Visiting Scholars BlastOff! to BECUR

Abstract

The University of Arizona UAN Chapter has organized three outreach activities. The Visiting Scholars Program sends undergraduates into high school science classrooms to present research and provide information on opportunities in science. Presenters also serve as mentors by discussing a “well‐rounded” college experience. Furthermore, teachers support the program and are interested in future interactions. Our BlastOff! Summer Camp is a five‐day program that recruits middle school students from underrepresented populations in the sciences. Campers are exposed to “wet lab” techniques, scientific theories, and hands‐on projects; field trips and guest speakers complement lab activities. In the spring, we invite undergraduates and high school students to present their research at our Biology, Engineering, Chemistry Undergraduate Research (BECUR) Conference. For the poster competition, we offer cash prizes and travel awards to the ASBMB meeting. High school students gain experience at this university‐level conference interacting with UA students and faculty. We select two undergraduates to give seminars and invite a Keynote Speaker from the field of biochemistry or molecular biology.