Become a mentor who launches a thousand science careers and creates equity in the scientific community. Learn new skills, develop your professional network, and gain hands-on experience from scientists with years of experience at BioBus, an internationally recognized leader in creating equity in science.
What is BioBus? BioBus helps K-12 and college students discover, explore, and pursue science. We focus on students excluded from the scientific community due to factors such as race, gender, economic status, and physical access. Through this work, we envision a world where all people have the opportunity to reach their full scientific potential. Since 2008, 400,000 students at more than 1000 schools have discovered the thrill of scientific discovery, with many embarking on a path of scientific exploration and sustained pursuit. Join our vibrant community of scientists by applying for this fellowship. You will become a cornerstone of aspiring young scientists’ professional networks.
What is this Fellowship?
In BioBus’s Community Scientist Fellowship Program, you will join a community that is changing the face of science. You will learn to help as few as five or as many as five thousand young scientist pursue a science career. With professional development from seasoned BioBus scientists from public schools in Harlem, the Lower East Side, and across New York City, you will measurably improve your science communication and mentorship powers. Combining theory with the hard work needed to create equity in science careers, fellows complete 50 hours of training during this one year program. However, the fellowship is designed to accommodate your demanding research schedule. Research scientists will connect throughout the program, strengthening professional networks. In addition to connecting to like-minded professional scientists, you will broaden your network to include young scientists with great potential but few science opportunities. Read on for more details.
Classroom-based training
Every Fellow will participate in an initial series of trainings (10 hours total).
Topics include:
- Science education literature review, understanding barriers to equity in science
- Understanding and exploring BioBus’s inquiry-based, lab-centric theory of change and program logic for introductory, in-depth, and career programs
- Overview and practice with various BioBus platforms, including mobile labs, in-depth afterschool programs, and internships
- Developing your personalized goal for your fellowship. Prepare to track progress towards those goals via observations and self-observations using Harvard PEAR’s Dimensions of Success rubric
- Cultural competency training to match your approach to the unique needs of Black and Latinx young scientists
Practical Training
Every Fellow will log 40 hours in one or more of the following activities:
- Teach aboard the BioBus mobile science laboratories at schools across NYC and New England
- Lead Explore in-depth science programs in BioBus focus neighborhoods like the Lower East Side
- Mentor high school and college BioBus Junior Scientists, including helping interns perform their own research projects
- Take part in ongoing, customized professional development, guided by your goals and self and external observations
- Represent BioBus at events to recruit volunteers
- Match young BioBus scientists to your lab or company’s internship or entry-level job program
You will explore these topics with various members of BioBus’s twenty full-time staff, including:
Ashley Pirovano, Director of Community Science
Marina Delgado, Lead Community Scientist
Program Cost: $3,820 plus a $1,180 materials fee
Wondering how you can pay for the program? Academics, consider asking your PI if there is supplemental or broader impact money in your grants. Industry scientists, many companies offer money for continuing education and professional development, or will donate to a non-profit for days you volunteer.
Still have questions?
BioBus’s mission is to build inclusive and accessible scientific communities where every New York City student can fulfill their academic, financial, and personal potential in science. Founded in 2008, we create pathways for minority, female, and low-income students to discover, explore, and pursue science. Our two research-grade mobile laboratories, brick-and-mortar BioBase Harlem @ Columbia University, field sites, and virtual labs bring excitement, expertise, and state-of-the-art microscopes directly to underserved students. BioBus Community Scientists lead the hands-on research projects that transform students into scientists, and prepare low-income New Yorkers for a life in science. Join us by becoming a BioBus Community Science Fellow.
As a volunteer, I help students explore marine biology with microscopes on the bus. I also bring mutant nematode worms, the same organism I study for my PhD research, to the BioBase to show students the fundamentals of genetics. I value my experience as a volunteer because it allows me to take the subject I love and share it hands on with the a new generation of excited scientists.
Max Kramer