Department of Biology
We engage with the world in many ways
Duke Biology strives at being a department that gives back to the its local and broader community. Our faculty, staff, and students are working to improve access to biology, bring research to the public, and inspire future scientists from all backgrounds.
Along with its research and teaching missions, the Biology Department at Duke University prioritizes sharing biology with the public at large. Our engagement takes a variety of forms:
K-12 school outreach
- High school students come spend the Summer conducting research in many of our laboratories
- On-campus outreach events for grade schoolers
- Presentations, workshops, or mini-courses at local schools, museums, festivals, and more
- Work with grade school teachers to develop science-related activities and lessons
- Develop educational materials to be implemented at schools
- Develop and run teacher-training workshops
- Volunteer as judges for local science fairs
Public outreach
- Public-forum live presentations, such as Science Café and Periodic Tables.
- Lead public walks and talks around Duke Forest, the Duke Herbarium, the Eno River, and the Highlands Nature Center
- Discuss their science and research in the mass media, such as podcasts, magazines, and newspapers
- Record videos intended for lay audiences
- Faculty write books (or book sections) intended for lay audiences
Consultancy
- Consult and testify before Congressional committees
- Participate in workshops associated with broad issues such as climate change, science funding, and science curriculum
- Advise national academies and federal funding agencies about scientific priorities