Mountain North Carolina LSEN Community

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  • 1.  πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 11-16-2023 01:00 PM

    I'm excited to launch our Western North Carolina (WNC) LSEN community and connect with local scientists and engineers who are eager to create an impact. 

    My name is Yuhan "Douglas" Rao, and I'm the LSEN Liaison for WNC. LSEN's mission is to empower scientists and engineers to engage with their communities, elevating the visibility of and trust in science while building and satisfying the demand for scientific evidence that addresses needs, solves problems, and informs state and local decision-making.  

    As we get started in forming our local network and fulfilling the mission of LSEN, please take a moment to introduce yourself here and share some of the science-related topics and issues that are specific to WNC that you're interested in learning more about. For example,

    • What pressing issues would you like to address within our network?
    • What skills and learning opportunities are you looking for that would help you hone your professional, personal, and civic engagement skills?
    • Your input is vital to shaping our community's focus. 

    Here's a little about me to start the introductions.

    I am a research scientist with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, a research institute with NC State University that is located in the breathtaking mountains of western North Carolina. Before moving to Asheville, I was at the University of Maryland, College Park where I got my doctoral degree in Geographical Sciences.

    My interest in public engagement started during my time at UMD when I had a panic attack to answer this question in my mind – "Would other people ever care about my research?" The lack of confidence to answer that question led me to explore opportunities within the university. That's when I started to engage in science communication and public engagement via workshops, outreach events, and training (including some improv classes). These activities really helped me to define my own professional goal – to be a researcher who can be a bridge between science and society beyond peer-reviewed publications. I don't think my story is unique but I still want to share the moment when I started to rethink what means to be a scientist.

    Fast forward to myself now, I actively engage in public engagement in WNC through public outreach, adult education, and engaging with local and regional organizations with the intention to be a bridge between science and local communities. The topic that is dearest to my heart is environmental conservation including issues related to climate change. That's why you will often find me talking about climate change and its impacts with different groups – local gardening clubs, local Audubon chapters, K-12 students, and adult education courses, to name a few. 

    I am particularly excited about the LSEN concept by AAAS because I truly believe it provides a unique opportunity to ground engagement between science and society with issues that are directly related to local communities. For global-scale issues like climate change and sustainability, the local connection is critical to make science engagement matter.

    I look forward to reading your introduction and learning about your background and the topics that are important to you. Let's join forces and champion the cause of science in western North Carolina.  



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    Douglas Rao, PhD
    North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies
    NC State University
    Asheville, NC
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  • 2.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 01-26-2024 03:05 PM

    My name is Nancy Anderson and I am Professor Emerita of Biology retired from Purdue University, now living full time in Sapphire, NC. As a AAAS Fellow, I lead the Education Section of AAAS (pre-COVID) and now as a Transylvania County Master Gardener I volunteer to get basic research information to my friends and neighbors, sometimes by writing articles for our newspaper. I am on a steering committee that recently launched a new Oconee Bell Chapter of the North Carolina Native Plant Society. I'd like the public to recognize that fascinating research discoveries are leading to better understanding of plants, animals and other creatures that even scientists sometimes have an "illusion of understanding" things that need at be questioned and studied more deeply, and that it's fun and informative to wonder about things in the natural world.



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    - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Nancy Pelaez, Ph.D.
    Professor Emerita of Biology
    Purdue University
    npelaez@purdue.edu

    Retiring Chair, Section Q (Education), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
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  • 3.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 01-28-2024 10:41 AM
    This is very nice! I wonder if there is anything similar going on at the Raleigh area.






  • 4.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 02-05-2024 08:52 PM

    My name is Cheryl Xu. I am a Full Professor at NC State University: https://www.mae.ncsu.edu/people/cxu-research/. Look forward to connecting everyone here!

    Nancy - I graduated from Purdue in 2006. Boiler Up!

    ---

    Cheryl Xu,  Ph.D.

    Professor

    Editor-in-Chief: Nature portfolio npj Advanced Manufacturing

    Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

    Fellow, International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM)

    Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

    NC State University

    Website: https://www.mae.ncsu.edu/cxu/  



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    Cheryl Xu
    Professor
    NC State University
    Cary NC
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  • 5.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 04-12-2024 04:49 AM
    Dear Nancy,
    Your commitment to promoting education and awareness in the fields of biology and environmental science is truly commendable, and I am inspired by your dedication to making a meaningful impact in your community. As someone deeply passionate about environmental conservation and science education, I believe that joining forces with individuals like yourself can lead to even greater contributions towards our shared goals.
     
    Your extensive experience as a Professor Emerita of Biology at Purdue University and your current involvement as a Transylvania County Master Gardener reflect a lifetime of dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Your leadership roles within organizations such as the AAAS and the North Carolina Native Plant Society highlight your commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
     
    I wholeheartedly agree with your belief in the importance of ongoing inquiry and exploration in our understanding of the natural world. Your message resonates deeply, emphasizing the value of curiosity, wonder, and critical thinking in scientific endeavors.
     
    I would be honored to connect with you and explore potential opportunities for collaboration. Together, I believe we can make an even larger contribution towards promoting science education and environmental conservation within our communities.
    Best regards,
    Marco A. Cabero Z.


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    Marco Cabero
    Chairman
    Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology
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  • 6.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 04-11-2024 11:27 AM

    I am a retired geologist and technical editor. I live in Hendersonville, NC. I worked for two state geological surveys, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and the Idaho Geological Survey. I had my own geologic and technical editing business for a number of years, and worked on a number of different projects in the Pacific Northwest. I tell people that I have seen and worked in most of the backcountry in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. I also worked as a park naturalist at an Arkansas state park, Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is an active diamond mine. I am used to public speaking about geologic topics, as I commonly did that in all of my jobs. I also have been a freelance technical editor for all engineering and scientific fields. I just joined the AAAS, and am wondering where I might be useful to the scientists in the western North Carolina or nearby areas.  Margi Jenks



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    Margaret Jenks
    Hendersonville NC
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  • 7.  RE: πŸ‘‹ Welcome to the Western North Carolina Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN)!

    Posted 04-12-2024 04:40 AM

    Welcome, Yuhan "Douglas" Rao, and congratulations on the launch of the Western North Carolina (WNC) LSEN community! Your dedication to connecting local scientists and engineers is truly commendable, and I'm excited to be part of this initiative.

    As a research scientist with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, your expertise in geographical sciences and passion for public engagement are invaluable assets to our community. Your journey from questioning the relevance of your research to becoming a proactive advocate for science communication and public engagement is inspiring. It's evident that your commitment to bridging the gap between science and society, particularly in the context of environmental conservation and climate change, is making a significant impact in WNC.

    I share your enthusiasm for the LSEN concept by AAAS and wholeheartedly agree that it presents a unique opportunity to ground engagement between science and society with local issues. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we can address pressing challenges and empower our communities with scientific knowledge. I'm eager to join forces with you and fellow members to champion the cause of science.

    Looking forward to exchanging ideas and making a positive impact together.

    Best regards,

    Marco A. Cabero



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    Marco Cabero
    Chairman
    Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology
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