CCNY School of Education’s Science Learning and Public Engagement program attracts more interest

A standing room only crowd of almost 100 students packed a Marshak Science Building classroom for a Student Internship Share Out to learn more about The City College of New York School of Education’s Science Learning and Public Engagement major.

Five current students shared their experiences with the attendees, while also dispensing valuable career advice.

Juniors Tyler Chen and Shelly Figuereo spent the summer as museum experience education program (MEEP) interns at the American Museum of Natural History. As a science engagement intern, Chen helped to fulfill the AMNH’s mission of advancing the Museum’s mission of public education. “It’s good to learn about exhibits at the museum that interest you the most,” he said of his experience.

Figuereo said that she enjoyed working in the Museum’s insectarium, where she was “excited to hold bugs,” while also contributing to the Museum’s facilitators’ guide. She also interns at the City Parks Foundation, leading nature walks through city parks in all five boroughs as part of the Foundation’s “Seeds To Trees” initiative in the spring and fall. During the summer, she provides recreational activities for middle school and high school students as part of the Foundation’s “Coastal Classroom” program.

Junior Hailey Thomas opened her talk by asking the attendees, “Who likes birds?” As almost all hands went up, she detailed her daily tasks as an animal husbandry intern at the Bronx Zoo, while serving up fascinating facts, such as that birds can also get sinus infections.

As a science and education associate at the Hudson River Park Trust, which works to restore the Manhattan shoreline, senior Kumarie Singh collected data on the river’s marine life, including baiting and maintaining fish traps. “Be curious and willing,” she advised the attendees. Singh plans to continue her studies after graduation by obtaining her accelerated master's degree in science education at CCNY.

A sharks intern at the New York Aquarium, graduate science education in biology student Kali Fabian was responsible for the care and feeding of sharks, rays and other tropical fish. She also designed and presented a final research project, the creation of a special data collection device.

All of the presenters emphasized the importance of networking as a vital aspect of their internships.

“This was my first job ever,” said Thomas. “I got good references [as a result of] endangered birds that I had to take care of.”

Figuereo cited meeting the City Parks Foundation’s director of education, Chrissy Ward, as the “biggest perk” of her internship. “She became my mentor,” she said of Ward.

Enrollment in the Science Learning and Public Education program, including both majors and minors, has grown to more than 50 students since its establishment in 2020. Two courses for prospective SLPE majors will be offered in the 2027 winter and spring terms: Principles of Environmental Science (SCI 12600), a hands-on, inquiry-science course with field trips; and Principles of Physical Science (SCI 12400). 

“The internships the SLPE students do are so important since they open doors and help students create the connections that lead to future jobs that will become their lives and their happiness,” said Stephanie Rose, adjunct professor of Teaching & Learning and Science Education at the School of Education.