Science Graduate Students Doing Science Outreach: Participation Effects and Perceived Barriers to Participation

Abstract

Science outreach programs, in which university personnel offer educational services to their communities, are becoming more common. As yet there is little research documenting effects of these programs. The current research examined how participation in outreach affected science graduate students. This study used a survey and in-depth interviews with 25 doctoral students and one post-doctoral student. Students most involved in outreach education experienced a sense of accomplishment, legitimate breaks from their research, and an enhanced ability to communicate and conceptualize science concepts. Graduate students less involved in outreach activities indicated aspects of graduate study that made participation in scientific outreach work difficult. Information about these benefits and barriers is valuable as science outreach programs are being developed, supported, and evaluated.