SciLinkr.com iSuperSeed 2018 The Platform for Public Engagement with Science

It is hard to connect to the public that needs us most The weak link: Distance Not knowing anyone in that school (no response from overworked teachers) Not sure what they’d like or be open to Activation energy is so much greater than connecting with a school you already work with (or have a personal connection with) Resource to individual investigators for preparing Broader Impact portion of grants and implementing best practices.

#thisiswhatascientistlookslike SciLinkr.com will make it easier and more convenient to connect to the communities of need #thisiswhatascientistlookslike

SciLinkr.com will connect scientists and engineers with the world and each other (to simplify outreach and mentoring) This is the tinder meets linkedin part. The users enter their bio information. Scientist list their expertise, personal bio, experience in outreach, location, and teachers list their class age, demographics, scientific interests, backgrounds, location. Software makes matches. Users swipe left or right. Maybe you are looking for a high school chem class within a one hour commute…. Maybe the teacher wants a young, female, Spanish speaking engineer.

SciLinkr.com will also Record and track science public engagement Help scientists and engineers get inspired about future public engagement and networking Engagements are written records of the interaction. They have a DOI and are searchable and citable. Like a publication.

The MRSECs are critical for the roll-out plan Official Launch: With >200 scientists profiles, actively recruit public (focused on Boston and MRSEC-affiliated teachers and museums) End of NSF Support: (>1000 profile goal) NSF Funding started August 2018 August 2020 November 2019 March 2019 Site opens for all Recruit scientists & engineers in MRSECs

What you can do to help? Encourage your MRSEC members to create profiles in March Document MRSEC-funded engagement that has already happened (like Cornell's Lending Library of Experiments -- thanks, Frank) Encourage your MRSEC-funded Research Experiences for Teachers alumni to join the network (thanks, Cornell, Penn State, UCSB and others) Report and track your future engagement through SciLinkr

Questions or Concerns? Email / Call Brandeis MRSEC Education Director, Dr. Anique Olivier-Mason aniqueom@brandeis.edu 781-736-2838