Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center

The Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC) is pleased to announce the launch of SPROUT (STEM Professionals Reaching Out), a new program designed to support and engage plant science researchers at The Ohio State University in science communication and public outreach. Through SPROUT, ABRC aims to help participating researchers develop their broader/research impacts through science communication training and integration into ABRC’s well-established education and outreach infrastructure.

SPROUT is open to Ohio State researchers and scholars (faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and research staff) working under the broad umbrella of plant sciences. ABRC is excited to welcome six researchers into the first SPROUT cohort. This year’s SPROUTs include:  

• David Lankitus, Graduate Student, Horticulture and Crop Science
• Antonino Malacrino, Postdoctoral Researcher, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
• Kali Mattingly, Graduate Student, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
• Nathan Nordstedt, Graduate Student, Horticulture and Crop Science
• Kattia Palacio-Lopez, Postdoctoral Researcher, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Each SPROUT will attend science communication workshops facilitated by ABRC’s Education and Outreach Specialist, and receive one-on-one support in the development of their communication strategy, identifying audiences/venues, and development of a hands-on activity or demonstration. After completing the training, SPROUTs will participate in ABRC’s existing education and outreach programs or establish connections that will allow them to develop new program opportunities.

ABRC is looking forward to laying the foundation for what we hope will be an on-going program at Ohio State. For more information about SPROUT, or to inquire about participation in future cohorts contact abrcedu@osu.edu.