Scientists

Ambassador sign-up has closed for NC DNA Day 2023. 

Welcome to the NC DNA Day Ambassador page!

Being an NC DNA Day Ambassador gives you the chance to share your love of science with the next generation!  NC DNA Day 2023 will be an in person outreach activity. DNA Day Ambassadors will visit a high school classroom in North Carolina and present one of four exciting and interactive modules that were developed by UNC Chapel Hill graduate students and postdocs. These modules are reviewed by educators and high school students to ensure you will be delivering an effective and exciting scientific educational module.  You will also have an opportunity to tell high school students about your own research interests and highlight the many exciting career opportunities available in scientific research!

Ambassadors are given gas cards to cover travel expenses and all the materials needed for the hands-on acrivities are provided free of charge.

In addition to inspiring the next generation of scientists, this experience will provide you with an opportunity to interact with high school students and gain valuable teaching and science education outreach experience.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DNA DAY AMBASSADORS

• You must be available to schedule a visit with a school in North Carolina on (or around) April 25th. Scientists will be matched with an NC high school science teacher and will work with them to plan the specific time/date of your visit based on your and their availability. NOTE: While most scientists visit their classroom on DNA Day, you can plan your visit on a different day that works with your schedule and that of your match teacher.
• Most classes are 90 minutes in length and ambassadors teach a half day or full day depending on their other commitments. 
• You must arrange the details of your visit with your match teacher. By April 1, you will receive your school match and the contact information for your match teacher. It will be your responsibility to get in contact with your match teacher to plan the details of your virtual visit. When you receive your match, we’ll provide a sheet with helpful questions to ask when planning your visit.
• You are expected to familiarize yourself with your assigned module in advance so you will be ready to give an exciting and professional presentation to the high school students. All modules come with a ready-made PowerPoint presentation, materials for hands-on activities, and a presenter guide with slide-by-slide presentation tips.

You are welcome (and encouraged) to recruit a partner.  We strongly recommend that you meet with your teaching partner ahead of time and agree how you will coordinate the presentation.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON DNA DAY

• Introduction (Who you are, what you study, what DNA Day is, and general background info on your module topic)
• PowerPoint Presentation and discussion of module
• Two hands-on learning activities per module with all supplies provided
• Interactive discussion of ethical, legal, and social issues
• Informal interaction with the students about your career and research
• Have the students and teachers fill out an evaluation form after your presentation
• Complete an online volunteer evaluation form

Questions?  Send us an email!

Quotes from past NC DNA Day Ambassadors

Our genetics are going to play an important role in the future on many different levels, including health care. It is crucial for students to have an understanding of what the human genome is and the ethical implications of its use beyond just the biology of DNA. I am very excited to share some “real life” applications of biology with students and hopefully inspire a new appreciation for science in the process.
Elizabeth Sweger, UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate Student

Many students think of scientists as old men in lab coats. Hopefully, we’ll abolish their stereotypes and leave them thinking that science is really cool and inspiring. My hope is that our program will motivate a whole new generation of scientists.
Jessica Harell, UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate Student

I think DNA Day is a wonderful opportunity to not only discuss aspects and implications of the genome project, but also to demystify the image of a scientist. We can show these students that we are not crazy people walking around with wild hair with beakers containing colored bubbling liquid that is about to explode, but that we are people who truly want to make a difference to help society, and hopefully, encourage some of them to join the cause. I am honored to be a part of DNA Day.
Michael Johnson, UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate Student