Education and Outreach

The focus of CPLC’s education and outreach programs is to prepare the next generation of leaders in biological physics to communicate their work to diverse audiences, defend the importance of basic science research, and make positive change to broaden participation in the field. The CPLC views mentoring and service as key components of what it means to do good science. This ethic is so pervasive in our research culture that teaching, mentoring, and outreach is expected of every member of every Center lab. Whether they are developing and teaching cutting-edge research techniques in our CPLC Summer School or working with K-12 students and teachers to inspire wonder and communicate the value of their work, CPLC researchers at all levels are honing their ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible way. Our programs draw on mentoring best practices to develop mutually beneficial relationships to catalyze career advancement in both our own scientists and our outreach program participants. Through participation in CPLC outreach programs, our researchers are able to discover their own leadership style as they progress toward becoming expert communicators, exemplary role models, and public defenders of science.