Baylor researchers take R1 research into local schools to inspire the next generation

The research being done at Baylor impacts lives on multiple levels. There are the people who benefit directly from the research itself — the people served by improved water quality, or mental health care, or autism care, etc. Then there are the Baylor students, who benefit from their professors bringing what they learn in the lab or in the field into the classroom.

You can also add Waco-area high school, middle school and elementary students to that list. Over the course of the last year, Baylor faculty have taken their research directly to schoolkids in seven local school districts in the form of hands-on projects tailored to their grade level. The programming is designed to encourage student interest in science, technology and math, and to encourage them to think about college for themselves.

During National Engineers Week in February, three Baylor engineering professors visited local schools. Dr. Annette von Jouanne led students at Bruceville-Eddy High School through lessons on energy and electric vehicles; Dr. David Jack introduced Carver Middle School students to advanced materials found in bicycles, cars, planes and more; and numerous faculty, including Dr. Trevor Fleck, led projects at a school-wide STEAM Night at South Bosque Elementary School.

For World Water Day in March, faculty from Baylor’s Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research visited three more local schools in March. Dr. Ryan McManamay (environmental science) visited LaVega High School; Dr. Steven Powers (environmental science) visited Connally Middle School; and Dr. Katelyn McKindles (biology) visited Park Hill Elementary. Each led students through water quality measurement activities using real lab equipment and techniques.

And around National STEM Day in November, professors visited three local district with STEM projects. Dr. Sam Urlacher (anthropology) led students at Mart Elementary School in projects measuring energy and calorie expenditures; Dr. Bryan Shaw (biochemistry) led McGregor Middle School students in lab activities both sighted and blindfolded to see how blind and visually impaired students can learn science; and Dr. Mary Lauren Benton (BS ’15) (computer science) led Midway High School students in teamwork and logic building activities.

You’ll notice that, in each instance, faculty visited an elementary, middle and high school to meet with students of every age group. In future years, faculty and university partners will ensure that every local school district receives its first visit, with new schools coming on board each year. In each case, Baylor faculty translate R1-quality research in ways that make sense to students — shortening the distance between the Baylor campus and the schools that surround the university through personalized interaction.

Sic ’em, Baylor researchers!