Ambassador sign-up has closed for NC DNA Day 2023.
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.
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
Questions? Send us an email!
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