Pre-College

The BNERC will actively engage with students at the middle school and high school levels through a variety of targeted activities designed to spark an early interest in STEM.

• High School: The project will specifically target the recruitment of high school students from rural areas and American Indian communities. These students will be invited to participate in a one-day workshop focused on "Machine Learning and Bioprospecting of N₂-fixers Through Microbiology." During this event, researchers will give presentations on microbial diversity, gene mining, and the numerous career opportunities available in STEM fields. A key feature of the workshop will be a virtual reality experience that provides a unique, immersive look into the mechanisms of N₂-fixation. The BNERC will also extend its reach by participating in a summer college prep program designed for American Indian high school students.

• Middle School: The center plans to connect with middle school students and the broader community through annual STEM development activities held at various events. To broaden its impact, BNERC faculty will create a free online "N₂-fixation for Biomanufacturing" STEM workbook series, which will include comprehensive lesson plans that teachers can easily incorporate into their curricula.