Rhee Lab Outreach
In addition to performing scientific research, members of the Rhee Lab are engaged in a number of community outreach projects that we create, plan, and execute. While some of these projects focus on a specific demographic, such as our Virtual Classroom Visits program, others such as Science on the Screen extend to a broader audience and welcome participation from the general public. Information about current outreach activities and events can be found below.
Science on the Screen
Through shared screenings of thought-provoking movies and follow-up Q&A sessions, we created a casual forum for the general public to interact with us to break stereotypes about scientists, clear up misinformation, and gather to learn more about science.
MSU SciFest Booths
We have participated in MSU Science Festival‘s STEAM Expo Days for the past two years, where we provide attendees with hands-on experiences and immersive activities that allow them to dive into the world of plants. Participants are able to connect with experts, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of plant science.
PCA Science Exhibit
We are hosting portable art and science exhibits at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Primarily Undergraduate Institutions to raise awareness of the impact that plant research can have on society, the environment, and the economy.
WALII Seed Longevity Experiments
The Beal experiment is the oldest ongoing science experiment in the world. In 1879, Dr. William Beal buried 20 open jars, each containing 50 seeds from 21 weed species on the MSU campus. WALII’s Margaret Fleming is the scientist at MSU continuing Beal’s experiment.
Science Essays
Throughout the years, Rhee lab members have written popular science essays to share knowledge and engage the public with the world of plant biology. These include the Tree Spotlight Series, a partnership with canopy.org, as well as biopics on important plant scientists.
WALII Tardigrade Hunting
The International Society of Tardigrade Hunters (ISTH) was founded 2015 with the mission to inspire students to learn about tardigrades and participate in community science. We expand the scope of this program by providing access to microscopes for at-home analysis.