Representatives of various organizations discussed their careers and potential opportunities in the science education field at a School of Education career panel on Feb. 29.
Professionals from a variety of scientific and educational organizations shared their insights and experiences on a Science Learning and Public Engagement Career Panel, coordinated by the new Science Education and Public Engagement major in the School of Education at The City College of New York.
Co-sponsored with the City College Initiative to Promote Academic Success in STEM (CiPASS), and CCNY’s Division of Science and Grove School of Engineering, the event brought together five panelists, each of whom gave her unique perspective on career opportunities for those interested in science education that includes, but can go beyond, teaching.
The panelists were: Christina Carrero, Urban Waters Ambassador - Bronx and Harlem Rivers at the Hudson River Foundation; Necia Clarke, associate director of Youth Development for the City Parks Foundation; Abby Perez, senior manager of Youth and Workforce Development at the American Museum of Natural History; Gabi Rodriguez, director of STEM Education for The Green Design Lab; and Laycca Umer, manager of the Research, Exhibits, and Programs division at the New York Hall of Science, and a two-time graduate of The City College (B.S., Childhood Education Psychology; M.S., Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Each panelist gave an overview of her current position and career journey, and provided career advice.
Umer spoke of how her early experience as an explainer at the Hall of Science was a turning point in her career, as it compelled her to learn more about science in preparation for a career as an elementary school educator.
“Another turning point was doing research on how people learn, and I got involved in developing technology tools for education,” she said. “I followed that path.”
Perez told the attendees that, while they may not yet know or feel what their passion is, “when you do, let that motivate you to do great work.”
Carrero agreed, noting that she is interested in the applications of biology with community and politics. Her current job, “connecting people with the waterways,” allows her to explore those applications, she said.
“Try to balance something you like with the financial reward,” said Clarke. She and Rodriguez urged the attendees to take advantage of internship opportunities.
“The courses needed to fulfill this new major in Science Learning and Public Engagement can lead to a wide variety of career options,” said the program’s director, Associate Professor of Teaching & Learning/Biology Yael Wyner. “The diversity of experiences represented by this panel offered attendees a chance to learn about opportunities that they may not have considered.”
To learn more about the new major in Science Learning & Public Engagement, or the Science Education minor and Science Education master’s degree programs, sign up for a monthly Science Ed @ CCNY Info Session here.
About The City College of New York
Since 1847, The City College of New York has provided a high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. CCNY embraces its position at the forefront of social change. It is ranked #1 by the Harvard-based Opportunity Insights out of 369 selective public colleges in the United States on the overall mobility index. This measure reflects both access and outcomes, representing the likelihood that a student at CCNY can move up two or more income quintiles. Education research organization Degree Choices ranks CCNY #1 nationally among universities for economic return on investment. In addition, the Center for World University Rankings places CCNY in the top 1.8% of universities worldwide in terms of academic excellence. Labor analytics firm Emsi (now Lightcast) puts at $1.9 billion CCNY’s annual economic impact on the regional economy (5 boroughs and 5 adjacent counties) and quantifies the “for dollar” return on investment to students, taxpayers and society. At City College, more than 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight schools and divisions, driven by significant funded research, creativity and scholarship. This year, CCNY launched its most expansive fundraising campaign, ever. The campaign, titled “Doing Remarkable Things Together” seeks to bring the College’s Foundation to more than $1 billion in total assets in support of the College mission. CCNY is as diverse, dynamic and visionary as New York City itself. View CCNY Media Kit.
Syd Steinhardt
212-650-7875
ssteinhardt1@ccny.cuny.edu