BMBB Engagement and Outreach Committee

Mission

The mission of the BMBB Engagement and Outreach committee is to foster and work to actively strengthen an environment that emphasizes mutual respect, safety, and support for everyone. 

By promoting efforts to build a vibrant community where all voices are heard, we aim to lead and collaborate on initiatives that will continuously enhance and improve our capabilities to educate and to advance science. 

Middle school students in the Seelig Lab conducting a module

GRASP visit with middle school students in the Seelig Lab (Nov 2022)

Goals

  • Community. Learn and practice community-building skills to help recruit and retain trainees from all backgrounds.
  • Education. Engage, educate, and empower BMBB community members through seminars and workshops.
  • Outreach. Work with local-area schools to provide opportunities for students to become involved in science in the BMBB department and at the University of Minnesota.
  • Policy. Work with the University community to propose, develop, and implement changes within and beyond the BMBB department.
  • Recruitment. Participate in recruitment efforts at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, faculty) to engage people from all walks of life. 

Current Efforts

Hosting Local Middle Schoolers - GRASP
The goal of GRASP (Grass-Roots Advancement in STEM Professions) is to build relationships to increase recruitment and retention of individuals in STEM majors, with a focus on middle school-aged students. 

Undergraduate Research Support
With BMBB departmental support, our committee contributes funds to support undergraduate students in their research efforts. 

Enhancing Our Culture Seminars
With these seminars, we aim to augment our existing departmental seminar speakers. 

Past Efforts

Mentorship and Science Workshops
The goal of this CBS service-learning mentoring model is to encourage STEM career paths for high school students. Undergraduate students are involved in direct mentoring of high school students.