Outreach
My commitment for scientific outreach derives from my passion of making our understanding of the world through science more accessible to all. As a driver and scientist, I am in the fortunate position of being able to use motorsports as a way to showcase the applications of science, and subsequently communicate its implications as a scientist myself! Motorsports is rich in scientific advancements — bettering our world through improved mobility and sustainability. It can also help promote scientific endeavors unrelated to motorsports —from medicine to fundamental scientific research.
Current Outreach Partners
Below are partners who I am currently working with to make scientific education and communication more accessible to all.
The Andretti FASTTRACK Xperience AFX is the cornerstone program of Team STEAM Nation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, a program being developed to provide free resources to parents and educators to help drive our youth to actively explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) education and career paths. AFX is a Nex-Gen learning platform that was the brainchild of Jeff Andretti, former IndyCar driver and son of racing legend Mario Andretti, that leverages the allure of gaming to deliver relevant learning to students and encouraging them to pursue and engage in scientific careers and studies. TSN and AFX are proud to have three generations of the Andretti family supporting STEAM education.
The mission of the Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) program is to engage Florida K-12 students and teachers in cutting-edge research by providing science role models and experiences that inspire the future stewards of our planet. SEFS is one of just eight projects awarded funding through a $17 million University of Florida moonshot initiative, aimed at tackling some of society’s most urgent issues. Scientist in Every Florida School has the potential to impact nearly 2.3 million K-12 students and 1000s of teachers statewide. The program aims to match scientists with K-12 public schools in Florida, with a focus on Title I schools. SEFS is dedicated to provide new and mid-career teachers at-risk of leaving the profession with useful resources and support in the classroom by building long-term, collaborative partnerships between teachers and scientists through a statewide professional learning community.
And more to come soon!
Become a Partner
I am always interested in new opportunities to help promote STEM education and principles, or other related outreach programs! If you are interested in becoming a partner, feel free to contact me, become a sponsor, or support me in my racing endeavors!
Recent Outreach Events
Below is a list of outreach events that I have taken part of recently!
Molecular Mania was conceived by Dr. Adam Veige, professor at the University of Florida, as an interactive event where children and adults are able to participate in chemistry experiments. At Molecular Mania’s inception event in October of 2005, it consisted of four tables of scientific experiments and ten graduate students to perform them. Now, the event uses twenty tables to demonstrate dozens of experiments related to the subjects of chemistry and physics and uses fifty graduate student volunteers. Molecular Mania now reaches hundreds of local community members, helping engage, educate, and bring fun and excitement to the community through science. The event is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Department of Chemistry, Center for Catalysis of the University of Florida, National Science Foundation, and the American Chemical Society – Florida Section
And more to come soon!
