Episode Notes

Why do many students lose interest in science by high school? We are joined by Dr. Sarah Fankhauser, an Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Natural Science and Mathematics Division at Oxford College of Emory University. Dr. Fankhauser explores the concept of "scientific identity." By engaging students in the peer-review and publication process through the Journal of Emerging Investigators, she is proving that you don't need a degree to be a scientist—you just need to participate in the scientific community.

Key Takeaways:

• Scientific Identity: A student’s persistence in STEM is highly correlated with whether they see themselves as a "scientist," which is built through recognition, competence, and performance.
• The "Fun" of Science: Science is often thought of as a series of facts to memorize. True science is the collaborative process of asking questions and receiving feedback from peers.
• Mentorship at Scale: The Journal of Emerging Investigators has provided over 20,000 hours of mentoring to middle and high school students, primarily through volunteer graduate students.

Resources:

Visit Dr. Sarah Fankhauser’s Emory Faculty Profile

Visit the Journal of Emerging Investigators

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