The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) recently hosted an engaging webinar titled Science for the Next Generation: Reaching Young Audiences. Sponsored by the AAI Education Committee, the event explored strategies for inspiring young learners and fostering interest in immunology and STEM fields. The session featured expert insights from Dr. Heather Bruns of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Dr. Jyl Matson of the University of Toledo, who shared their experiences and research on effective outreach methods.
Next Generation of Scientists
Dr. Heather Bruns opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of introducing students to immunology early in their academic journeys. She cited data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that STEM occupations will grow at a significantly faster rate than non-STEM jobs, with science and engineering roles expected to see a 12% increase. Given this demand, fostering student interest in science—particularly immunology—has never been more critical to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Bruns and her team at UAB conducted a multi-year study to explore when and how students are introduced to immunology. Their research revealed that 68% of surveyed students first encountered immunology through an educational experience, most often in middle and high school. Importantly, 70% of those students described the experience as positive, though exposure alone did not always translate into a decision to pursue immunology academically.
To further investigate, Bruns and her colleagues surveyed Alabama secondary science educators about how immunology is incorporated into their curricula. Their findings showed that while 65% of respondents included immunology-related lessons, there was significant variation in how and where the subject was integrated. Many teachers expressed a need for additional resources and professional development to confidently teach immunology concepts.
Bridging the Gap: Immunology in the Classroom
Recognizing this gap, Bruns and her team are developing an immunology-focused professional development program aimed at equipping teachers with the tools to incorporate immunology more effectively into their classrooms. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between immunologists and educators to co-create engaging lesson plans and hands-on activities. The goal is to make immunology more accessible to students while aligning with state science standards.
By increasing exposure to immunology concepts at an earlier stage, Bruns hopes to cultivate greater interest in the field, potentially inspiring more students to pursue careers in science and medicine. Additionally, she emphasized the broader impact of immunology education, noting that informed students can help spread knowledge within their communities, ultimately contributing to improved literacy of immunology topics.
Expanding Outreach Through High School Research Programs
Dr. Jyl Matson shared her experience working directly with high school students through an NSF-funded research program focused on microbiology. Her outreach engages students in real scientific inquiry, giving them hands-on experience in a research setting.
Matson’s program, developed in collaboration with high school educators, allows students to participate in authentic laboratory experiments, including bacterial genetics research. The initiative aims to show students that science is an evolving, problem-solving process rather than a collection of facts to memorize. By engaging students in real-world scientific challenges, the program seeks to demystify research and encourage more young people to consider STEM careers.
Matson highlighted the critical role of NSF funding in making these outreach programs possible. Her grant provided resources for essential equipment, including a PCR machine and consumable lab supplies, allowing students to participate in hands-on molecular biology research. However, she noted that setting up high school outreach initiatives requires careful planning, including considerations for safety, administrative approvals, and aligning projects with available school resources.
The Path Forward
The webinar underscored the need for continued efforts to integrate immunology and other STEM disciplines into K-12 education. Both Bruns and Matson emphasized the value of hands-on learning, mentorship, and institutional support in fostering the next generation of scientists. Their work highlights promising strategies for engaging young learners and ensuring that immunology remains a dynamic and accessible field of study.
Watch the webinar on-demand at virtual.aai.org!
