Community Outreach

The Department of Biology places an emphasis on being active in service and outreach to the community.  Some of the projects that the Department of Biology contributes to are linked below. PIRATES Camp (Partnering with Industrial and Regional Assets for Teaching and Enrichment in Science)  PIRATES camp brings high school students scientific methods not typically offered in the traditional high school, science classroom. Professors Mary Farwell and Anne Bunnell lead student investigations through concepts from varied scientific disciplines.

ECU biology professor Mary Farwell (far left) works with students on a Biotech module during the PIRATES Summer Science Camp for rural eastern North Carolina high school students.

• TechMath  TechMath is a three-year program linking businesses, teachers, students and higher education to enhance rural, underserved student career potential in northeastern North Carolina.  Dr. Claudia Jolls serves with other TechMath participants to address the  educational gap between real-world business and secondary education by arranging partnerships between local businesses and high school mathematics and science teachers.

• NC Quest (Quality Educators through Staff Development and Training across North Carolina) Drs. Carol Goodwillie and Matt Schrenk of ECU Biology have partnered with Dr. Karen Dawkins of The Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education to provide training for teachers in ecology.
  

• A Time for Science A Time for Science is a nature and science learning center dedicated to advancing science literacy and competency by encouraging and supporting student participation in science, engineering, and math competitions. Drs. Dave Chalcraft and Heather Vance-Chalcraft volunteer their time to facilitate and support student participation in a variety of nature and science projects.
  

• North Carolina Center for Biodiversity The focus of NCCB is to support and promote all aspects of biodiversity research and education in North Carolina. The NCCB also serves the community of eastern North Carolina by providing educational programs designed to engage citizens in issues related to the conservation of biodiversity and its relevance to human health and quality of life.  Dr. Jason Bond serves as the NCCB director.