Become a Science Communication Fellow

If you are a scientist, or STEM professional looking to share your research with a broad audience and engage the community in current research from South Dakota, join us and become a South Dakota Discovery Center Science Communication Fellow!

Who are the Fellows?

Science Communication Fellows are scientists, engineers, researchers, graduate students, and other science professionals who have successfully completed a Science Communication Workshop and have been certified through Portal to the Public as current science ambassadors and excellent science communicators.

How can you become a Science Communication Fellow?

• Participate in the Science Communication Fellowship
• Develop a fun hands-on activity focused on your research
• Present your activity at our Portal to the Public Showcase and at two other public events within one year

Tuition for the Science Communication Fellowship is $750 per participant and will be waived for a limited number of participants, by SD EPSCoR’s sponsorship.

NEW — 2023 Fall Workshop dates are now set: Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Sept. 27 (all held virtually), and one outreach event in Pierre on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Science Communication Fellowship

The Fellowship will consist of four virtual 3-hour workshop sessions Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Sept. 27 (all held virtually), and one outreach event in Pierre on Wednesday, October 18. The application is now open through Saturday, July 1. If you have any questions, please contact Rhea.

What are the benefits of becoming a Fellow?

Professional Development:

• Learn how to effectively communicate your work to diverse audiences
• Enhance your science communication skills

Free Outreach Programs for the Public:

• Present your hands-on activity to a general audience through various programs at the SD Discovery Center
• Take your activity to schools, conferences, and other educational or professional events
• Demonstrate the broader impacts of your work through multi-generational STEM education and outreach
• Receive a certification suitable for sharing with supervisors and for grant reports and applications

Build your Network:

• Build and strengthen long-term relationships with regional STEM institutions, schools and teachers
• Draw upon a network of participating Informal Science Institutions, schools, universities, and funding agencies for future collaboration and funding opportunities.