Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program

Trainee Arielis Estevez explains her research to a prospective student.
Photo credit: Robin Davies

Trainee Gilbert Loiseau talks about his research with a prospective student.
Photo credit: Robin Davies

Trainer Katrina Forest learns about a current student's research.
Photo credit: Robin Davies

Trainee Rachel Miller talks about her research with a prospective student.
Photo credit: Robin Davies

Science Communication

The primary purpose of the University of Wisconsin–Madison is to provide a learning environment in which faculty, staff and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom and values that will help ensure the survival of this and future generations and improve the quality of life for all.

The Chemistry–Biology Interface Training Program is dedicated to discovery of knowledge and transmitting that knowledge to the public to improve the quality of life for all. We strongly encourage all of our participants, both faculty and students, to engage in science communication and outreach at UW and beyond.

Here we list opportunities for outreach and for training in science communication. This list will be updated frequently, and will include ongoing opportunities as well as one-time events.

Science Communication

Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy (WISL) program in communicating doctoral science to the public

The Department of Life Sciences Communication has a number of options for professional development in science communication, including a Ph.D minor or a transcriptable certificate.

Science Communication Lab has two short courses on science communication that are free, self-paced, and engaging: Share Your Research and Strategies for Effective Public Engagement. They also have a number of videos appropriate for sharing with everyone.

Outreach

Ongoing opportunities

STEM Fellows program Applications open September 15, 2024 for 2025 cohort of fellows.

Science Alliance–a UW community engaged in outreach. Sign up for the email list by sending an email to allianceall+subscribe@g-groups.wisc.edu. The weekly emails contain information about current outreach opportunities and community connections.

Schedule of annual campus outreach events

Family Science Nights–to sign up to receive information about events as they are scheduled, fill out a brief form here.

 

Stephanie Chong-Macias has fun with a student at a family science night.
Stephanie Chong-Macias has fun with a student at a family science night.

Current events

Activities for Community Outreach in STEM (ACORNS) Outreach events at two local community centers–weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Signup spreadsheet can be found here. Contact Eli Sofovich, Zach Lewis, Irene Stoutland, or Cara Jenkins for more information.

Necedah Virtual After-School Program–Tuesday afternoons (twice a month), 4:00–4:30 pm. Participants are 3rd–5th graders. You can sign up here, and the program organizer has created a STEM activity planning guide that you can access here.

Badgerland Learning Days at the Madison Children’s Museum–May 7, 4:00–8:00 pm. Register here.

Pope Farm Elementary Family STEAM Activity Day–May 29, 2026. Please contact Amanda Birrenkott for more details (you can get her contact info from Cara Jenkins).

Seniors & STEM at The Sonnet at Tennyson (near Warner Park). The activities director is looking for science activities (demonstrations or hands-on) lasting 30–60 minutes that seniors can participate in safely. Reach out to Zeke Regan for more details (see Cara Jenkins for contact info).

Moms of Little Muslims Family Celebration–June 6, 2026, 2:00–6:00 pm at Ahuska Park (Monona). The organizers are looking for fun, hands-on science activities that families can do together. Several hundred families are expected at the event, and some funding for supplies may be available. Email muslimfamilies608 at gmail dot com to sign up or for more information.