Page 15 - Laker Connection Fall 2015

The SEEDS Program
Fostering Diversity, Experience and Community Service Among Biology Students
BY GANTT THOMAS
Established in 1996, the ESA SEEDS (Ecological Society of America Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Substantiability) program was developed to increase diver- sity in the field of Ecological Sciences. The program cre- ates opportunities for students to actively explore the world of ecology both physically and professionally through com- munity service, trips to research organizations and network- ing among other ESA SEEDS programs. Clayton State’s SEEDS chapter was founded through the national organiza- tion in 2006. Jere A. Boudell, Ph.D. has worked in the de- velopment of the organization and has seen its impact on students first-hand.
“As an ecologist and educator, SEEDS allows me to work more closely with students as an organization mentor/advi- sor to promote the science of ecology and service to our community,” she says.
Dr. Boudell has seen many students transition successfully into various scientific fields... “A number have gone on to work in environmental outreach and education positions at various preserves and organizations. Many have pursued graduate degrees in ecology and related fields...” As a pro- fessor of biology, she currently teaches many students who also are members of the SEEDS program.
When speaking about the program’s benefits, Clayton State senior Courtney Caldwell remembers a specific growth op- portunity she experienced in the program, “I was asked to join the board at the Reynolds Nature Preserve -- so that was a positive reward.”
Both Caldwell and fellow SEEDS member Christopher Harper credited the program with providing opportunities for growth in their field. The two shared a significant expe- rience in their volunteer service with Reynolds’Azalea Fes- tival, which informs local youth about the study of ecology.
“Working on the Azalea Festival and speaking to the kids has helped me develop my public speaking skills,” Harper
states. Caldwell adds, “that skill will be important as [in our professions] we will have to present research information to others.”
Presenting to others is key in the SEEDS program, because of its attachment to community service.
“It’s an essential element of our organization. Students and the general public often think of scientists as people locked away in labs or out in the field conducting their research. But the job of a scientist also includes mentorship, educa- tion and outreach. To teach others the value of science and its role in our society we must engage members of our com- munity in important issues,” says Boudell.
Desiring to pursue a graduate degree and work in wildlife conservation, Caldwell looks at the work as a benefit.
“As a biology major, getting all the experience of working with professionals and networking can help set me apart from others while applying for graduate school.”
SEEDS members are also able to work on areas that are not centric to scientific studies. In a recent project, some mem- bers of the organization participated in the Eco Hackathon, an event to learn about and develop Android apps for use in education, outreach, and research in ecology.
While the program has had success in its efforts to educate members in the past, Boudell is planning for the continued growth of the organization.
“This fall semester we are planning a research station field trip, outreach to local schools, the development of presenta- tion skills via our five minute ‘flash talk’ meeting presenta- tions, more community service at Reynolds Nature Preserve, and additional activities our dedicated, enthusias- tic members plan.”
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