2018 Shenandoah Scholars: Science Symposium
On Friday, our 16 Scholars traveled to the National Park Service's National Capitol Region office to present their science investigations. The presentations covered a range of topics from plant and animal life in the park, to questions about the chemistry of the streams, and even the effects of rain on group morale!
The presentations were structured as a science symposium, in which three Scholars with similar research projects each presented their posters, and then returned to the front of the room as a group to be asked questions about their research. The Scholars did a wonderful job explaining their research and methodology, the importance of their findings and ways they would continue their research if they had a longer time in Shenandoah National Park.
Among the attendees were Kayla Branch, Grant Administrator of Alcoa Foundation; Autumn Saxton-Ross, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of NatureBridge; Maricy Schmitz from the Embassy of Brazil; and Ásdís Hreinsdóttir, the Ambassador's Assistant for Iceland! Maricy asked great questions of the Scholars and spoke of the need for more scientists and scientific research, and had a chance to meet Henrique, our Scholar from Brazil.
One of our Icelandic Scholars said it was a great surprise when one of the audience members (Ásdís) said "Hello" to her in Icelandic. We are so thankful for all of the people who attended the presentations and made the science symposium such a success, and the Scholars for all the hard work and intention they put into their projects.
After presentations, the Scholars traveled to Rock Creek Park for lunch, and then hiked the trails and cleaned up trash in the park as part of their stewardship project. They then spent the afternoon at the National Zoo, and ended the evening walking through the National Mall by the FDR and Lincoln Memorials at sunset.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.