We Inspire a New Generation of Scientists

When young people think about their future careers, I like to ask them, “What problems do you want to solve?” Through the years, a theme that young people bring to my attention, is the environment.

When we look to the environment we see the complexity of problems becoming more intricate. Contaminants, climate change, class, industrialization, and race are an intertwined complex web. A web that inspires youth into action.

It has been my professional mission to assist youth to achieve their problem solving goals as a scientist. It is my philosophy that if you pursue fixing something important to you as your career, you will wake each day excited to pursue your goals.

Since 2005, I have created real-life research packages that bring youth through the real process of science — data collection, analysis, and presentation at a professional science conference.

Many of my students have gone on to pursue careers in science. I am proud to have supported their goals.

Jim