics, such as coral bleaching in Costa Rica to developing sustainability plans with community partners in Cincinnati.
In addition to the poster session, 16 community partners and student organizations lined the atrium of Clifton Court Hall, including Michelman, the Northside Farmers Market, Green Umbrella, and more. Community organizations were able to share their mission of their organization as well as promote different opportunities for student engagement, whether that be volunteering or a job. Engagement from the community bridged the gap between research and application, and for students to see the sustainability efforts going on in Cincinnati.
It was inspiring to see many people, from the public and UC community, engage in meaningful conversations, creating a space to communicate freely about the issues that impact all of us on a daily basis, such as climate change. As I reflect on this event, it’s a reminder of why I’m passionate about engaging the public and the UC community with science. My experience with PEWS as a graduate fellow has given me the opportunity to creatively bring my ideas to life, which included providing a space for students and the community alike to engage in meaningful conversations. I am grateful for PEWS for allowing me this opportunity to plan and execute such a meaningful and impactful event.
Gabrielle Kroger is an MPH student in the Global Health concentration at UC and a PEWS Sustainability Fellow. You can learn more about PEWS internship and fellowship opportunities here!
