Being able to share fact-based science through modern media is of utmost importance in an era where information is delivered in soundbites and people use social media for news. Therefore, Science Influencers will equip students with the skills to share scientifically grounded information across multiple media platforms, including social media networks, blogs, and vlogs. To help provide the needed scientific knowledge and communication skills, the program features mentors in various disciplines from institutions across the Texas A&M University System. The program includes research, education, and extension activities with primary and collaborating mentors; ongoing mentor meetings; science communications coursework; professional development workshops in social media use and research; leadership skill development; and immersive learning experiences, such as paid internships, and partial expenses for research or study abroad, or research conferences.
Students with knowledge and communications experience in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are needed in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. Students will gain relevant scientific knowledge and professional communications experience through the Science Influencers program. The yearlong experience includes:
- Science communications course.
- Interaction with basic, applied, and social/behavioral science mentors.
- Ongoing activities to develop technical and leadership skills (i.e., critical thinking and problem solving).
- Paid summer internships (including scientific and technical communications training and social media experiences).
- Spring retreat and fall communications symposium.
- One elective outreach experience (e.g., research or study abroad).
Undergraduates from across the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) are encouraged to apply to become a Science Influencer. Applications close on Friday, October 15.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Visit our website: scienceinfluencers.org
This work is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program area, grant no. 2021-68018-34633/project accession no. 1026051, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.