A PUBLICATION OF ASM | VOL 1 | ISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2014
DEMOCRATIZING SCIENCE THROUGH CURIOSITY
THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL HEALTH
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Manu Prakash P. 22
Maya Cohen P. 36
President Jimmy Carter P. 65
1
HOW ARE TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE SHAPING THE FUTURE?
CULTURES STAFF
BOARD OF ADVISORS
UNITED STATES
BRUCE Alberts
JASON Rao
MONGOLIA
TULGAA Khosbayar
EGYPT
SANJANA Patel
ENAS Newire
PORTUGAL
DIOGO Proenรงa
KATY Stewart PARAGUAY
LAURA For interactive features and more content, read Cultures on your browser or on your tablet. Visit asm.org/cultures for more information.
Acevedo Ugarriza
UNITED STATES
VAUGHAN Turekian
UNITED STATES
NATHAN Wolfe
IN THIS ISSUE LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
6
HAPPENING NOW
8
Q&A with Noor Shakfeh
ACROSS THE DIVIDE Curious Or What? Role of Curiosity-Driven Research in the Evolving Global Science Landscape
22
Manu Prakash To Hell with Good Intentions: Exploring the Role of Undergraduate Students in Global Health
36
Maya Cohen At the Helm of the Ship: Sierra Leonean Youth Reinvent Education for a Sustainable Future
42
David Moinina Sengeh, Ariam Mogos & Heather Cole-Lewis
IN CONVERSATION
48
A conversation with Nathan Wolfe
VOICES
58
A collective response from ASM Young Ambassadors of Science on the role of young people in science-based policy making
ON THE GROUND
64
:RUGV RI ZLVGRP IURP LQGLYLGXDOV RUJDQL]DWLRQV PDNLQJ D GLHUHQFH
SHARING THE VISION Summer of Science
76
South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
IN YOUR EYES
82
Young scientists illustrate how science can change the world
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, & CORRECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY + ART CREDIT ON PAGES 90 - 91
86
Opportunities & Challengges of the Youth Bubble
UNEMPLOYMENT ON THE RISE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ARE DOUBLE THOSE OF THE GENERAL POPULATION AND ARE HIGHEST IN DEVELOPING NATIONS.1 YOUNG WOMEN ARE PARTICULARLY LIKELY TO BE UNDEREMPLOYED AND IN VULNERABLE JOBS.2
2.5 TIMES MORE LIKELY THAT NATIONS WITH YOUTH BULGES WILL EXPERIENCE AN OUTBREAK OF CIVIL CONFLICT3
75 MILLION YOUTH ARE UNEMPLOYED WORLDWIDE 4
MORE THAN
50%
OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION IS UNDER 305
70% 7
OF YOUNG PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT SOCIAL MEDIA IS A FORCE FOR CHANGE 6
49% OF THE POPULATION IN ASIA IS UNDER 308
67%
53% OF THE POPULATION IN LATIN AMERICA IS UNDER 308
2/3 OF THE ONE BILLION PEOPLE WHO ARE ILLITERATE ARE WOMEN9
OF THE POPULATION IN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST IS UNDER 308
SANJANA PATEL & KAT Y STEWART In one corner of the world, a young girl is designing the next fuel cell in her basement for a science fair, while another child across the globe has no electricity and spends her day helping gather essential food and water for her family. We live in a dichotomous world: one ZKHUH RSSRUWXQLWLHV FDQ VHHP DV OLPLWOHVV DV WKH\ GR VWLČľHG *OREDO economic growth hinges on an enabling environment for young people to meet growing challenges in new ways. Young people DUH PRVW DÎ?HFWHG DQG DW WKH VDPH WLPH EHVW SRVLWLRQHG WR GULYH change. With science, information, and innovation evolving at an XQSUHFHGHQWHG UDWH WKH\ DUH GHVWLQHG WR GHČ´QH WKH IXWXUH Of the 7.1 billion people living in the world today, more than half are below the age of 30.1 Ninety percent of these young people live in emerging economies.2 Young people, particularly those in developing FRXQWULHV DUH GLVSURSRUWLRQDWHO\ DÎ?HFWHG E\ JOREDO LQHTXLWLHV VXFK as disease, food and water scarcity, educational attainment, XQHPSOR\PHQW SROLWLFDO LQVWDELOLW\ DQG FRQČľLFW DQG DFFHVV WR VRFLDO services. The numbers speak for themselves: two-thirds of today’s children who never go to school or who drop out are girls. As a result, adult women make up two-thirds of the one billion people who are illiterate.3 Half of new HIV infections occur in young people between the ages of 15 and 24.4 Unemployment is double that of the general population.5 According the U.S. Department of State, 86 percent of civil XQUHVW RFFXUV LQ VRFLHWLHV ZKHUH D VLJQLČ´FDQW PDMRULW\ RI WKH SRSXODWLRQ is younger than 30.6 The list goes on.
Collectively, today’s youth represent tomorrow’s world; regardless of station, they are idealistic, resilient, and innovative. But how can they best be enabled to lead, shape, and steward a new era of science and society? As Nathan Wolfe alludes to in this issue’s Q&A, what made sense for yesterday’s young scientists may be irrelevant for the next generaWLRQ :H PXVW DSSURDFK FKDOOHQJHV GLÎ?HUHQWO\ WKDQ JHQHUDWLRQV SDVW with novel and innovative thinking. In this issue, we present a collective of stories and advice that illustrate how young SHRSOH DUH GRLQJ MXVW WKDW Č‚ PDNLQJ D GLÎ?HUHQFH LQ their communities and around the world. “Across the Divideâ€? features three young leaders, Manu Prakash, Maya Cohen, and David Sengeh, who embody the spirit of ingenuity. They share their incredible stories of curiosity, innovation, and youth engagement around the globe. We hear words of wisdom from President Carter as well as numerous groups for and by young people, such as Elana Simon, an 18-year-old who was motivated by her own battle with cancer to make progress toward developing a cure.
“ WHAT MADE SENSE FOR MY PARENTS WAS RADICALLY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT MADE SENSE FOR ME, AND WHAT MADE SENSE FOR MY GENERATION MAY BE EVEN LESS IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG AND EMERGING SCIENTISTS TODAY� – NATHAN WOLFE
Finally, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics highlights the role of high school science and technology education in shaping future leaders. Each of these stories demonstrates what happens when society harnesses the energy and curiosity of today’s young people. As always, we are incredibly humbled by the enthusiastic support of our contributors and readers. No matter where you are in the world and what stage in life, we hope that this issue encourages each of you to think about not only the challenges, but also the opportunities waiting to be created for and by young people.
SNAPSHOT OF CULTURES
2,700+
35
55,433
reads online in over 75 countries
countries made contributions
copies mailed worldwide
Visit www.asm.org/cultures for additional content and interactive features! CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 7
HAPPENING NOW:
SYRIA
NOOR SHAKFEH We hear a lot about Syria in the news, but what you might not know is how the conflict is affecting the nation’s education and health infrastructure, and what it means for young people. We talk with Noor Shakfeh, a Syrian-American student who is working tirelessly to share the story of the Syrian people. She offers first-hand details of the conflict as well as advice for young people everywhere.
Q: Many people may not know about the impressive history of science, medicine, and public health in Syria. Can you tell us more about the university system, and the state of science and WHFKQRORJ\ EHIRUH WKH FRQȾLFW began? A: In order to place in university in Syria, students must take a national examination called the High School Baccalaureate. The score achieved by students on their baccalaureate determines where they will be placed within the university system. The students’ professions are determined by the score they
achieve on the baccalaureate. Students do not go to college in Syria Č‚ WKH\ JR GLUHFWO\ LQWR SURIHVVLRQDO school. However, in the case that students are not able to achieve D VSHFLČ´F VFRUH EXW WKH\ KDYH WKH Č´QDQFLDO PHDQV WKH\ DUH DEOH WR JR to a private university in or outside of Syria in order to have the education that they desire. Unfortunately, the system has been corrupted by the Syrian government. Students who support the government get marks added to their scores even when they do not earn them. As a result, in Syria, it is possible to attain a certain level of education simply on the basis of the people you know.
Page 8 Âť Happening Now
The corruption within the education system in Syria has caused a remarkable disparity in the level of education among individuals. Furthermore, the type of education that less privileged individuals are able to attain is at a much lower level than that attained by individuals ZKR KDYH WKH Č´QDQFLDO PHDQV RU WKH political connections. The corruption in the public education system is most notably one of the strongest ways the government has waged war RQ 6\ULDQ FLWL]HQV %HIRUH WKH FRQČľLFW began, there were very limited
was well funded. Technology was also limited and highly controlled because of the Assad regime. For example, I remember that, in 2005, Syrians were only able to use a dial-up Internet connection. Most technology that we use on a daily basis, if available in Syria, is very expensive and reserved for use only E\ WKH XSSHU FODVV ZKR FDQ DÎ?RUG LW
Q: Where are the scientists now? A: In the 1980s, after the Hama 0DVVDFUH WKHUH ZDV D PDMRU EUDLQ
Hospitals are regular targets of Syrian Army air raids, leaving the Syrian healthcare system short of doctors and supplies. Pictured is a hospital in Kafranbel before being hit by a Syrian plane.
opportunities in science because of the lack of funding. Therefore, many scientists left the country upon UHFHLYLQJ WKHLU GHJUHHV WR Č´QG DQ opportunity to work in a place that
drain from Syria. People would typically take advantage of the free education in Syria and then leave to Č´QG HPSOR\PHQW XSRQ FRPSOHWLQJ their degree. The education system
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 9
in Syria became very corrupt and extremely poor starting in the 1980s as well. As the education system began to decline, wealthy Syrians began pursuing education outside of Syria, perpetuating the brain drain of the 1980s. My parents were both educated in Syria. My father Č´QLVKHG KLV PHGLFDO GHJUHH LQ 6\ULD and came to the United States to do his residency. My mother is currently completing her PhD in the United States.
Q: How are the public health systems operating today? A: Today, that depends on where you live in Syria. Syrians who live in areas that the Assad regime has not withdrawn from have access to clean water and access to free health care and sanitation. However, areas from which Assad has withdrawn have no access to health care, with the exception of the makeshift clinics established by humanitarian organizations such as the Syrian American Medical Society. Their ZDWHU LV QRW Č´OWHUHG DQG RIWHQ WKH\ have no access to running water. There are no sanitation measures. To address this situation, Local Civilian Councils have formed. These groups of civilians, have come together to reestablish public sanitation, food distribution in times of siege, electricity, and limited access to health care. Q: As a young Syrian American, what has been your experience
in advocating for basic health in Syria? What have you been able to accomplish and how?
A: The ongoing crisis has made all HÎ?RUWV H[WUHPHO\ GLÉ?FXOW DQG RQO\ PLQLPDOO\ HÎ?HFWLYH +RZHYHU Ζ KDYH EHHQ DEOH WR GHVLJQ D ZDWHU Č´OWHU made of entirely reusable materials designed for use inside of camps DQG RWKHU DUHDV ZKHUH ZDWHU TXDOLW\ is compromised. I have also been working with Local Civilian Councils to provide information to civilians in besieged areas that would allow them to protect their limited water supply from contamination. I am VHQGLQJ P\ Č´UVW FRQWDLQHU RI PHGLFDO supplies for makeshift clinics in a few weeks, and I am working on a IHZ RWKHU SURMHFWV PHDQW WR EHWWHU RUJDQL]H WKH KXPDQLWDULDQ HÎ?RUW DQG LQFUHDVH WKH HÎ?HFWLYLW\ RI 6\ULDQ $PHULFDQ HÎ?RUWV LQ WKH SLSHOLQH Since beginning my work as a human rights activist, I have raised, with the help of my team, ~$250,000 to IXQG SURMHFWV WKDW LQFOXGH EXLOGLQJ a sewage system in a refugee camp, opening a kitchen, funding bakeries, and sending containers of medical supplies, and funding schools. I have been able to work ZLWK KRVSLWDO QHWZRUNV WR DFTXLUH over 700 pounds of medical supplies DQG HTXLSPHQW WR EH GRQDWHG WR Syria through the Syrian American Medical Society. I have worked with the Syrian American Council and the Syrian Emergency Task Force, for which I am a Policy Fellow, to advocate for Syria in Washington,
Page 10 Âť Happening Now
NS
1958
1961
1963
1970
United Arab Republic is established
Military operation results in cessation of Syria from the United Arab Republic
Baathist party takes power
Hafez Assad takes power through military coup
1973
1982
1982
2000
Hafez Assad declares state of emergency suspending constitution
Hama Uprising led by AntiAssad Muslim Brotherhood
Hama Massacre
Hafez AlAssad dies
2000
2000
Referendum lowers age required for presidency & Bashar’s presidential nomination accepted
Bashar Al-Assad becomes president
NS
’00-’01 Damascus Spring
2011 Syrian uprising begins
In many cities like Aleppo (pictured) where daily aerial bombings terrorize SXEOLF VSDFHV LW LV GLÉ?FXOW WR PDLQWDLQ ZDVWH PDQDJHPHQW VHUYLFHV 7KLV LQ turn heightens the risk of disease outbreak.
INSIGHTS FROM NOOR NS
NS
As a part of the military, my grandfather played a role in this secession. Many of my family members were killed in the Hama Massacre. My family is actually well known for the number of relatives we lost during the massacre and for playing a major part in the preceding uprising which resulted in the massacre.
food to eat to survive. Therefore, DC Syria. Through dedication, hard RXU HÎ?RUWV DUH DOZD\V VSOLW EHWZHHQ work, creativity, and collaboration, trying to keep individuals alive in I have been able to achieve these order to keep them healthy and accomplishments. Most of my work keeping individuals healthy enough KDV UHTXLUHG Č´QGLQJ QHZ ZD\V WR to stay alive. approach ongoing problems that only get worse owing to the increase LQ WKH FRQČľLFW 6WUDWHJL]LQJ DQG Q: 7KH 6\ULDQ FRQČľLFW KDV OHIW reevaluating our strategy over, and over 100,000 civilians dead and over, is crucial to sustained success, has displaced millions. Traditional DV WKH FRQČľLFW FKDQJHV HYHU\ GD\ mass media focus on the political )RU H[DPSOH WKH ZDWHU Č´OWHU Ζ KDG and diplomatic implications initially designed in 2013used and often overlook those who FKORULQH DV D Č´QDO VWHS +RZHYHU are directly impacted. Can you in early 2014, all of the chlorine tell our readers more about the factories were either bombed or SHRSOH DÎ?HFWHG E\ WKH FRQČľLFW" controlled by Assad. As a result, we Who are they? no longer had access to chlorine; WKH Č´OWHU KDG WR EH PRGLČ´HG LQ LWV A: Typically, individuals of lower GHVLJQ DQG LV QRZ D VRODU Č´OWHU 1RW socioeconomic status are the main RQO\ GLG WKH Č´OWUDWLRQ SURFHVV KDYH YLFWLPV RI WKH FRQČľLFW LQ 6\ULD to be reevaluated, but also the water Wealthier families were able to leave collection and storage had to be the country in 2011 when the protests reevaluated to ensure that it was as EHJDQ ΖQ 6\ULD LW LV YHU\ GLÉ?FXOW WR HÉ?FLHQW DV SRVVLEOH get a passport and, and resulted in the VXEVHTXHQWO\ D least amount of visa to leave to go recontamination. to another country. “ MOST OF MY WORK An important thing Therefore, many HAS REQUIRED WR QRWH LV WKDW HÎ?RUWV people who could not FINDING NEW WAYS TO designated to help DÎ?RUG WR SD\ EULEHV APPROACH ONGOING civilians during to get passports PROBLEMS THAT ONLY times of war are were unable to leave. GET WORSE OWING not solely focused While the media TO THE INCREASE on improving or SRUWUD\ WKH FRQČľLFW IN THE CONFLICT. PDLQWDLQLQJ TXDOLW\ as sectarian, it is, in STRATEGIZING AND of life; rather, fact, not sectarian. REEVALUATING OUR DVSHFWV RI WKH HÎ?RUW Christians are also STRATEGY OVER, AND are geared toward at risk of losing their OVER, IS CRUCIAL TO preserving life. In lives as a result of SUSTAINED SUCCESS, AS many areas of Syria, WKH FRQČľLFW EHFDXVH THE CONFLICT CHANGES individuals do not of the indiscriminate EVERY DAY.â€? even have enough bombing by the Page 12 Âť Happening Now
Assad regime. Furthermore, the Jewish community in Syria was exiled by Assad’s father, Hafez, many years ago. When I used to go to Syria before the conflict began, I used to walk in the Jewish quarter in Old Damascus; it is a quarter in which all the homes are locked and still owned by the Jews who used to live there, but who are no longer able to enter the country as a result of their exile. The Jewish quarter is one of the most beautiful areas in Old Damascus. Before the revolution in Syria, no one ever considered the differences between people. Religion was never an issue, and Christians and Muslims lived sideby-side. When I used to live in Syria, I could not tell the difference between a Christian and a Muslim. Syria, in general, is composed of many people who simply desire to work hard and to have a great life and build an even better life for their children. The major difference between Syrian citizens and American citizens would be that, while American citizens aspire to live the American dream, Syrian citizens can only dream of living the Syrian dream because the opportunity for living the Syrian dream does not exist.
Q: Over the past four years, public infrastructure, notably education and health care, has decayed. What are the implications of this for civilians today and for new generations tomorrow? A: With the collapse of the education system in Syria, it is very likely that a lost generation will result. Students have been out of school for over
three years as a result of the conflict. Adding to this issue is that many individuals have become refugees or have been internally displaced. Losing a steady source of income has left them unable to afford education even if it were available. I remember that once I went to Syria, after the conflict, to deliver humanitarian aid and help open a school; we had asked students in the refugee camp if they would go to the school once the school had opened. They informed us that they would not go, because they could not pay for the school supplies. We told them that we were going to pay for their school supplies, and all they had to do was go. They went. It was one of the largest schools for internally displaced people in northern Syria until it was bombed recently by the Assad regime –two young students were killed in the bombing. The health care system in Syria has completely collapsed in areas that have been liberated from the Assad regime and in the areas that are under constant bombardment. There is an incredible lack of medical supplies, and, even worse, physicians and health care providers are being targeted. For their own safety, many physicians and health care providers have left Syria, thus leaving civilians with no access to any type of health care. The lack of consistent health care has allowed for many diseases, previously thought to be eradicated such as Polio as well as the emergence of unidentifiable illnesses and rare diseases such as
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 13
visceral leishmaniasis. The collapse of the health care system and infrastructure has also put many Syrians at risk of contracting illnesses such as Tubercolosis. While this is in part due to the bombardment and to the targeting of physicians, it is also due to the siege that many civilians live under. In many areas of Syria, it is impossible for health care supplies to enter cities. As a result, health care providers must reuse many items on many individuals. When I visited in Syria in March 2013, physicians reported that they had to wash gauze in order to use it again on different patients because of the lack of supplies. An extremely ill population will likely result from these issues. There are currently over 20,000 child amputees in Syria, many individuals with chronic health problems that are left untreated, and a lack of even the most basic sanitation, resulting in many illnesses. Also, there is no longer stable access to any diagnostic machinery because of the issues with electricity and the bombing and create collaboration here in of the facilities. As a result, Syrian theis United States asdaily well asto inthe camps Water delivered physicians prescribe antibiotics Syria. What are organizations and which can result in contamination up without proper diagnosis which individuals doing to ensure health factories have been disabled and thu could result in widespread resistant for all, engage young people, and option in Syria. This puts residents a antimicrobial infections. support those affected by the conflict? Cholera, Polio, and Rotavirus. -Noor Q: Rather than focus on the conflict itself, we would like to A: The entire movement already hear about those who are acting engages young people as the to improve the situation on movement was started by young the ground. You have worked people. Many organizations have tirelessly to advocate, innovate,
Page 14 Âť Happening Now
“Water is delivered daily to the camps in trucks. The water is chlorinated off-site which can result in contamination upon delivery. Recently, chlorine production factories have been disabled and thus, chlorination of water is no longer a viable option in Syria. This puts residents at risk of many waterborne infections such as Cholera, Polio, and Rotavirus.” - NOOR SHAKFEH
the Syrian American Medical Society trains young Syrian medical doctors to work in crisis zones and under grueling conditions such as lack of electricity and adequate medical supplies inventory.
The Syrian emergency task force in the Syrian American Council also worked to engage young people by inspiring grassroots movements throughout the United States. However, many positions in these organizations are occupied by very talented, energetic, and passionate young individuals. Karam Foundation organizes a camp yearly for refugee children in Turkey called Camp Zeitouna and they encourage young Syrian been established by people who are less than 30 years old. These s in trucks. The water is chlorinatedAmericans off-site to go to Turkey and volunteer organizations rely almost completely pon delivery. Recently, chlorine productionat the camp and help with some of the activities in the camp. on young individuals to continue the us, chlorination of water is no longer a viable work that began in 211. at risk of many waterborne infections aslarger global Q: such What can organizations learn from their r Shakfeh Photographer: Shiyam Galyon Additionally, some Syrian American approach? organizations established by older individuals engage younger A: Larger organizations can learn individuals by training them to the importance of incorporating be able to work in Syria in their younger individuals on a large scale respective fields. For example, into their projects. Because they
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 15
opportunities. Working with people will be the next generation to carry through collaborations not only on the work of this generation, it provides individuals in the target is very important to be constantly areas with jobs, but it also provides establishing new collaborations. some the opportunity to allow Not only is it important to take their voices to be heard. One of the into consideration the opinions of most important things that major young people, it is also important organizations can do is to allow to incorporate them into the actual people’s voices to be heard and to projects and the actual movements listen. that large organizations are currently working on, because the younger generation will inherit them. Giving Q: What would you like to see young people the opportunity to happen next? be able to work and to gain more experience over an extended A: I would like to see the period of time , establishment of through inclusion major collaborations in leadership, can between major “PUTTING TOGETHER better ensure that organizations such EVERYONE’S SKILLS AND young individuals as Path, The Bill STRENGTHS ALLOWS will be successful in and Melinda Gates US TO DO THE MOST carrying on these Foundation, and the GOOD. EVEN BEYOND major tasks that the CDC, Syrian American THE COLLABORATION older generation has organizations, and OF ACTIVISTS, THE begun. International Syrians inside Syria for COLLABORATION collaborations are the betterment of the OF ORGANIZATIONS also extremely Syrian people. More IS CRUCIAL. OUR important. One of so, I would like to see COLLABORATIONS ARE the most successful young people become ABLE TO INCREASE things that Syrian a larger component AWARENESS AND Americans have been of the change that UNDERSTANDING OF able to do is to work larger organizations THE CONFLICT, AND, with Syrians on the are working to effect MORE IMPORTANTLY, ground in Syria to throughout the world. OF WHOM SYRIANS ARE effect meaningful AND WHY THEY ARE improvement. FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM. Q: What is the role Through these of collaboration COLLABORATION IS collaborations, we in addressing the NOT JUST A MEANS OF have been able to ramifications of the ACCOMPLISHING A understand the exact conflict? And what GOAL, IT IS ALSO A WAY needs of the people about innovation? TO OPEN THE DOORS OF on the ground and UNDERSTANDING.” also to provide job A: Collaboration is Page 16 » Happening Now
the most important way to address the ramifications of the conflict. The conflict in Syria has left civilians needing help with everything. No one can do it alone. We all need to help one another. Putting together everyone’s skills and strengths allows us to do the most good. Even beyond the collaboration of activists, the collaboration of organizations is crucial. Our collaborations are able to increase awareness and understanding of the conflict, and, more importantly, of whom Syrians are and why they are fighting for freedom. Collaboration is not just a means of accomplishing a goal, it is also a way to open the doors of understanding. Collaboration is the key to effecting meaningful change in areas like Syria. It is through collaborations that many individuals, many minds, and many people with many different passions can come together to work for the advancement of civilians. Without collaboration, it would be impossible to properly address the extremely difficult issues that have arisen in places like Syria. Innovation is one of the only ways to properly be able to make the changes that are necessary. One of the problems with water filtration Syria is not that a water filter would not work – the problem is that there is not enough money to pay for something that would be used on a large scale. Therefore, a filter made of entirely reusable materials is the only option for places like refugee camps, where not only is there no running water, but there is also not much funding,
and all the other funding would have to go to food in order to sustain the population. Truly successful innovation can only come through collaboration and from the different perspectives of many minds that come together with one unique solution. During the design process, I consulted my professor extensively.
Q: What advice can you give to young people your age about finding purpose and the importance of innovation, creativity, and collaboration in making a difference? 1. DO WHAT YOU LOVE:
People find their purpose in things that they typically love doing. So do what you love. Loving what you do not only gives you passion, determination, tenacity, and the will to be successful, but it also gives you the motivation and the dedication that is required over a long period of time as your work becomes challenging. If your heart is not in your work, then it is only a matter of time before your mind leaves it too.
2. FIND A MENTOR:
Find a mentor who sees your strengths, weaknesses, potential, and believes that you can become the person you wish to be. Having a mentor is probably one of the most important, thought provoking, and rewarding collaborations anyone can take part in. Mentors are often able to provide a clearer sense of direction because of their wisdom
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 17
and greater experience. People come up with great ideas every day, and many are willing to work hard enough to bring these ideas to fruition, but, without proper direction, no matter how tenacious WKHLU HÎ?RUW WKH\ FDQ IDLO ΖI LW ZHUH not for my mentors, I would not be working on sanitation in Syria, nor would I be giving this interview today.
3. TAKE RISKS:
Never be afraid to fail. Even when you fail, you learn and grow from your failures. Growth is essential to any successful endeavor.
4. ALWAYS BE HUMBLE:
When you are not humble, you stop growing. Growth and humility are some of the most important things to ensuring that collaborations are as successful, and impactful, as possible.
5. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES:
Know that progress can be the only true measurement of success and that failure only occurs if you’ve failed to learn from a mistake. 3URMHFWV UHTXLUH GD\V ZHHNV months, and years of hard work. 5HGXFLQJ DOO WKDW HÎ?RUW WR RQH result or one mistake simply isn’t conducive to achieving your overall goal. Always look at the big picture, be willing to grow, learn, improve, DQG QHYHU EH GLVFRXUDJHG E\ PDMRU or minor setbacks. And when you think you’re giving it everything \RXȇYH JRW Č´QG ZD\V WR LPSURYH \RXU HÎ?RUW DQG Č´QG LW LQ \RXUVHOI WR give it even more.
6. BE FLEXIBLE: Plans change, things don’t always go as planned, and VRPHWLPHV PDMRU UH HYDOXDWLRQV must take place. Commit to a goal, QRW WR D SURMHFW
NOOR SHAKFEH STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Noor is currently completing undergraduate degrees in Microbiology and Economics at the University of South Florida. Since the beginning of the revolution, she has worked extensively in the humanitarian aid sector of WKH HÎ?RUW 6KH KDV XWLOL]HG KHU XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI PLFURELRORJ\ LQ RUGHU WR GHVLJQ ZDWHU Č´OWHUV IRU 6\ULDQV LQVLGH 6\ULD DQG HÎ?HFWLYHO\ SODQ VDQLWDWLRQ systems in refugee camps and other areas of Syria. She has also worked IRU QRQSURČ´W RUJDQL]DWLRQV DQG FRUSRUDWLRQV JLYLQJ KHU WKH QHFHVVDU\ VNLOOV WR FUHDWLYHO\ DQG HÎ?HFWLYHO\ DGGUHVV WKH PXOWLIDFHWHG QHHGV RI WKH 6\ULDQ SHRSOH 1RRU FXUUHQWO\ ZRUNV DV D UHVHDUFK LQWHUQ DW + /HH 0RÉ?WW &DQFHU &HQWHU DQG LV D 3ROLF\ )HOORZ IRU WKH 6\ULDQ (PHUJHQF\ 7DVN )RUFH
Page 18 Âť Happening Now
FOLLOW NOOR ON TWITTER:
@therealnoor
GO ONLINE TO WWW.ASM.ORG/CULTURES TO READ NOOR’S FULL INTERVIEW
Noor with Syrian children at a school that her team opened to serve children living in the nearby refugee camp.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 19
DEMOCRATIZING SCIENCE THROUGH CURIOSITY MANU PRAKASH | CO-INVENTOR OF A FOLDABLE MICROSCOPE | AGE 34 | PG. 22
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL HEALTH LEADERS MAYA COHEN | MOVEMENT BUILDER AGE 25 | PG. 36
REINVENTING EDUCATION TO SPARK YOUTH INNOVATION DAVID SENGEH | SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR | AGE 27 | PG. 42 WITH ARIAM MOGOS & HEATHER COLE-LEWIS
In each issue, we ask experts to write an essay from their perspective on the central theme. In this issue, they UHȵHFW RQ WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI empowering young people today to shape tomorrow. CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 21
RRO OLLEE O OFF C CU URRIIO OSSIITTYY –– D DRRIIVVEEN N RREESSEEAARRC CH H IIN N TTH HEE EEVVO OLV LVIIN NG GG GLLO OBBAALL SSC CIIEEN NC CEE LLAAN ND DSSC CAAPPEE BY: BY: MANU MANU PRAKASH PRAKASH
Looking at the night sky, we have all wondered, how far are those twinkling bits of light. It is an experience that every person on the SODQHW FDQ KDYH ZLWK QR H[WHUQDO WRROV Č‚ DOO \RX QHHG LV JRRG H\H VLJKW $ VHQVH RI ZRQGHU Č´OOV DOO RI XV ZLWK MR\ VRPHWLPHV D OLWWOH ELW RI IHDU for the next apocalyptic event or an alien ship. But mostly we are overwhelmed with an immense sense of curiosity about our place in this universe, how we came to be, and where we are going. Curiosity, which is engraved in the structure of the human mind, is the driving VRXUFH RI DOO RI RXU VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH DQG WKH WHFKQRORJLFDO KHDGways we have made. From the moment we started walking as apes on this planet to this day, where we can contemplate the start of the universe itself, curiosity has been the sole source of new ideas. So why is it that we do not celebrate curiosity in our society and rigorously teach how to be and stay curious, to provide the means and methods to cultivate and culture it, and to encourage the young ones to use it in everyday life? I have often wondered what role curiosity plays in our evolving establishment of modern sciences. More often, I have also worried about the fact that we are marginalizing the role of curiosity in the global VFLHQFH HGXFDWLRQ ODQGVFDSH" ΖQ WKH UDFH WR TXLFNO\ WHDFK DOO WKH EXON RI KXPDQ NQRZOHGJH WR WKH \RXQJ RQHV Č‚ REYLRXV IURP WKH VL]H RI VFKRRO EDJV HYHU\ NLG FDUULHV RQ KLV KHU EDFN Č‚ ZH PLJKW EH WDNLQJ away from them the very essence of what science education is supposed to be, which is to learn how to learn and solve new problems with a fresh new outlook. Although “curiosity-driven scienceâ€? is at the KHDUW RI DQ\ VFLHQWLČ´F GLVFRYHU\ LW LV D SKUDVH WKDW JHWV WXFNHG XQGHU the carpet and does not make the headlines. Through some personal recollections and viewpoints, I will try to tease out the obstacles we face in teaching the spirit of “curiosity-driven scienceâ€? and what we could possibly do about the current state.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 23
A FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGE IN GLOBAL SCIENCE EDUCATION :K\ LV LW VR GLÉ?FXOW WR VXSSRUW DQG HQFRXUDJH \RXQJ VFLHQWLVWV WR pursue curiosity-driven science? We are all born with the senses to learn. On this beautiful planet of ours, we are also born with the “right to learn.â€? As toddlers, we touch, feel, and taste this world, and our senses teach us what this world is made of. A young child is the SLQQDFOH RI D FXULRXV KXPDQ EHLQJ DQG LQ HVVHQFH GHČ´QHV ZKDW LW means to be curious. So what do we have to do to stay curious? As the current society stands, not all of us are lucky enough to keep this sense of wonder throughout our life span and especially are not given the permission to practice curiosity throughout our life. It is almost as LI ZH ZLSH WKLV VHQVH RI DVNLQJ TXHVWLRQV DQG H[SORUDWLRQV ULJKW IURP the hands of young explorers. One must wonder, maybe curiosity is not valued enough in our current society, including our educational, VFLHQWLČ´F DQG QRQVFLHQWLČ´F HVWDEOLVKPHQWV 0LJKW WKLV GHWHU XV IURP pursuing a lifestyle that keeps this subtle sense alive in all of us? This challenge takes the worst form when it comes to science education Č‚ HVSHFLDOO\ LQ D JOREDO FRQWH[W ZKHUH WKH DFFHVV WR UHVRXUFHV WLPH DQG attention by teachers is lacking, and the competition to succeed (and VXFFHHG DV TXLFNO\ DV SRVVLEOH DW DQ HDUO\ DJH XVLQJ WKH HVWDEOLVKHG and standardized testing norms is so stringent and strict. If we do not give our young scientists room for error, we might never be able to teach them what it means to do science. Any scientist can attest that the feeling of being lost, in a cloud of ideas that are confusing and FRQWUDGLFWRU\ LV WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW PRPHQW LQ D VFLHQWLČ´F GLVFRYHU\ When might this critical lesson be taught to our young scientists? :KLOH FRQWHPSODWLQJ WKLV TXHVWLRQ ZH PXVW UHPHPEHU WKH QH[W generation of scientists is the one that will be solving the unforeseen problems our planet will face in the near future. )LUVW OHW XV WDNH D VWHS EDFN DQG PDNH D TXLFN DVVHVVPHQW RI WKH global state of science education. If I was to do a rough back-of-theenvelope calculation, we have approximately two billion kids on our SODQHW EHORZ WKH DJH RI WKLV GHFDGH 7KDW LV D ORW RI \RXQJ OHDUQHUV who are eager and waiting to absorb the fruits of science. Now, that is the good news. But do we have the global human resources or infrastructure to introduce science in a hands-on manner to this global community? Absolutely not. The condition is so desperate that developed countries have struggled to gather resources during this critical period of development for a child.
Page 24 Âť On the Ground Âť Prakash
Hands-on science has always been available to only a very few. This GLVWLQFWLRQ KDV EHHQ NQRZQ WR PDNH WKH GLHUHQFH RQ ZKR WDNHV RQ FUHDWLYH VFLHQFH DQG HQJLQHHULQJ EDVHG MREV LQ WKH VRFLHW\ (YHQ in places that have science programs available, such as the United States, thirty percent of science students drop out after the freshman year in college. This alarming statistic is also tied with the cost of education at large. Finally, the value of context-dependent science KDV EHHQ PDUJLQDOL]HG Ȃ PD\EH ZKDW D NLG VKRXOG GR IRU KLV VFLHQFH IDLU SURMHFW LQ 0RQJROLD RU .HQ\D ZLOO EH GLHUHQW IURP ZKDW D NLG SLFNV XS LQ $ODVND 7KHVH WUHQGV DUH UHȵHFWHG LQ KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ DV ZHOO WKH PDMRULW\ RI QHZ GLVFRYHULHV DUH SULPDULO\ PDGH LQ GHYHORSHG nations. This particularly skews and reduces the focus from problems faced in developing countries. :KDW LI DFFHVV WR VFLHQWLȴF WRROV ZDV QRW VR H[SHQVLYH" +RZ does access to tools for science make for a participatory science environment for everybody? What are the appropriate tools that every child needs to have access to? Clearly, technology has shaped our society in a dramatic way, where we can currently watch a live YLGHR IHHG DOPRVW IURP WKH VXUIDFH RI 0DUV 6R KRZ FDQ ZH XVH technological breakthroughs to provide access to open explorations RI WKH VFLHQWLȴF ZRUOG WR HYHU\ NLG RQ WKH SODQHW" +RZ ZLOO ZH VFDOH new ideas in science education through the power of technology?
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 25
IS ACCESS TO SCIENCE A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF EVERY CHILD? /HW XV DVN DQ HYHQ PRUH EDVLF TXHVWLRQ 'R ZH DJUHH WKDW DFFHVV to science is a fundamental right of every child and every human being? Let me clarify, when I say access to science, I truly mean access to actually doing science with one’s own hands. I believe it is. %XW WKLV YLVLRQ UHPDLQV XQIXOČ´OOHG ZLWKRXW DFFHVV WR WRROV IRU RSHQ H[SORUDWLRQV RI D VFLHQWLČ´F GLVFLSOLQH ΖQ WKH SDVW GHFDGH ZLWK WKH drive to organize all of human knowledge and unforeseen advances in Internet technologies, we have made great strides in making VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH DFFHVVLEOH WR UHPRWH SDUWV RI WKH ZRUOG Ζ RIWHQ wonder, though, is that enough? Would the young Galileo’s among us EH VDWLVČ´HG LI WKH\ ZHUH MXVW WROG WKDW WKH HDUWK UHYROYHV DURXQG WKH sun? Would the young Newton’s be happy with the formulation of the ODZV RI JUDYLWDWLRQ MXVW JLYHQ WR WKHP DV D IDFW" Ζ GRXEW WKDW 7R EULQJ WUXH YDOXH DQG DSSUHFLDWLRQ RI VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH ZH QHHG WKH URDG of doing science to be more accessible around the world, from the remote Mongolian plains to the mountains of Alaska. Let me try to make this abstract idea a little more tangible. I was in a Cameroonian village earlier this summer. I was surrounded by the most beautiful lush green forests I had seen in my entire life, but the experience that stuck with me was a conversation with an “educatedâ€? young adult. I learned from him about the beliefs and practices of “miracleâ€? and “magicâ€? as a solution to terrible LQIHFWLRXV GLVHDVHV LQČľLFWHG RQ KLV SHRSOH +HUH Ζ ZDV GHDOLQJ ZLWK trying to explain why voodoo will not work and why a better option for him was to get rid of parasites in the body. The conversation ZDV GLÉ?FXOW EHFDXVH WKLV ČŠHGXFDWHGČ‹ \RXQJ PDQ KDG DFFHVV WR the knowledge, but not to the act of doing science with his own hands. He had never looked at a parasite, so why should he truly believe that such a thing exists. Human beliefs are formed from experiences we have in our daily lives. This is why intuition plays such a critical role in our life. What was lacking in his education ZDV DFWXDOO\ D PRPHQW ZKHUH KH IHOW KH ZDV SDUW RI D VFLHQWLČ´F H[SHULPHQW ZKHUH KH DVNHG D TXHVWLRQ DQG ZDV DEOH WR DQVZHU it by himself, where he made mistakes and corrected and learned from them to result in an informed self. Unless we provide the PHDQV RI H[SORULQJ VFLHQWLČ´F GLVFLSOLQHV WR WKH PDVVHV ZH ZLOO DOZD\V Č´QG DQ XSKLOO EDWWOH WR HQDEOLQJ \RXQJ H[SORUHUV WR WDNH WKH SDWK RI VFLHQWLČ´F WKLQNLQJ DQG WKH WULHG DQG WHVWHG ZLVGRP WKDW
Page 26 Âť On the Ground Âť Prakash
FRPHV DORQJ ZLWK LW ΖI \RX VWLOO KDYH GRXEWV DERXW WKH GLÎ?HUHQFH in believing science and practicing science, try convincing a curious six-year-old why he should wash his hands to get rid of all the “invisibleâ€? germs from his hands. ΖQ WKH QH[W GHFDGH VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH VKRXOG EH DFFHVVLEOH everywhere and anywhere. We, as scientists, need to work hard WR PDNH WKH DFW DQG YHU\ PHDQV RI DFTXLULQJ VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH DFFHVVLEOH HYHU\ZKHUH DQG DQ\ZKHUH Č‚ WR DOO FRUQHUV RI WKLV SODQHW 2QH RI WKH DQVZHUV OLHV LQ WKH FRVW RI GHSOR\LQJ VFLHQWLČ´F WRROV DQG associated knowledge globally.
A LESSON FROM A DELHI SLUM I want to return to the value of curiosity. I have learned my fair share of secrets on how to stay curious from 10-year-olds around the world. More than a decade ago, I found myself in a dense slum in the heart of the metropolitan city of New Delhi. I was at a local community center teaching robotics to 10-year-olds who had never been to school before. Instead of learning robotics, one of my students took me to her home and opened up a sewing machine. She taught me the intricacies of how a sewing machine actually works. This was the only source of livelihood for her family, and she was in charge of keeping it functional. Her innate FXULRVLW\ DERXW WKLV REMHFW UHDOO\ LQVSLUHG me personally. It was an experience that LQȾXHQFHG PH $IWHU WKDW GD\ VXGGHQO\ HYHU\GD\ REMHFWV EHFDPH IDVFLQDWLQJ hidden treasures of deep knowledge cultivated and curated by many who have come before me. What surrounds us all is so fascinating and beautiful, we only need an eye to see it. I had left my home that morning to teach in the slums of Delhi BONUS DIGITAL and had gotten a beautiful lesson in the CONTENT purpose of education itself. Visit us at asm.org/ cultures to access MY OWN STORY bonus content such as Manu’s TED Talk and I grew up in semirural settings in India. videos of individuals A lot of my time was spent bumbling in using the Foldscope. nature, and we were surrounded by it.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 27
I did not ever own my own personal microscope, but I tried to make one VHYHUDO WLPHV 0\ ȴUVW DWWHPSW ZDV to use my brother’s eye glasses that I stole from him (he had a highSRZHU OHQV ȴWWHG LQ D EDGPLQWRQ shuttle cardboard tube. It did not work because I did not have his glasses for very long (as you can only imagine, he needed them back LPPHGLDWHO\ Ζ PDGH RQH PRUH serious attempt and searched the markets of Rampur, a small town in the northern plains of India. I got the microscope working the second time with a three-lens assembly, although I had to search IRU VHYHUDO PRQWKV WR ȴQG WKH ULJKW OHQVHV LQ WKH MXQN\DUGV DQG perfectly sized cardboard tubes WKDW ȴW LQVLGH HDFK RWKHU Ζ GLVWLQFWO\ UHPHPEHU XVLQJ D ȵRZHU DV WKH ȴUVW REMHFW Ζ HYHU ORRNHG DW XQGHU a microscope. That experience of seeing the world that was invisible to me moments before peering into the end of the cardboard tube hypnotized me completely. How was it possible that my experience, seen with my very own eyes, is only a small part of how the world actually works. I knew I wanted to unlock these secrets the moment I looked into the end of that cardboard tube. This invisible ZRUOG KDV PHVPHUL]HG QRW MXVW me, but uncountable scientists, as is evident from biographies of famous explorers, doctors, and inventors. Seeing the unseen has a GHHS URRWHG LQȵXHQFH RQ \RX
How do we make this mesmerizing experience available to every single kid on the planet. Is it possible to bring about a universal SURJUDP RI ČŠPLFURVFRSH IRU HYHU\ FKLOGČ‹ Č‚ D YLVLRQ ZKHUH MXVW DV ZLWK a ball point pen, every kid in the world is carrying a microscope in his/ her pocket? I think so.
DEMOCRATIZING SCIENTIFIC TOOLS :H DOO NQRZ WKH Č´UVW IHHOLQJ RI VHHLQJ WKH VXUIDFH RI WKH PRRQ ZLWK D WHOHVFRSH (YHU\ VFLHQWLČ´F WRRO WHOOV WKH KLVWRU\ RI VFLHQFH DQG discovery in a way that no words can describe. The moment you experience science, you are exactly experiencing the same moment some of the “giants of scienceâ€? did, although sometime before you. 7KH IDFW WKDW D VFLHQWLČ´F GLVFRYHU\ KDV EHHQ PDGH EHIRUH VKRXOG SOD\ no role in diminishing your own enthusiasm about rediscovering a SKHQRPHQRQ EXW \RX VKRXOG FLWH \RXU VRXUFH RI LQVSLUDWLRQV 7KLV is a subtle lesson that we need to teach young explorers, since all the prizes and accolades are often only associated with original GLVFRYHULHV /HDUQLQJ WR GR VFLHQFH UHTXLUHV HQMR\LQJ GLVFRYHULHV WKDW KDYH EHHQ PDGH EHIRUH DQG DVNLQJ WKH QH[W TXHVWLRQV WKDW FRPH DORQJ Č‚ ZKDW LI 7KHVH H[SORUDWLRQ GULYHQ GLVFRYHULHV FRXOG EH HQDEOHG E\ EULQJLQJ VFLHQWLČ´F WRROV LQWR WKH KDQGV RI WKH PDVVHV and letting them pursue whatever passion they have. The value of RSHQ H[SORUDWLRQV ZLWK DFFHVVLEOH VFLHQWLČ´F WRROV OLHV LQ RSHQ HQGHG TXHVWLRQLQJ QRW NQRZLQJ ZKHUH WKH VHULHV RI TXHVWLRQV PLJKW WDNH \RX 3UDFWLFLQJ WKLV EHOLHI ZH ZLOO QRW MXVW WHDFK VFLHQWLČ´F IDFWV EXW ZH ZLOO WHDFK WKH QH[W JHQHUDWLRQ KRZ WR SUDFWLFH VFLHQFH LWVHOI Č‚ DQG give them the means of solving the unforeseen problems we have not encountered before.
THE FOLDSCOPE We all can look at a starry night and appreciate the vastness of space DERYH XV %XW WKH PLFURVFRSLF ZRUOG DOWKRXJK HTXDOO\ IDVFLQDWLQJ remains invisible to our unaided eyes. Although astronomy, space ČľLJKW DQG D SDVVLQJ E\ HDUWK ERXQG VDWHOOLWH LQVSLUH KXQGUHGV RI millions of kids every day, the fascinating wonders of an analogous “microscopic cosmosâ€? has remained reserved for the very few who have access to expensive, fragile, and bulky table-top tools used for microscopy. With a vision of “frugal science,â€? one of my goals has been to make this rich “world of small thingsâ€? accessible and immersible to OLWHUDOO\ HYHU\ NLG DQG DGXOW RQ WKH SODQHW
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 29
Our relationship with nature has changed dramatically in the past two decades and has become extremely passive. The complexity and fragility of our ecosystems remain hidden to citizens because we do not directly engage and interact with life forms at close range. How do we change the relationship of society with our living, breathing world? The availability of microscopy anywhere, anytime will enable citizens to connect to their natural surroundings in a more meaningful way. )RU H[DPSOH DVN \RXUVHOI D VLPSOH TXHVWLRQ KDYH \RX VHHQ \RXU RZQ cells before? The raw material you are made of. How thick is a layer of rust? Or how big is a drop that makes a rainbow? How does hair split? +RZ PDQ\ FHOO OD\HUV H[LVW LQ D ČľDW OHDI" +RZ ELJ LV D PDODULD SDUDVLWH" Understanding the relationship between length scales (from big to VPDOO LV D FULWLFDO DVSHFW RI DQ\ Č´HOG RI SK\VLFDO VFLHQFH LQFOXGLQJ biology, nanosciences, chemistry, and physics. We further postulate, in the 21st century, to develop deeper intuition for the physical SKHQRPHQD VXUURXQGLQJ XV DOO FLWL]HQV QHHG Č´UVW KDQG DFFHVV WR WKH “microscopic cosmos.â€?
Page 30 Âť On the Ground Âť Prakash
Optical instruments also play a critical role in the diagnostics of human GLVHDVHV ZLWK WKH XVH RI Č´HOG PLFURscopes. Rugged microscopy infrastructure for disease diagnostics is almost nonexistent in developing countries. More than one billion people in the world today are at extreme risk of infectious diseases (including malaria, Chagas, giardiasis and a large number of neglected tropical diseasHV ZLWK QR VFDODEOH VROXWLRQ LQ SODFH Although microscopy is the gold standard for many infectious diseases in developing countries, a critical missing piece of the puzzle is an ultra-low-cost, KLJK SHUIRUPDQFH VROXWLRQ IRU Č´HOG microscopy that can truly be scaled to billions of tests every year. Another puzzle is training a large number of health workers capable of delivering KLJK TXDOLW\ GLDJQRVWLFV DQG KHDOWK services in remote settings.
FRUGAL SCIENCE My interest in getting back to my own roots was revived several years ago, when I took upon myself to spend at least half of my academic time thinking about frugal science. I spent some of this time in the Č´HOG DQG VHHLQJ WKH VWDWH RI WKH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH IRU KHDOWK FDUH DQG WKH UROH RI PLFURVFRS\ PDGH PH UHYLVLW WKLV TXHVWLRQ WRJHWKHU ZLWK VWXGHQWV IURP P\ ODERUDWRU\ :H JRW WR WKLQNLQJ DERXW WKH problem of scale and constraints. Every design solution should start with a problem and constraint in mind, and we put some very strict constraints on our solution space. 7U\LQJ WR JUDSSOH ZLWK DOO WKHVH TXHVWLRQV UHFHQWO\ P\ ODERUDWRU\ has demonstrated Foldscope, an origami-based optical microscope WKDW FDQ EH DVVHPEOHG YLD IROGLQJ D ČľDW VKHHW RI SDSHU LQ PLQXWHV Although it costs less than a dollar in parts, it can provide over 2,000Ă— PDJQLČ´FDWLRQ ZLWK VXEPLFURQ UHVROXWLRQ LV H[WUHPHO\ OLJKWZHLJKW and compact (70 Ă— 20 Ă— 2 mm3 RSHUDWHV ZLWK QR H[WHUQDO SRZHU LV
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 31
undamaged when dropped from a 3-story building or stepped on by a person, and can be incinerated after use. Its minimalistic, scalable GHVLJQ LV LQKHUHQWO\ DSSOLFDWLRQ VSHFLČ´F WKXV HQDEOLQJ GLVHDVH VSHFLČ´F GLDJQRVWLF LQVWUXPHQWV 7KH PLFURVFRSH XVHV HPEHGGHG PLFURČľXLGLF polymer optics, apertures, and an origami folding scheme with integrated optical, illumination, and focusing stage, all synthesized from a single sheet of A4 paper. With inherent roll-to-roll processing, manufacturing can be scaled up to billions of microscopes per year. ΖQWHUIDFLDO ČľXLG G\QDPLFV LV H[SORLWHG WR V\QWKHVL]H JUDGLHQW LQGH[ optics enabling printing of microscale optical components on 2-D sheets of paper. A series of folds converts this single sheet into a fully functional optical instrument with origami-based passive alignment precision of less than 10 Îźm. All of this has allowed us to conceptualize a completely new paradigm for “use-and-throw microscopyâ€? in global health and science education. Accessible science can only be brought to the masses if it is scalable. We are currently engaging tinkerers, thinkers, teachers, organizations, and anybody who cares about science education in a large-scale H[SHULPHQW RI RXU RZQ Č‚ ZH FDOO LW WKH ČŠ7HQ 7KRXVDQG 0LFURVFRSH Experiment.â€? Although I realize this a drop in the ocean (thinking DERXW ELOOLRQ NLGV RQ WKH SODQHW \RX KDYH WR VWDUW VRPHZKHUH Ζ remain committed to bringing microscopy to the masses one step at a time. The goal of this medium-scale experiment is subtle. We would like to engage a large crowd of amateur and professional VFLHQWLVWV WR WRJHWKHU ZULWH WKH ČŠZRUOGȇV Č´UVW FURZG VRXUFHG ELRORJ\ PLFURVFRS\ ODE PDQXDO Č‹ 7KLV ZLOO EH D UHSRVLWRU\ RI FXULRXV TXHVWLRQV microscopy observations, and “aha momentsâ€? written by people from all walks of life (from celebrated scientists to tinkerers to lovers RI WKH RXWGRRUV WR NLGV DVNLQJ TXHVWLRQV LQ DQ RSHQ VRXUFH IDVKLRQ from around the world. Currently, we have curious tinkerers from 130 countries around the world signed up and we are in lock step to ship 50,000 microscopes to 10,000 participants by the end of the summer. Although this is the largest undertaking I have ever engaged LQ LQ P\ SHUVRQDO OLIH ZKLFK EULQJV DERXW PRPHQWV RI SDQLF WKH submissions and entries I receive from students and young scientists DURXQG WKH ZRUOG Č´OOV P\ KHDUW ZLWK D ORW RI KRSH &RQWH[W GULYHQ VFLHQFH LV DOPRVW D QHFHVVLW\ Č‚ ORFDO SHRSOH VROYLQJ ORFDO SUREOHPV ΖQ academic isolation, it is almost impossible to actually perceive what problems need to be solved in a village in Nigeria or in the heartland of Mumbai. Only by providing the means to solutions will we ever be able to bring prosperity on the planet where human beings will not
Page 32 Âť On the Ground Âť Prakash
VXÎ?HU IURP QHHGOHVV FXUDEOH GLVHDVHV RU HQYLURQPHQWDO problems they have the means to solve in their own hands. 7KH MR\ RI D GLVFRYHU\ LV PXOWLSOLHG E\ VKDULQJ WKH VDPH ZLWK WKH ZRUOG $ NLG LQ 1HEUDVND FDQ SRVW KLV Č´QGLQJV DQG another kid in Hawaii can follow up and build on top of that. 7KLV IUHHO\ ČľRZLQJ GLVFRYHU\ SODWIRUP LV DW D VWDUN FRQWUDVW to how science is done today in closed communities with emphasis on claims and ownership instead of open sharing and propagation of knowledge. Since the community will share the exact same hardware tools (Foldscope ZH IXUWKHU propose to develop and support the largest amateur microscopy community online. A way to think of this online FRPPXQLW\ ZRXOG EH DQ RQOLQH MRXUQDO IRU ČŠNLGV DQG FLWL]HQ scientistsâ€? where the value of discovery is multiplied by sharing with the larger community. It also emphasizes the value of documentation and acute observation, a critical lesson all scientists need to learn. I always carry at least one microscope in my pocket, at all times. If I get caught without a microscope, it is a little embarrassing. People react in a number RI ZD\V Č´UVW ZLWK GLVEHOLHI DQG ODVW trying to give me a dollar in exchange IRU WKH PLFURVFRSH Ζ MXVW GHPRQVWUDWHG to them. Foldscopes are counterintuitive WR WKH SHUFHSWLRQ RI D PLFURVFRSH Č‚ DQ iconic image of science that is assumed to be fragile and delicate. We hope that very soon we will solve the later problem by making the microscopes available to everybody.
“ENJOY WHAT YOU DO. SCIENCE IS A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT. YOU MIGHT GET AHEAD EARLY ON, BUT HAVE THE ENERGY FOR THE LONG RUN. THE LONG RUN HAS JOYS THAT THE SHORT RUN WILL NEVER GIVE YOU.� - MANU PRAKASH
UNIVERSAL PROGRAM FOR MICROSCOPE FOR EVERY CHILD ON THE PLANET We have a long road ahead of us; both further improving performance, building millions of instruments at scale, exploring training programs for microscopy with health ZRUNHUV LQ PLQG DQG IXUWKHU RSWLPL]LQJ GLVHDVH VSHFLČ´F microscopes. This will take several years to get through with
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 33
A MESSAGE TO YOUNG SCIENTISTS & INVENTORS: 1.
Stop worrying too much about basic science and applied science. Train and do both; it is very hard to do one without the other in this day and age.
2.
Make mistakes and learn from them. It is not about JHWWLQJ WKH ULJKW DQVZHU EXW DERXW Č´QGLQJ VXUSULVHV LQ nature (often followed by the expression “ahh... that looks funny.. is that probableâ€?). That is what gives you a head start.
3.
Enjoy what you do. Science is a marathon and not a sprint. You might get ahead early on, but have the energy for the long run. The long run has joys that the short run will never give you.
4. Trust your instincts. If it is an interesting question to you, it deserves your attention.
5.
Stop asking other people permission to do science by joining his/her laboratory. If you do not have all the facilities, you just need to make do with what you have and charge ahead. The best science is not always done in perfect conditions. The only thing you need to remember is that science needs to be done carefully, whether it is done in a garage or a perfect glass-covered laboratory.
6. :DWFK ORWV RI VFL Č´ PRYLHV ZKR NQRZV ZKDW \RX PLJKW bring to life.
the support of organizations who believe in the mission. We further strongly believe that connecting the dots from science education DQG JOREDO KHDOWK ZLOO SURYLGH D ORQJ WHUP SRVLWLYH LPSDFW LQ ȴJKWLQJ infectious diseases. %XW SHUVRQDOO\ WR PH WKH TXHVWLRQ RI ȊZKDW KDSSHQV WR WKH ZRUOG LI every kid carried a microscope in his/her pocket?� is what drives me. A big inspiration for me is a ball point pen; a revolutionary tool that allows anybody to write, and every kid carries it in his/her Page 34  On the Ground  Prakash
pocket. I would like to make “microscope itâ€? a common phrase SHRSOH ZRXOG XVH DURXQG GLQQHU WDEOH MXVW OLNH ZH VD\ ČŠ*RRJOH LW Č‹ (QDEOLQJ HYHU\ERG\ QRW MXVW VFLHQWLVWV WR H[SORUH WKH PLFURFRVPRV is something that keeps me up at night.
A FINAL STORY FROM THE TRENCHES I was in a remote part of Uganda, with one of my students, Jim Cybulski; and we were trying to convince a 60-year-old Ugandan microscopist ZKR KDG WUDLQHG KXQGUHGV RI PLFURVFRSLVWV LQ KLV FRXQWU\ DERXW the power of the Foldscope. After my initial conversation at his local heath clinic, he stopped me and said “you are telling me I can do microscopy under a treeâ€? and he chuckled. I laughed, held his hand, and asked him to come out with me under a tree and continued to demonstrate the microscopes. That was an incredible moment for PH EHFDXVH ZH KDG MXVW VKDWWHUHG KLV EHOLHI RI ZKDW PLFURVFRS\ DQG science is. Getting his approval and encouragement meant a lot to PH WKDW QLJKW VLQFH LW LV SHRSOH OLNH KLP ZKR Č´JKW WHUULEOH GLVHDVHV and are in the trenches where the real problems are. To enhance his capabilities is really the dream we should all aim to achieve.
MANU PRAKASH, Ph.D. Manu Prakash is an Assistant Professor in Bioengineering at Stanford 8QLYHUVLW\ DQG DÉ?OLDWH RI WKH 6WDQIRUG :RRGV ΖQVWLWXWH IRU WKH Environment and BioPhysics Program. Manu is a recent Pew Scholar, D 7HUPDQ )HOORZ DQG D 7(' 6HQLRU )HOORZ DQG D WZR WLPHV *DWHV ([SORUDWLRQV *UDQW :LQQHU +H VSHQGV KLV WLPH GLYLGHG between “frugal scienceâ€? and “organismic biophysics.â€? His laboratory applies techniques GHULYHG IURP VRIW FRQGHQVHG PDWWHU SK\VLFV ČľXLG G\QDPLFV FRPSXWHU VFLHQFH DQG bioengineering to study the structure and function of biological entities. Prakash was born in a small town close to Meerut, ΖQGLD +H HDUQHG D %7HFK LQ FRPSXWHU science and engineering from the Indian ΖQVWLWXWH RI 7HFKQRORJ\ LQ .DQSXU +H GLG KLV PDVWHUȇV DQG 3K ' DW 0Ζ7 EHIRUH VWDUWLQJ KLV laboratory at Stanford.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 35
TO
WITH INTENTIONS Exploring the role of undergraduate students in global health
By:
Maya Cohen
In recent months, many publications, from The Atlantic to The Onion, KDYH VKDUSO\ FULWLTXHG WKH ZD\V LQ ZKLFK SULYLOHJHG \RXQJ SHRSOH DUH engaging with, and representing, communities in poverty around the world. The authors’ messages to these “voluntouristsâ€? attempting to “be the change,â€? range from “be more thoughtfulâ€? to “stay out.â€? These criticisms are valid and important. However, to simply say, “do QRW HQJDJH Č‹ LV DQ LQDGHTXDWH UHVSRQVH )LUVW EHFDXVH RXU KXPDQLWDULDQ HWKLFV FDOO XV WR UHVSRQG WR SURIRXQG LQHTXLW\ DQG KXPDQ VXIfering. Second, because young people are always going to hunger to travel and contribute to social change. Finally, because, as we must UDLVH RXU YRLFHV DJDLQVW KDUPIXO DSSURDFKHV LW LV RXU HTXDO UHVSRQVLbility to develop and champion solutions. But can young people work with marginalized communities in ways that are deeply respectful, mutually accountable, and reciprocally transformative? YES. +RZ GR Ζ NQRZ" 7KLV LV WKH TXHVWLRQ WKDW VSDUNHG WKH ELUWK RI GlobeMed, the organization I lead alongside students and grassroots health leaders around the world. Together, we have spent the past eight years developing a model that responsibly harnesses the passion and resources of undergraduate students to fuel the dreams that communities have for their own change. I T S TA R T E D W I T H A P R O F O U N D FA I L U R E .
$OH[LV +HUQDQGH] RI *OREH0HG DW &RORUDGR &ROOHJH GDQFHV ZLWK D JURXS RI orphans and vulnerable children during their performance for a support group meeting attended in Mumias, Kenya with their partner, Western 2UJDQL]DWLRQ RI 3HRSOH /LYLQJ ZLWK +Ζ9 $Ζ'6 :23/$+
In 2004, a group of students from Northwestern University traveled to Ho, Ghana and witnessed a lack of medical care. They decided to build a health clinic. Back on campus, the students raised more than $20,000, and the HOPE Center was constructed. However, by the sumPHU RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ZLWK FRPPXQLW\ OHDGHUV ZDV GLÉ?FXOW DQG the students were unsure if the clinic was functioning. A student, Victor Roy, decided to visit the center and report back. When Victor arrived in Ghana, he found an empty clinic: no doctors, no nurses, and no patients. Confounded, he spent the next few weeks DWWHPSWLQJ WR Č´JXUH RXW ZKDW ZHQW ZURQJ )LQDOO\ KH DVNHG WKH OHDGHU of the community, Joseph Achana, “Why did you let us build this clinic if it wasn’t what the community wanted?â€? Joseph replied, “Victor, we are African. We listen to our donors.â€? In that moment, Victor realized the students had made a terrible misWDNH 5DWKHU WKDQ VWDUWLQJ ZLWK TXHVWLRQV WKH\ DVVXPHG WKH\ KDG DQswers. Victor and Joseph sat down, and, this time, Victor did the listening. Page 38 Âť On the Ground Âť Cohen
Back on campus, Victor brought his realization back to his peers. /XFNLO\ 6N\SH ZDV MXVW VWDUWLQJ WR PDNH FKHDS JOREDO FRPPXQLFDtion possible. The students began communicating regularly with Ho’s community leaders, rebuilding their relationship based on trust and collaboration. By 2007 the clinic opened, running programs designed by and for the local community to address their top priorities, such as childhood malnutrition. The students worked with the new +23( &HQWHU VWDÎ? WR EULQJ LQ QXUVHV IURP WKH *KDQDLDQ KHDOWK PLQistry, construct a pathology laboratory, and expand outreach programs. Through partnership, the clinic came to life. The Northwestern students were thrilled with the impact they and the HOPE Center were achieving together, but their work felt incomplete. They knew that young people across the country were repeating their mistakes in communities around the world. What if they could share this model of partnership with their peers on other campuses? Could students across the United States work in solidarity with grassroots leaders around the world to fuel their communities’ dreams “ TODAY WE CAN IRU FKDQJH" 7KH\ GHFLGHG WR Č´QG RXW SAY CONFIDENTLY In Spring 2007, the group at NorthwestTHAT AMERICAN ern brought 45 students from seven uniSTUDENTS DO HAVE versities together to design a new model of student engagement in global health: A ROLE TO PLAY IN They would create chapters at univerIMPROVING THE sities across the country. Each chapter HEALTH OF PEOPLE would form a multiyear partnership with LIVING IN POVERTY one community health organization, IF THEY NAVIGATE BY supporting their work through fundraisA STRONG VALUES ing, research, training, and volunteering. Students would experience year-round COMPASS.â€? education, discernment, and training to - MAYA COHEN EH HTXLSSHG IRU FRPPXQLW\ HQJDJHPHQW EDVHG LQ VROLGDULW\ DQG FULWLFDO UHČľHFWLRQ $ QDWLRQDO RÉ?FH VWDÎ?HG E\ VWXGHQWV DQG \RXQJ DOXPV ZRXOG FRQQHFW students, partner organizations, alumni, and supporters in one global network. GlobeMed was born. Since then, GlobeMed has grown to 56 campuses, working with 56 orgaQL]DWLRQV LQ /DWLQ $PHULFD $IULFD DQG $VLD 2XU PRGHO LV HTXLSSLQJ RYHU 2,000 undergraduate students to work with community health organizations in 17 countries to improve the lives of people living in poverty. CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 39
7RGD\ ZH FDQ VD\ FRQČ´GHQWO\ WKDW $PHULFDQ VWXGHQWV GR KDYH D UROH WR play in improving the health of people living in poverty if they navigate by a strong values compass. Working with our students and community partners, we have developed six Core Leadership Values that are HVVHQWLDO IRU HÎ?HFWLYH DQG UHVSRQVLEOH JOREDO HQJDJHPHQW
1. DIG DEEP
We develop the skills of critical thinking and SHUVRQDO GLVFHUQPHQW HTXLSSLQJ VWXGHQWV WR EXLOG DZDUHQHVV and understanding about themselves and the world.
2. SEE POSSIBILITY
We help our students to see the ability to learn, connect, grow, and contribute to positive change in diverse people and situations.
3. GROW TOGETHER
We create a community in which individuals accompany each other, cultivating a global network that inspires, challenges, and sustains them.
4. BE BOLD
We challenge students to put their values in front of ego and fear, doing what it takes to make the change the world needs.
5. FOLLOW THROUGH
We expect our students to hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and accountability, especially when working in vulnerable communities.
6. STAY AUTHENTIC
We create an environment where students can let themselves be known, remaining grounded and humble even as they aim for the boldest vision.
Our students are applying these values to expand the health impact of their partner organizations. In the words of one community health OHDGHU ČŠ*OREH0HG VWXGHQWV DUH GLÎ?HUHQW 7KH\ GRQȇW MXVW VHQG PRQH\ They practice solidarity. They come to work together with us, sharing ideas and brainstorming, but in the end, they always respect and support our decisions.â€? To empower the next generation of global health innovators, we must develop this internal compass in our students along with technical skills. By working in partnership, today’s students can be the change partners our world truly needs. Page 40 Âť On the Ground Âť Cohen
0LFKDHO 'LHQVWEDFK RI *OREH0HG DW /R\ROD 8QLYHUVLW\ &KLFDJR WDNHV LQ the hilltop sunset during Fiesta del Sol with Alfonzo, son of the director of Ecuadorian health clinic Jambi Huasi.
MAYA COHEN 0D\D &RKHQ ZDV WKH ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI *OREH0HG IURP ZKHUH VKH ZRUNHG HYHU\ GD\ WR VXSSRUW ORQJ WHUP SDUWQHUVKLSV EHWZHHQ VWXGHQWV and community health leaders, from Peru to 'HWURLW WR 1HSDO 8QGHU KHU OHDGHUVKLS *OREH0HG grew from 32 to 56 chapters, reaching 2,000 students and supporting over 207 health SURMHFWV RQ FRQWLQHQWV
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 41
S T U D E NT K I T N
01 7
S C I E N C E , T E C H N O L O G Y, E N G I N E E R I N G A N D M AT H
, BY DAV DAVID ID MO I NIN NINA A SENG S ENG EH, - L EWIS A RIA RI A M M OG OS & HEAT H EAT HER CO COL L E-L EEW IS
You don’t have to own a television or radio across North America, $VLD $IULFD RU DQ\ RWKHU FRQWLQHQW WR NQRZ WKDW \RXWK DUH ȾRXQGHULQJ WR ȴQG HPSOR\PHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG FRQWULEXWH WR WKH HFRQRPLF development of their nations. Heads of state, parents, and international organizations can attribute this global crisis to a debilitated world economy, but the evolution of technology and various 21st century paradigm shifts have also played a part in rattling the security and FRQȴGHQFH RI RXU \RXWK $ERYH DOO WKH HOHSKDQW LQ WKH URRP LV WKH faltering contemporary education system, which has failed to empower OHDUQHUV DQG HTXLS WKHP ZLWK WKH ULJKW VNLOOV WR DGDSW WR D UDSLGO\ evolving world. There is a lack of play, passion, and purpose in school, notably across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 67(0 VXEMHFW DUHDV 6FLHQFH HGXFDWLRQ DQG RYHUDOO VFLHQFH OHDUQLQJ must be redesigned not only to prepare youth for academic challenges and future careers in STEM, but also to help position them as the trailblazers, innovators, inventors, and leaders of tomorrow. These revelations are what have motivated us at Global Minimum to develop platforms for youth to learn through making and to explore new pathways to challenge the current educational framework in Sierra Leone and national development at large. CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3  Page 43
ΖQ *OREDO 0LQLPXP *0LQ ODXQFKHG ΖQQRYDWH 6DORQH RXU Sierra Leone initiative led by David Sengeh that challenges youth to work collaboratively to create design solutions for problems DÎ?HFWLQJ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV 7KH ČľDJVKLS SURJUDP D QDWLRQDO ΖQQRYDWLRQ &KDOOHQJH ΖQ&KDOOHQJH KDV EHHQ ZLOGO\ VXFFHVVIXO LQ engaging experienced youth who have a track record of geeking RXW LQ WKH Č´HOG RI VRFLDO LQQRYDWLRQ $W WKH 0Ζ7 0HGLD /DE ZKHUH David is a biomechatronics engineer, the process of learning by doing is embedded into the DNA of the students. David, and some colleagues from MIT and The University of Sierra Leone, designed ΖQQRYDWH 6DORQH DV WKH Č´UVW QDWLRQDO \RXWK LQQRYDWLRQ FKDOOHQJH supported by GMin. The program provides a select number of youth with design-thinking workshops, mentorship, seed funding, and a SHHU SHHU QHWZRUN .DGLMD 'DUDP\ D \HDU ROG IURP )UHHWRZQ DQG ΖQ&KDOOHQJH Č´QDOLVW EXLOW DQ HOHFWULF KRLVW V\VWHP WR SUHYHQW women and girls from falling into slippery wells and endangering themselves when pulling water up from these slippery wells. Running the InChallenge the past two years has illuminated the importance RI SURMHFW EDVHG OHDUQLQJ DQG FLYLF HQJDJHPHQW WKH EHGURFNV RI RXU SKLORVRSK\ DQG ZRUN $W WKH HQG RI RXU Č´UVW SURWRW\SLQJ FDPS LQ 2012, many youth expressed to us the sense of autonomy they felt and an investment in their work. Our team witnessed youth with low OHYHOV RI VHOI HÉ?FDF\ WUDQVIRUP LQWR SDVVLRQDWH OHDUQHUV $OWKRXJK .DGLMD IRU H[DPSOH DGPLWWHG WKDW VKH ZDV QRW VXUH LI VKH ZDQWHG WR apply to Innovation Challenge, she is now known among her friends and family as another “Einstein.â€? She is one of many youth who have demonstrated incredible potential and a healthy appetite for diverse interest-driven learning opportunities. The rote education model typical in many countries, including Sierra Leone, does not give youth the space, freedom, and opportunity to use critical thinking VNLOOV WR JUDSSOH ZLWK WKH FKDOOHQJHV DÎ?HFWLQJ WKHLU OLYHV 0DQ\ KDYH never been asked to use local resources to solve local challenges
8
and thus lack the creative thinking skills necessary for prosperity in the 21st century. Outcomes from our program are illustrating that, with the right tools and a shift in learning frameworks, youth and their communities can tackle development hurdles that have been impenetrable for decades. Youth are leveraging their knowledge of STEM and creative thinking to combat malaria, respiratory tract infections, energy consumption, and other age-old issues. The InChallenge has not only revealed that youth are capable of designing game-changing solutions for Sierra Leone, but it has also shown that a large number of youth want to engage in innovation on every part of the spectrum. In April 2014, Global Minimum ODXQFKHG LWV Č´UVW Î&#x2013;QQRYDWLRQ /DERUDWRU\ Î&#x2013;Q/DE DW WKH 3ULQFH RI :DOHV School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a new program to complement the InChallenge in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative. The primary goal of the program is to create a safe space for youth to explore their interests through tinkering, designing, and prototyping SURMHFWV ZLWK YDULRXV WRROV PHQWRUVKLS ZRUNVKRSV DQG SHHU SHHU resources. We launched in Freetown in March 2014, and, with Prince of Wales educators and students, we transformed an old vacant biology laboratory into a vibrant active maker space. The InLab caters to a wider set of youth by not only engaging experienced makers, but also novices who have rarely had the opportunity to participate in design challenges or received encouragement to forge their own learning pathways. At Prince of Wales secondary school, electronics $UGXLQR 0DNH\ 0DNH\ Č´OP PHWDOV ZRRG DQG SDLQW DUH DOO SDUW RI the suite of tools youth use to identify and solve the problems they Č´QG UHOHYDQW ZLWKLQ WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV <RXWK DUH DOVR VXSSRUWHG E\ PHQWRUV DQG VWDÎ? ZLWKLQ WKH ODERUDWRU\ ZKR JXLGH WKHLU SXUVXLWV DQG strengthen their critical thinking skills with community-building and civic design exercises. Issue area experts run hands-on workshops to train participants in disciplinary thinking. One of the greatest
takeaways from running the InChallenge has been that youth found face-to-face mentorship invaluable to their professional and personal development. Youth not only learn to talk the talk, but walk the walk. GMinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Innovate Saloneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community of learning involves mentors, educators, and advanced and novice makers cheering each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endeavors. With little experience, but the support of his peers, 13-year-old Ibrahim Jalloh collected bottles, cans, and wires and built a battery-powered remote-controlled car in a matter of weeks. Within our programs, peer-peer networks and opportunities IRU FROODERUDWLRQ RQ SURMHFWV RI LPPHQVH personal interest have driven the desire among youth to exchange ideas and lessons learned more than incentives like examination scores. GMinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network of learners has helped us foment cultivate community engagement, RQH RI RXU FRUH REMHFWLYHV 3DUHQWV KDYH been encouraged to participate in the learning of their children by supporting their curiosity and exploration. In early July, we held a small family maker event in which families of our youth were invited to the Î&#x2013;Q/DE WR LQWHUDFW ZLWK DQG H[SHULHQFH YDULRXV SURMHFWV DQG SURWRW\SHV produced over the month of June. Youth from other schools have also come to the InLab and partnered with youth at Prince of Wales to tackle community-based issues. The InLab is becoming an epicenter for youth of all ages to explore new ideas, collaborate, experiment, have fun, and share their progress with their loved ones. Long-term impact of the Innovate Salone initiative on the youth and WKH JUHDWHU FRPPXQLW\ ZLOO UDQJH IURP FKDQJHV LQ VHOI HÉ?FDF\ WR D higher interest in STEM and STEM careers to working prototypes and novel inventions, which can have an impact within their communities DQG SRWHQWLDOO\ VFDOH EH\RQG WKHP 7RGD\ Č´QDOLVWV IURP WKH WKLUG Innovation Challenge competition are working hard at developing their prototypes, having been selected from the largest pool of applicants to date. Additionally, other schools across Sierra Leone are UHTXHVWLQJ Î&#x2013;QQRYDWLRQ /DERUDWRULHV WR EH VHW XS IRU WKHLU VWXGHQWV DV a means of getting hands-on experience. As school administrators advocate for maker education and civic participation for their students, it is our hope the day will come when the national education policy will promote STEM education aimed at enabling youth to become problem-solving leaders. Page 46 Âť On the Ground Âť Sengeh
DAVID MOININA SENGEH A civil war survivor, was born and raised in Sierra Leone and is FXUUHQWO\ D 3K ' FDQGLGDWH DW WKH 0Î&#x2013;7 0HGLD /DE +LV UHVHDUFK LQ WKH %LRPHFKDWURQLFV *URXS IRFXVHV RQ WKH GHVLJQ of comfortable prosthetic sockets and wearable LQWHUIDFHV 'DYLG LV RQ )RUEHV 8QGHU LQ 7HFKQRORJ\ IRU D 7(' )HOORZ RQ WKH :LUHG 6PDUW /LVW ZLQQHU RI WKH /HPHOVRQ 0Î&#x2013;7 1DWLRQDO &ROOHJLDWH 6WXGHQW 3UL]H DQG RWKHU DZDUGV +H LV WKH 3UHVLGHQW DQG FR IRXQGHU RI WKH LQWHUQDWLRQDO 1*2 *OREDO 0LQLPXP Î&#x2013;QF *0LQ *0LQ was one of three winners out of 1000 nominees for the Rockefeller Foundation Next Century Innovators Awards in 2013.
ARIAM MOGOS Ariam Mogos currently heads New Initiatives and 5HVHDUFK DW *OREDO 0LQLPXP Î&#x2013;QF DQG LV D FRQVXOWXDQW ZLWK FLYLF HQJDJHPHQW DQG LQQRYDWLRQ Č´UP Facilitating Change. Prior to that, she worked at the American Museum of Natural History in the Education department, where she supported youth programming and the implementation of mobile and ZHE EDVHG WHFKQRORJLHV IRU LQIRUPDO OHDUQLQJ
HEATHER COLE-LEWIS +HDWKHU &ROH /HZLV 3K ' 0 3 + LV D EHKDYLRUDO epidemiologist with training in biomedical informatics, DQG VSHFLDOL]HV LQ XVLQJ FRQVXPHU FHQWHUHG technology, such as mobile phones, to leverage behavior change and improve health outcomes. +HDWKHU D SURXG 6LHUUD /HRQHDQ $PHULFDQ LV D ERDUG PHPEHU RI 1*2 *OREDO 0LQLPXP Î&#x2013;QF ZKHUH VKH FRQWULEXWHV WR WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQČ&#x2021;V HÎ?RUWV WR VXSSRUW global youth change makers.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 47
VIROLOGIST NATHAN WOLFE, PH.D.
CULTURES EDITORIN-CHIEF, JASON RAO Page 48 » Q&A
When it comes to science pioneers, we thought of Nathan :ROIH (GLWRU LQ &KLHI -DVRQ 5DR VDW GRZQ ZLWK 1DWKDQ WR JHW his thoughts on the future of microbiology. He shares not only his perspective on combating the next pandemic but also his advice for aspiring microbiologists.
JASON: You are the Indiana Jones of microbes. Is that safe to say? NATHAN: I wish it were that glamorous or cinematic. 2I FRXUVH WKH YDVW PDMRULW\ RI UHDO OLIH VFLHQFH DQG SXEOLF health today is hugely collaborative and my work is no exception. The work we do at Metabiota and Global Viral, for example, involves D WHDP RI RYHU Č´IW\ VFLHQWLVWV KHDOWK SURIHVVLRQDOV DQG VXSSRUW VWDÎ? DOO ZRUNLQJ KDQG LQ KDQG Č&#x201A; ZH KDYH QR URRP IRU ORQH ZDUULRUV $QG that does not include the vast teams of other nongovernmental organization, governmental, academic, and multilateral partners we ZRUN ZLWK LQ PRXQWLQJ HÎ?HFWLYH GLVHDVH VXUYHLOODQFH DQG UHVSRQVH CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 49
TIME magazine included him in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;2011 TIME 100â&#x20AC;? as one of the one hundred PRVW LQČľXHQWLDO people in the world. Rolling Stone named him one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;100 AGENTS OF CHANGEâ&#x20AC;? in 2009. Popular Science recognized him as one of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;BRILLIANT 10â&#x20AC;? in 2006. He has been honored with a FULBRIGHT FELLOWSHIP and the NIH DIRECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PIONEER AWARD. He is a WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM YOUNG GLOBAL LEADER and a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EMERGING EXPLORER. Times Books published 'U :ROIHČ&#x2021;V Č´UVW ERRN THE VIRAL STORM: THE DAWN OF A NEW PANDEMIC AGE RQ 2FWREHU Dr. Wolfe has over 80 SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS and his work has been published in or covered by Nature, Science, The New York Times, The Economist, NPR, The New Yorker and Forbes among others.
Of course, there are certainly moments of true pressure and intensity. For example, the Metabiota team in Sierra Leone, led by Dr. Aiah Gbakima, has worked tirelessly on the ground over the past few months supporting the DoD Cooperative %LRORJLFDO (QJDJHPHQW 3URJUDPČ&#x2021;V &%(3 HÎ?RUWV WR GHYHORS GHWHFWLRQ DQG UHVSRQVH capacity. The work, which supports the response to the current Ebola outbreak, includes activities such as training to increase the overall safety of health ZRUNHUV $QG LW FRPHV DW D FULWLFDO WLPH Č&#x201A; the outbreak has had a devastating impact RQ DÎ?HFWHG FRPPXQLWLHV LQ WKDW UHJLRQ When it comes to outbreaks like Ebola, we need to double down on support for the NLQG RI HÎ?RUWV EHLQJ GRQH ULJKW QRZ E\ people on the ground, like Dr. Gbakima, to develop capacity to detect and respond to these outbreaks early before they spread extensively. That said, though, a focus on outbreak response alone would miss the point. I would venture a guess that most people around the world today are more
Page 50 Âť Q&A
frightened by the current West African Ebola outbreak than by Middle (DVW UHVSLUDWRU\ V\QGURPH 0(56 RU DYLDQ LQČľXHQ]D $ + 1 RU FHUWDLQO\ DYLDQ ČľX + 1 Î&#x2013;W LV RXU UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR HGXFDWH RWKHUV that a high case mortality rate need not imply high pandemic potential and that the epidemics that play best on CNN are not necessarily the ones that will have the greatest potential to impact our planet. The most devastating pandemic of recent history, HIV, spread silently for GHFDGHV EHIRUH LW ZDV HYHQ LGHQWLČ´HG 7R WKLV HQG SHUKDSV ZKDW Î&#x2013; Č´QG PRVW H[FLWLQJ DERXW RXU ZRUN LV WKH growing global momentum for early detection and the increasing FRRUGLQDWLRQ RI SURIHVVLRQDOV IURP ZLGHO\ GLYHUJHQW Č´HOGV :KHQ \RX LPDJLQH WKH Č´QHO\ WXQHG FRRUGLQDWLRQ EHWZHHQ YLURORJLVWV epidemiologists, veterinarians, modelers, physicians, and other VFLHQWLVWV DQG SXEOLF KHDOWK SURIHVVLRQDOV UHTXLUHG IRU HÎ?HFWLYH disease surveillance and response, I would say the work has more in common with a symphony orchestra than with one thrill-seeking adventurer.
JASON: Some of your work has focused on forecasting the next virus, or predicting the next pandemic. What is the key to getting there? NATHAN: While modeling and early warning play an important role, SHUKDSV HTXDOO\ LPSRUWDQW LV SUHSDUHGQHVV DQG FDSDFLW\ GHYHORSPHQW in emerging infectious disease hotspots. I recently returned from Cameroon for a meeting of the Cameroonian Senate on One Health and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new â&#x20AC;&#x153;National Plan for the Fight Against Zoonoses.â&#x20AC;? Cameroon has emerged as one of the leading countries in the world to embrace collective disease control across humans, wildlife, and OLYHVWRFN L H 2QH +HDOWK DQG WR DGYDQFH V\VWHPV IRU DGGUHVVLQJ GLVHDVH HPHUJHQFH $QG LW LV QRW ZLQGRZ GUHVVLQJ Č&#x201A; KDOI D GR]HQ 0LQLVWULHV LQ &DPHURRQ DUH FUHDWLQJ MRLQW ZRUN SODQV WR FRRUGLQDWH animal and human health. At the Senate meeting, Dr. Dennis Carroll, whose Emerging Pandemic 7KUHDWV (37 3URJUDP DW 86$Î&#x2013;' KDV SURYLGHG XQLTXH OHDGHUVKLS LQ WKLV direction, spoke of the importance of coordination across animal and human health and the need for international cooperation in the control of new epidemics. After his presentation, the Senate engaged in a lively GLVFXVVLRQ ZKLFK ZDV TXLWH XQOLNH ZKDW LW ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ DOPRVW anywhere in the world ten years ago. Rather than â&#x20AC;&#x153;does this make VHQVH Č&#x2039; WKH GLDORJXH ZHQW TXLFNO\ WR Č&#x160;KRZ FDQ ZH EHVW DFFRPSOLVK WKLV Č&#x2039;
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 51
JASON: You have been an advocate of, and have indeed shown, that the frontiers of exploration lie in microbes. While most of our readers are biologists, and would agree with you, the rest of the world is only now waking up to this, thanks mostly to pandemic threats and awesome TV movies about zombies. Why should every person on the planet be interested in microbes? NATHAN: While it is perhaps not surprising that general audiences have an intuitive fear of the microbial world, your readers know better than anyone that the microbes that are pathogenic to human populations represent a trivial percentage of the microbial diversity of our planet. Work on the human microbiome has helped to enrich WKH SXEOLFČ&#x2021;V XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKH EHQHČ´FLDO role that microbes play in human physiology, but we still have much more to do. That the ELRORJ\ RI RXU SODQHW LV Č´UVW DQG IRUHPRVW microbial in nature is often lost on people. The study of microbiology has massive potential to enrich our understanding of our world. When I think back to grade school, I wonder how much more engaged I would have been had someone explained that the chloroplasts responsible for photosynthesis in plants were long-lost cousins of free living F\DQREDFWHULD 7KDW ZH FRQWLQXH WR Č´QG fundamentally new forms of microbial life Č&#x201A; WKLQN VSXWQLN YLURSKDJH Č&#x201A; GHPRQVWUDWHV how little we still know about the microbial ZRUOG DQG KRZ RSHQ LW LV IRU VFLHQWLČ´F discovery and exploration. Contemplating the vastness of the microbial world can be a humbling experience WKDW SURYLGHV D XQLTXH perspective on how humans Č´W LQWR WKH GLYHUVLW\ RI OLIH on our planet.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 53
JASON: You have been recognized by organizations ranging from the National Institutes of Health to National Geographic to Rolling Stone. You have a wonderful ability to communicate science to the general public. Something scientists admittedly need to work on. Any advice? NATHAN: While there are always technical details that we will not be able to explain to the public, my general rule is that everything I do should be something I could explain clearly to my 98-year-old grandmother, who while crazy smart, does not have DQ\ VFLHQWLČ´F EDFNJURXQG Î&#x2013;Q P\ H[SHULHQFH ZKHQHYHU Î&#x2013; Č´QG WKDW I am focusing too much time on things that I cannot explain to the general public, it often means I am in the weeds and that I have ORVW VLJKW RI WKH JUHDWHU REMHFWLYHV RI RXU ZRUN $QG WKLV DSSOLHV WR the press, as well as to more direct communication with the public. To give an example, we have worked for years in rural villages with wild game hunters at the interface between ecosystems that have high mammalian viral diversity and human populations. We know that this is a setting where new epidemics can emerge. Yet, at the same time, local populations in these areas have for PLOOHQQLD OLYHG RÎ? RI WKH FDSWXUH DQG FRQVXPSWLRQ RI ZLOG JDPH There is a temptation to simply state that hunting is dangerous for them and they should not do it. But the reality is that, while the aggregate danger to the global community from hunting is clear and unacceptable, these hunters are right to be skeptical. 7KH\ DUH MXVWLČ´HG LQ ZRQGHULQJ LI VWRSSLQJ KXQWLQJ WUXO\ ZRXOG RQ DQ LQGLYLGXDO OHYHO EH PRUH EHQHČ´FLDO WKDQ RWKHU FKDQJHV they could make in their lives. Better than scare tactics in our experience is honest, forthright communication. Whether rural hunters or the audience of CNN, people do not need a graduate education to have an intuitive understanding of risk, and it is vital for us to be open and honest about where we believe the risks are and why. And, when we do not have enough information, we need to say so. Any microbiologist would treat blood from these hunted animals
Page 54 Âť Q&A
with universal precautions in a laboratory setting. And discussing occupational safety for laboratory workers and hunters in the same breath provides a better starting point for the dialogue.
JASON: This issue is all about youth, and their role in shaping the future of science and society. We thought of you for many reasons, as a young person that has done remarkable things to recast the way we think about biology in particular. I am sure it has not been as easy as you make it look. What advice would you give to young scientists today? NATHAN: 7KH ZRUOG LV FKDQJLQJ TXLFNO\ DQG ZKDW PDGH VHQVH IRU P\ SDUHQWV ZDV UDGLFDOO\ GLÎ?HUHQW WKDQ ZKDW PDGH VHQVH for me, and what made sense for my generation may be even less important for young and emerging scientists today. I live in San Francisco and have become a part of the emerging health tech movement in Silicon Valley, and it is clear that microbiology LQ WZHQW\ \HDUV ZLOO ORRN UDGLFDOO\ GLÎ?HUHQW WKDQ LW GRHV WRGD\ because of the innovations emerging now. I believe studying the fundamentals of microbial evolution, ecology, and diversity is central, no matter what kind of microbiologist you are training to be. It is also clear that there will be huge potential for those with real expertise in computational and information sciences. Working in a laboratory as early as possible is important, because PLFURELRORJ\ ZLOO VWLOO UHTXLUH ZHW ZRUN IRU VRPH WLPH WR FRPH but focusing too closely on any one technology or laboratory DSSURDFK ZLOO LQ P\ RSLQLRQ EH D ULVN\ VWUDWHJ\ Î&#x2013;W LV GLÉ?FXOW WR predict where technology will be in twenty years, but it is safe to say the practice of microbiology will be ever more data rich and highly networked and, in my opinion, much more focused on microbial communities as opposed to individual actors. But most of all, to young microbiologists, I would say that \RX DUH YHU\ OXFN\ Č&#x201A; EHFDXVH \RX ZLOO EH PDWXULQJ LQ D Č´HOG RI IXQGDPHQWDO LPSRUWDQFH WR KHDOWK DQG WKH HQYLURQPHQW $ Č´HOG WKDW HQFRPSDVVHV WKH PDMRULW\ RI OLIH RQ RXU SODQHW DQG WKDW LV WR GDWH ODUJHO\ XQH[SORUHG Č&#x201A; D Č´HOG ZKHUH UHYROXWLRQDU\ WHFKQRORJ\ LV opening up opportunities for discovery in real time. Basically, what Î&#x2013; ZRXOG VD\ WR \RXQJ PLFURELRORJLVWV LV Č&#x160;<RX DUH LQ WKH ULJKW Č´HOG Č&#x2039;
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 55
Page 56 » Q&A
BIO
Nathan Wolfe, Ph.D.
'U 1DWKDQ :ROIH WKH /RUU\ Î&#x2013; /RNH\ 9LVLWLQJ Professor in Human Biology at Stanford University, has spent his life studying deadly viruses to detect worldwide disease pandemics before they kill millions. Wolfe is Founder and CEO of Metabiota, D IRU SURČ´W FRPSDQ\ VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ microbiological research, products, and services. He is also Founder and Executive &KDLUPDQ RI *OREDO 9LUDO D QRQSURČ´W promoting understanding, exploration, and stewardship of the microbial world.
PATRICIO ACOSTA
SUBBA RAO CHAGANTI
SHYAM DUMRE
ARGENTINA
CANADA
NEPAL
SAMUEL EZIUZOR
JOANNA KARCZEWSKAGOLEC
ENAS NEWIRE
NIGERIA
POLAND
EGYPT
MD. TAUFIQUR RAHMAN BHUIYAN
DIKANI SALEMA
SARAH ALLIBHOY
BANGLADESH
MALAWI
ASM STAFF
Check out our video interviews with these Young Ambassadors of Science and more: http://www.youtube.com/Microbeworld.
Page 58 » Voices
8 YOUNG INTERNATIONAL SCIENTISTS WEIGH IN ON THE QUESTION:
HOW CAN YOUNG SCIENTISTS INFLUENCE AND SHAPE SCIENCE POLICY IN THEIR HOMES AND ACROSS THE GLOBE? Although policy making is generally thought to be the responsibility of experienced and senior bureaucrats, the voice of the younger generation and, in particular, the voice of early-career scientists is valuable to consider. History has repeatedly been shaped as the result of the actions of youth. Young people are among the creators of the great religions, the founders of civilizations, the heroes of our republics, DQG WKH LQQRYDWRUV LQ WKH Č´HOGV RI DUW VFLHQFH DQG WHFKQRORJ\ 7DNH Albert Einstein, who at the age of 37, published the general theory of relativity. The energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and general open-mindHGQHVV WKDW FKDUDFWHUL]H HDUO\ FDUHHU VFLHQWLVWV HTXLS WKHP ZLWK WKH ability to pave the path for change in the area of science-based policy making, both locally and around the globe. In order to amplify their voice in the public debate, it is necessary for early-career scientists to communicate with policy makers as well as with the media. This must occur at a national level, where these young scientists can form new policy-making bodies and interact with existing ones, and, at a global level, where internationally recognized DQG UHVSHFWHG RUJDQL]DWLRQV FDQ SURYLGH D SODWIRUP IRU LQČľXHQFH We, as a group of early-career scientists, would like to highlight some of the existing and prospective mechanisms that we believe have the JUHDWHVW SRWHQWLDO YDOXH WR KHOS RXU SHHUV LQČľXHQFH ORFDO DQG JOREDO science policy. Although both interaction with and participation in national governPHQWV LV RQH RI WKH IXQGDPHQWDO SDWKZD\V WR LQČľXHQFH VFLHQFH EDVHG policy making, there is often little opportunity for early-career scientists to take on such roles. Professional societies, nongovernmental organizations, and senior scientists can help drive younger scientists to take a more active role in the policy-making process. Senior scientists, in particular, can provide practical guidance for younger generations of scientists by demonstrating the ethical applications of policy as well as by leveraging their research to help form new evidence-based policy. The support of internationally recognized
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 59
86$Î&#x2013;' 3DUWQHUVKLSV IRU (QKDQFHG (QJDJHPHQW LQ Research Science project on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biodiversity and con servation in the Lower Mekong: empowering female herpetologists through capacity building and regional QHWZRUNLQJČ&#x2039; DW .DVHWVDUW 8QLYHUVLW\Č&#x2021;V ODE LQ 7KDLODQG
societies and organizations can also help early-career scientists have a meaningful impact in the public debate for policy making. Programs that engage early-career scientists in science diplomacy at the international level give them the opportunity to learn about best practices of science-based policy making while collaborating with the broader VFLHQWLČ´F FRPPXQLW\ Such programs should not only continue to evolve, but should always emphasize building global partnerships. One such program, WKH *OREDO <RXQJ $FDGHP\ *<$ HVWDEOLVKHG LQ LV DQ LQLWLDWLYH HQDEOLQJ HDUO\ FDUHHU VFLHQWLVWV WR LQČľXHQFH LQWHUQDWLRQDO VFLHQFH SROicy through partnerships between early-career scientists from variRXV SROLWLFDO VFLHQWLČ´F DQG FXOWXUDO EDFNJURXQGV 7KH *<$ VXSSRUWV WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI 1DWLRQDO <RXQJ $FDGHPLHV 1<$V DURXQG WKH globe and fosters cooperation between the various academies. GYA promotes dialogue between science and society and aids the development of science in developing countries. Collaboration of various organizations, like those between GYA and the various NYAs, could EH D VWUDWHJ\ IRU OHYHUDJLQJ IRU QHZ LQVLJKWV LQ PDMRU FKDOOHQJHV LQ VFLHQFH SROLF\ LQWHUQDWLRQDO LVVXHV DQG VFLHQWLČ´F FDSDFLW\ EXLOGLQJ Î&#x2013;Qternational organizations, professional societies, and senior scientists
Page 60 Âť Voices
(DUO\ FDUHHU VFLHQWLVWV FROODERUDWH DV 3RS7HFK )HOORZV 7KH\ represent a corps of highly visible and socially engaged VFLHQWLČ´F OHDGHUV ZKR HPERG\ VFLHQFH DV DQ HVVHQWLDO ZD\ RI thinking, discovering, understanding, and deciding.
should develop strong collaborative networks that can serve as platforms for involving early-career scientists at the national and international levels. This could provide opportunity for not only career development for these young scientists, but also foster dialogue between science and society, attempting to overcome the historical boundaries between them. +RZHYHU VKDSLQJ VFLHQFH SROLF\ DFURVV WKH JOREH PXVW Č´UVW EHJLQ with shaping science policy on a national level. National policy makers should seek to include early-career scientists in developing new poliFLHV MXVW DV HDUO\ FDUHHU VFLHQWLVWV VKRXOG VWULYH WR LQYROYH WKHPVHOYHV in the policy-making process. This can be done by creating a real place for early-career scientists to contributeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such as memberships on boards where they may express their vision of the future, raise TXHVWLRQV RU SURSRVH QHZ DSSURDFKHV WR WDFNOH FXUUHQW DQG IXWXUH challenges. Involvement of early-career scientists in the governmenWDO ERGLHV WKDW VHUYH WR SURYLGH RÉ?FLDO VFLHQFH SROLF\ DGYLFH FDQ EH done through other additional pathways that range from direct to indirect involvement in the policy-making processes. Among these is WKH IRUPDWLRQ RI VFLHQFH FRPPLWWHHV VWDÎ?HG E\ VFLHQWLVWV VHHNLQJ WR GLUHFWO\ FUHDWH SROLFLHV JURXQGHG LQ VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH DV ZHOO DV
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 61
the creation of advisory bodies to the government that would bring early-career scientists together and enable them to advise on new or existing science policy. One example of an existing country-level structure is the Board of <RXQJ 6FLHQWLVWV LQ 3RODQG 3RO 5DGD 0Ä&#x201E;RG\FK 1DXNRZFÂľZ WKDW VHUYHV DV DQ RÉ?FLDOO\ DSSRLQWHG DGYLVRU\ ERG\ WR WKH 3ROLVK 0LQLVWU\ of Science and Higher Education. It was created in 2010 to institutionalize the voice of young scientists in public discourse with the goal of SURPRWLQJ EHVW SUDFWLFHV LQ VFLHQFH SROLF\ E\ SURYLGLQJ RÉ?FLDO UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV WR WKH 0LQLVWU\ 7KH ERDUG LGHQWLČ´HV WKH EDUULHUV WR FDreer development faced by young scientists in Poland and proposes solutions that could be implemented by the authorities of universities and research institutions. There is an urgent need to create similar structures in other countries. For example, in Bangladesh, this type of platform could enable early-career scientists to connect and engage ZLWK WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ *UDQWV &RPPLVVLRQ 8*& ZKLFK LV WKH ERG\ WKDW communicates with the national Ministry of Science and Technology LQ %DQJODGHVK 7KH 8*& LV KHDGHG E\ D SHUVRQ ZLWK D VFLHQWLČ´F EDFNJURXQG ZKRVH UDQN LV HTXLYDOHQW WR D VWDWH PLQLVWHU $ ERDUG RI HDUly-career scientists, working as a subsidiary body to UGC, could play a role similar to that of the Polish Board of Young Scientists, preparing recommendations for tools supporting careers of young scientists. 9HU\ UHDO FKDOOHQJHV IDFH VFLHQWLVWV SDUWLFXODUO\ WKRVH ZKR DUH MXVW EHginning their careers, who seek to make their voices heard in shaping policy. For scientists at any stage of their career, these challenges inFOXGH GLVDJJUHJDWHG RU FRQČľLFWLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ ZKLFK OLPLWV FUHGLELOLW\ DQG PDNHV WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI VRXQG SROLF\ PRUH GLÉ?FXOW )XUthermore, there is the challenge of how and when to communicate VFLHQWLČ´F NQRZOHGJH EHFDXVH WKLV FDQ KDYH D KXJH LPSDFW RQ PHGLD reporting and public perception and on the acceptance of policy recommendations. For early-career scientists, these challenges are compounded with societal skepticism concerning the value of their voices and the general perception that they lack real-world experience to make meaningful contributions to the conversation. There is also a distinct set of challenges faced by early-career scientists living and working in the developing world. The challenges that face the world today are complex and diverse. The science-based SROLF\ PDNLQJ DVSHFW RI PLWLJDWLQJ WKHVH FKDOOHQJHV UHTXLUHV YRLFHV
Page 62 Âť Voices
that are as diverse as the challenges themselves. As such, this process would value from the perspectives of early-career scientists from both developed and developing countries. However, opportunities to contribute are often even more limited for those in developing countries. International organizations have an indispensible role to play in DGGUHVVLQJ WKLV LQHTXLW\ E\ SURYLGLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU WKHP WR FRQtribute and raising public awareness about their potential to develop science-based policy making at the national and global levels. Organi]DWLRQV VXFK DV VFLHQWLČ´F VRFLHWLHV 81(6&2 DQG :+2 FDQ SURYLGH D respectable and renowned platform to empower early-career scientists to engage in science-based policy-making decisions. Whatever the strategy, the involvement of early-career scientists is critical in science-based policy making, given the diversity of challengHV DQG VROXWLRQV WKDW DUH UHTXLUHG 3URIHVVLRQDO VRFLHWLHV HVWDEOLVKHG scientists and institutions, and the nongovernmental organization community are the core of the science â&#x20AC;&#x153;ecosystem,â&#x20AC;? making their role in enabling and empowering early-career scientists essential. In turn, communication between youth organizations, policy makers, and the media is essential. The youth generation must take advantage of social media and other emerging platforms to reach the public, share ideas, and change policiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in a way that adds value and strives for the truth. Collaborating across these ecosystems will allow the voice of young scientists to be heard and respected. The challenges are far too great to ignore and the opportunity for young people is far too great not to contribute.
ASM Young Ambassadors of Science mobilize the next generation of scientists to develop innovative approaches to meet the grand challenges in science. To learn more, visit www.asm.org/international.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 63
ON THE GROUND PG 66
Judge + Clements
DANIEL STREICKER PG 68
GLOBAL HEALTH CORPS
PG 70
Elana Simon PG 71
PG 73
LAUREN BRAUN PG 74
PG 72
Jack Andraka PG 75
There are plenty of opportunities for young scientists to get off the bench and apply their work toward the global good. In this section, we share examples of organizations and individuals making a difference.
Page 64 Âť On the Ground
$WODQWD *HRUJLD 86$ 86$ 6$
â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are serious needs everywhereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hunger, homelessness, SUHYHQWDEOH GLVHDVH LOOLWHUDF\Č&#x192;WKDW UHTXLUH YROXQWHHUV WR KHOS DOOHYLDWH LPPHGLDWH VXÎ?HULQJ DQG LQQRYDWLYH WKLQNHUV WR EULQJ DERXW ODVWLQJ VROXWLRQV
Promoting good for others need not be viewed as a burden; it is an opportunity that adds a profound dimension not only to the lives of those who receive, but also to those who give their time and talents.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; President Jimmy Carter, Founder
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.
Page 65 Âť On the Ground
1HZ <RUN &LW\ 1HZ <RUN 86$
â&#x20AC;&#x153;President Clinton launched the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) in 2007, bringing the successful Clinton Global Initiative model to the next generation of innovators and changemakers. CGI U is a growing community of young leaders who develop Commitments to Action within five focus areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health. In its first seven years, CGI U has brought together more than 6,500 students from more than 875 colleges and universities and more than 140 countries.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bill Wetzel, Director of CGI U
Page 66 Âť On the Ground
6HDWWOH :DVKLQJWRQ 86$
Anna and Hannah founded their company Broad Street Maps in 2013. They believe in the power of maps as critical tools for data analysis and health care delivery, and are committed to connecting community-based health organizations with geographic data. â&#x20AC;&#x153;:KHQ ZH Č´UVW GHFLGHG WR SXUVXH our idea, we were undergraduates at Middlebury College in Vermont, trying to implement a SLORW SURMHFW RYHU WKH VXPPHU On the hunt for funding, we applied to a pitch competition at our school and spent hours laboring over the perfect wording and message, only to lose in the Č´QDO URXQG :H IHOW FRPSOHWHO\ defeated, but it was an important introduction to entrepreneurship: you have to be thick-skinned, believe in your idea, and always use feedback and criticism as tools for improvement.â&#x20AC;?
We are motivated by the belief that where you live shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t determine your DFFHVV WR TXDOLW\ health care.
CULTURES Page 67Vol Âť On 1, Issue the Ground 3 Âť Page 67
*ODVJRZ 8QLWHG .LQJGRP
Daniel is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the University of Glasgow who combines field work in Peru with laboratory analysis, phylogenetics, and mathematical modeling to understand how emerging pathogens jump between species. His work on viruses in bats has shown how interactions between human actions and animal ecology can create unforeseen challenges for disease interventions in wildlife and has identified patterns in virus sharing between species that may help predict the origins and long-term outcomes of species jumps.
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m driven by the opportunity to solve problems that are ERWK VFLHQWLČ´FDOO\ interesting and important for improving the health of human and animals in developing countries.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes accepting failure and being willing to risk even greater failure is essential for success. After weeks of hopeless wandering around the Amazon, almost downing LQ D PXG SLW DQG EHLQJ TXHVWLRQHG at gunpoint, it was clear that radiotracking bats by IRRW ZDV QRW ZRUNLQJ 'HVSHUDWH WR Č´QLVK WKH MRE ZH resorted to the costly and high-risk, but ultimately HÎ?HFWLYH DOWHUQDWLYH RI UHQWLQJ DQ DLUSODQH DQG working from above. You have to know when no DPRXQW RI KDUG ZRUN ZLOO SD\ RÎ? DQG PRYH RQ Č&#x2039;
Page 68 Âť On the Ground
EDVHG RXW RI 1HZ <RUN &LW\ 1HZ <RUN 86$
Our mission is to mobilize a global community of emerging leaders to build the movement for health equity. We are building a community of changemakers who share a common belief: health is a human right. Global Health Corps pairs intelligent and passionate fellows with organizations that require new thinking and innovative solutions. We provide these young leaders with the tools to remain connected after their fellowship year finishes, deepening their ability to enact change through heightened skills and strong partnerships. We currently place fellows in Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, the United States, and Zambia.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a global generation, and the world is ready for us.
Follow your passion, learn as much as you can about the issues you want to engage, DQG Č´JXUH RXW KRZ WR XVH \RXU XQLTXH strengths and your own story to MXPSVWDUW \RXU ZRUN DV DQ DGYRFDWH WR WUDQVIRUP WKH LQHTXLW\ LQ WKH ZRUOG around us. Our GHC fellows donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come from cookie cutter molds, and it is actually because of their immense diversity that we see innovation, strong partnerships, and sustainable change as a result.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Barbara Bush, CEO & Co-Founder of Global Health Corps CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 69
EDVHG RXW RI %RVWRQ 0DVVDFKXVHWWV 86$
PIH Engage is building the right to health movement by recruiting, training, and enabling teams of dedicated volunteer community organizers. These teams drive year-long campaigns focused on building the power to advance the right to health. Together, we will demand that the right to health be protected for all people, everywhere.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I struggle with the idea of a single piece of advice for people ZLVKLQJ WR PDNH D GLÎ?HUHQFH LQ the world. Of course, there are a myriad of ways that each of us can have an impact on the individuals around us, our communities, and the world. The choice of where to act, on what issue, and when is a something that is rooted in our personal experience and story. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all faced challenges, made choices in response to those challenges, and learned values as a result of those experiences. Our choice to act is informed by the sum parts of those experiences. So one piece of advice I might have for people who aspire to contribute to making the world a better place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even in some humble, local, small way â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
get in touch with the stories, experiences, challenges, choices, and outcomes that have informed the values they hold dear. is to
A fancy word for this is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;discernmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We should all work hard to analyze, XQGHUVWDQG DQG UHČľHFW XSRQ WKH GHHS LQWHUQDO PRWLYDWLRQV WKDW PRYH XV WR DFW Č&#x2039; -RQ 6KDÎ?HU Senior Strategist for Grassroots Organizing at Partners In Health Page 70 Âť On the Ground
1HZ <RUN &LW\ 1HZ <RUN 86$
&R Č´UVW DXWKRU of article in Science magazine: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Detection of a Recurrent DNAJB1PRKACA Chimeric Transcript in Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinomaâ&#x20AC;?
Elana helped sequence the genome of a rare pediatric liver cancer that she survived when she was 12, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. She then helped discover a new oncogene that causes it, and is now involved in developing the first diagnostic test for it, as well as a clinical trial. Č&#x160;$VLGH IURP WKLV RQH NH\ PXWDWLRQ WKH UHVW RI WKH Č´EURODPHOODU genome is rather unremarkable. For months, it seemed like WKLV SURMHFW ZDV JRLQJ WR IDLO EHFDXVH Î&#x2013; ZDV Č´QGLQJ QRWKLQJ RI VLJQLČ´FDQFH %XW EHFDXVH RI P\ GULYH WR Č´QG DQVZHUV WR ZKDW ZDV causing the disease, based on my personal connection to it, I kept searching. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned the value of patience and perseverance.â&#x20AC;?
The world doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough women in key leadership positions in science.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 71
Î&#x2013;QGLDQDSROLV Î&#x2013;QGLDQD 86$
Lauren runs Alma Sana Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization she founded in 2012 to distribute her patent-pending bracelets to mothers in developing countries to help them remember their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vaccination dates. Thanks to the success of her first research study, conducted in Peru and Ecuador and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she has applied for additional funding to scale up her work later this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While my team has been
Try humbly and fully to understand the needs of the people you want to help, then do your research so you can become a voice for them and an expert on why your solution directly addresses their needs.
outstanding, I hired one person who had the TXDOLČ´FDWLRQV ZH QHHGHG DW the time, although my gut told PH VKH ZDVQČ&#x2021;W WKH ULJKW Č´W IRU WKH MRE RU RXU FXOWXUH 2YHU time this turned out to be true, and unfortunately I had to let her go. As a result, I have learned to listen more to my intuition and, after talking to my advisors, do what I feel is right for our organization.â&#x20AC;?
Page 72 Âť On the Ground
$FFKDP 1HSDO
In everything we do, we believe in proving itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to deliver highquality, low-cost health care to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor. Health care is broken. It works the least for those who require it the most. And the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poorest need a new approach. We are a team determined to make a model of durable health care work where everyone said it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be done.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 73
1
EDVHG RXW RI %RVWRQ 0DVVDFKXVHWWV 86$
â&#x20AC;&#x153;A group of us decided to start Article 25 after spending a number of years working in global health but being frustrated with our lack of progress. We eventually realized that health care is often divided by disease-area or specialty (since that is how SURJUDPV DUH RIWHQ IXQGHG but the issue of access to health care is a systemic issue that cut across these areas. We realized that the only way to ensure everyone gets the health care they have a right to, was by
building a XQLČ´HG
Article 25 is a global, grassroots movement for the right to health coordinated via the Internet by a core team made up of mostly volunteers around the world. On October 25th weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coordinating our first campaignâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a Global Day of Action for the Right to Health to demand world leaders make universal health coverage a goal in the UNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-2015 development goals.
movement to change practices & policies.â&#x20AC;?
Page 74 Âť On the Ground
&URZQVYLOOH 0DU\ODQG 86$
At the age of 15, Jack created a novel paper sensor for the detection of pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancer that costs 3 cents and takes 5 minutes to run. This makes it 168 times faster, over 26,000 times less expensive, and 400 times more sensitive than the conventional test, while being over 90% accurate and detecting the cancer in the earliest stages.
I would tell my fellow millennials who want to PDNH D GLÎ?HUHQFH WKDW they should never give up on their dreams because they will be the biggest advocate for their ideas. If they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in themselves, then who will?
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never think that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change the world. At the beginning of this, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know what a pancreas ZDV EXW Î&#x2013; Č´JXUHG LW RXW E\ MXVW XVLQJ *RRJOH DQG Wikipedia. So if a 15-yearROG ZKR GLGQČ&#x2021;W TXLWH NQRZ what a pancreas was could Č´QG D QHZ ZD\ WR GHWHFW SDQFUHDWLF FDQFHU MXVW imagine what you could do.
Throughout my experience trying to create a working sensor, I encountered failure at every turn, whether it was an experiment gone awry or university professors and my teachers saying I could QHYHU FRQGXFW WKLV SURMHFW Î&#x2013; ZDV UHMHFWHG WLPHV E\ UHVHDUFK ODEV DQG messed up nearly every single experiment possible. However, each of these failures only served to increase my knowledge of my SURMHFW DQG KHOSHG PH Č´QLVK LW DQG WDNH D step toward inexpensive cancer diagnostics.â&#x20AC;?
To learn more about Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new book, visit www.harpercollins.com/ jackandraka. CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 75
SHARING THE
VISION
Summer of Science BY: ALISON MANN Alison Mann is the marketing director for WKH 6RXWK &DUROLQD *RYHUQRUČ&#x2021;V 6FKRRO IRU Science & Mathematics.
ABOUT GSSM: 7KH 6RXWK &DUROLQD *RYHUQRUČ&#x2021;V 6FKRRO IRU 6FLHQFH DQG Mathematics is an innovative high school for academically motivated juniors and seniors pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of only 12 specialized, residential high schools in the nation.
It was one of the hottest days on record, and the rubber galoshes were not helping. With sweat trickling down his face, Errol Fields picked up another bucket of dirty water and poured it over some oysters. It was the summer of 1993 at a small mariculture center in %OXÎ?WRQ 6RXWK &DUROLQD ZKHUH Fields, a rising senior at the South Carolina Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School for Science and Mathematics, was conducting UHDO ZRUOG VFLHQWLČ´F UHVHDUFK When describing how high school students typically spend their summers, the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;researchâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;labâ&#x20AC;? do not often come into playâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is, unless you are describing a student at the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School.
The Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School for Science and Mathematics, or GSSM, is loFDWHG LQ WKH TXDLQW FLW\ RI +DUWVYLOOH SC, in the heart of Darlington County. GSSM is a two-year, public, residential high school for academLFDOO\ PRWLYDWHG MXQLRUV DQG VHQLRUV interested in the advanced study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since 1989, GSSM has sent its students to conduct mentored VFLHQWLČ´F RU HFRQRPLF UHVHDUFK during the summer between their MXQLRU DQG VHQLRU \HDUV 7KH\ are welcomed into university or corporate R&D laboratories in South Carolina, across the United States and across the world. They develop posters and prepare
Page 76 Âť Sharing the Vision
written and oral defenses of their research. Many students are also published or named in patents. To say this process is educational is an understatement. For many, it is life changing. For GSSM, it is simply part of the process. HOW IT ALL BEGAN :KHQ 'U %LOO $OH[DQGHU MRLQHG *660Č&#x2021;V IDFXOW\ LQ PDQ\ VWXGHQWV were doing what he refers to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;library research.â&#x20AC;? They had the skills and maturity to conduct more in-depth research, but the facilities were not available. After several weeks of interacting with them, Alexander realized he needed to build a more challenging opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These students needed something they could not get at any high school in South Carolina,â&#x20AC;? said Alexander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They needed to get realZRUOG KDQGV RQ UHVHDUFK H[SHULHQFH LQ D ODE RU RXW LQ WKH Č´HOG Č&#x2039; After making a few calls to university FRQWDFWV $OH[DQGHU ZDV DEOH WR Č´QG professional scientists interested in having talented, motivated 17-year-olds conduct research in their laboratories. He presented the proposal to thenGSSM President Lee Cox, and within Č´YH PLQXWHV LW ZDV DSSURYHG Since its inception, more than 500 mentors at 85 institutions and more than 1,600 students have been involved in what is now known as the Summer 3URJUDP IRU 5HVHDUFK Î&#x2013;QWHUQV 635Î&#x2013;
10,000 + students and teachers impacted annually by GSSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outreach programs
80% of faculty members with Ph.D.s
48 different STEM courses offered annually
In the early days, Alexander handled everything himself: arranging research sites and mentors, assigning students to laboratories, and visiting students to make sure things were running smoothly. Back DW VFKRRO KH PHW ZLWK VWXGHQWV DQG IDFXOW\ DGYLVRUV WR KHOS Č´QH WXQH their research papers and presentations. CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 77
In early February, the school holds Colloquium, during which students present their research to faculty, families, and mentors. The SPRI experience culminates with a presentation at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science (SCJAS). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of my best memories about the program were watching VWXGHQWV ZKR DW WKH EHJLQQLQJ GLG QRW KDYH WKH FRQČ´GHQFH WR present, but then they presented at SCJAS and gained recognition for their research,â&#x20AC;? said Alexander. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong, I do not think that the recognition is the point of doing this, but it was great to see how much the entire process matured the students.â&#x20AC;? Alexander passed the reins to GSSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vice President of Outreach & Research Randy La Cross in 2003. Last year, Christina Belis joined GSSM as SPRI coordinator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My philosophy has always been to build on the solid foundation,â&#x20AC;? said La Cross. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I joined the GSSM faculty in 1998 and, from day one, I had a research group. I saw how it worked, interacted closely with Bill and the others who built the program, and through this I developed an understanding of the value of the DR. ERROL program to GSSM and to South FIELDS &DUROLQDČ&#x2021;V VFLHQWLČ´F FRPPXQLW\ Č&#x2039;
â&#x20AC;&#x153; THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A MENTOR GUIDE ME THROUGH EACH STEP, QUESTION, PROCESS, METHOD, ANALYSIS, AND EVEN WRITEUP AND PRESENTATION WAS
The placement process has become more formalized over the years and tailored to the interests of the students. Belis, who is responsible for placing students in research sites, meets with students and university partners to determine the best pairings.
AMAZING TO HAVE AS A
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, I placed 97 students with mentors,â&#x20AC;? said Belis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, 117 students began their research on June 8. As for next year, GSSM has admitted a class of 148. We are accommodating this growth by expanding international research opportunities and placing more students in labs outside of South Carolina. We have also increased the number of students at our instate research partners.â&#x20AC;?
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT.â&#x20AC;?
Page 78 Âť Sharing the Vision
THE PROCESS Dr. Errol Fields graduated from GSSM in 1994. Originally from Beaufort, now living in Baltimore, MD, he has come a long way from his early UHVHDUFK RQ WKH Č´OWHULQJ FDSDFLW\ RI WKH (DVWHUQ R\VWHU After GSSM, Fields earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Harvard University, a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in public health at Columbia University, and an M.D. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. After completing pediatric residency training at Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital and a IHOORZVKLS LQ DGROHVFHQW PHGLFLQH KH LV MRLQLQJ WKH -RKQV +RSNLQV University Department of Pediatrics as an assistant professor. For Fields, although his focus has changed, the experience of working with a scientist mentor was a learning experience that has served as the foundation of his entire education and career. Č&#x160;635Î&#x2013; ZDVQČ&#x2021;W P\ Č´UVW ODE H[SHULHQFH DFWXDOO\ Č&#x2039; VDLG )LHOGV Č&#x160;Î&#x2013; ZRUNHG LQ D pathology lab in a Beaufort hospital the year prior to attending GSSM. However, the opportunity to have a mentor guide me through each VWHS TXHVWLRQ SURFHVV PHWKRG DQDO\VLV DQG HYHQ WKH ZULWH XS DQG presentation, was amazing to have as a high school student.â&#x20AC;? Through the SPRI process, many students really begin to understand what they have been learning and talking about in their science classrooms. Č&#x160;2XU VWXGHQWV DUH QRW MXVW FRQGXFWLQJ UHVHDUFK RYHU WKH VXPPHU Č&#x2039; said Belis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are working in labs and businesses across South Carolina, the United States and the world alongside graduate students, postdoctoral students, and professional scientists and entrepreneurs. In many cases, our supervising scientists or mentors give our students an aspect of their ongoing, grant-funded research, allowing them to experience what life in a research lab might be like.â&#x20AC;?
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 79
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION In 2009, with the support of GSSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current President Dr. Murray Brockman and an investment from Roche Carolina and Roche 0DQQKHLP *660 MRLQHG IRUFHV ZLWK WKH -RKDQQD :LWWXP 6FKXOH D biotechnology high school in Pforzheim, Germany, to establish an international research exchange program known as the Research ([SHULHQFH 6FKRODUV 3URJUDP 5(63 6WXGHQWV WUDYHO WR ORFDWLRQV in Germany and South Korea to conduct mentored research during the summer. German students come to South Carolina in the fall and conduct research at the University of South Carolina. Students from South Korea come in the summer.
33%
80%
of eighth graders are interested in STEM majors1
of GSSM alumni establish careers in STEM fields
50%
6%
Graduates of specialized STEM schools are 50% more likely than their peers to pursue STEM fields in college3
of high school seniors will get a STEM degree in college2
CITATIONS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 93.
)XOO\ IXQGHG ZLWK SULYDWH VXSSRUW WKLV H[SHULHQFH LV RÎ?HUHG DW QR FRVW to GSSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We realized that it was important for our students to learn about the global knowledge base,â&#x20AC;? said La Cross. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They learn that science is globDO D SURWHLQ LV D SURWHLQ DQG DQ DWRP LV DQ DWRP 6FLHQWLČ´F UHVHDUFK LV a connection they have with people across the globe.â&#x20AC;? It was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of conducting research at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, '.)= WKDW LQVSLUHG 6XU\D 9HHUDEDJX WR DSSO\ WR *660 2ULJLQDOO\ LQterested in pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry, Veerabagu set her sights on EHLQJ VHOHFWHG WR WUDYHO WR *HUPDQ\ 6KH WRRN VSHFLČ´F FRXUVHV WKDW would bolster her chances. Î&#x2013;Q WKH HQG LW SDLG RÎ? DQG 9HHUDEDJX ZHQW WR 3IRU]KHLP WR OLYH ZLWK D KRVW family, attend a German high school, and conduct research at DKFZ. Page 80 Âť Sharing the Vision
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was scared about being a 17-year-old in a lab working with older researchers with more experience,â&#x20AC;? said Veerabagu. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mentor took IRXU GD\V RÎ? WR VKRZ PH ZKDW WR GR ZKLFK KHOSHG PH DFFOLPDWH Î&#x2013; ZDV VXUSULVHG WKDW ZKLOH HYHU\RQH LQ WKH ODE KDG D GLÎ?HUHQW EDFNJURXQGČ&#x192; there were people from Nigeria, India, and Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all of us could connect on our similar interest in science.â&#x20AC;? Now in her second year at Duke University, Veerabagu is contemplating a future combining medicine and research. While her experience WDXJKW KHU WKDW SXUH UHVHDUFK PD\ QRW TXLWH EH IRU KHU VKH LV LQWHUHVWed in conducting clinical trials. THE RESULTS OF SPRI 7KH 635Î&#x2013; SURFHVV KDV D WUDQVIRUPDWLYH DQG PDWXULQJ HÎ?HFW RQ VWXGHQWV Č&#x160;)URP ZDONLQJ LQWR D ODE RQ GD\ RQH ZLWK D PHQWRU VSRXWLQJ RÎ? DOO kinds of technical terms, surrounded by instruments whose price tags HTXDO WKDW RI D FDU WR ZDONLQJ RXW RI WKDW ODE VL[ ZHHNV ODWHU ZLWK DQ XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI ZKDW WKH\ GLG KRZ WKH\ GLG LW DQG KRZ LW Č´WV LQWR Č&#x2020;WKH ELJ SLFWXUH Č&#x2021; WKH\ KDYH OHDUQHG WKDW WKH\ FDQ DFFRPSOLVK MXVW DERXW anything they set their minds to,â&#x20AC;? Belis explained. 7KDQNV WR 635Î&#x2013; *660 JUDGXDWHV SRVVHVV VLPLODU TXDOLWLHV 7KH\ FDQ ORRN an adult in the eye and have a mature, interesting conversation. They are not afraid of a challenge. They seek out educational opportunities. $QG PRVW RI DOO WKH\ XQGHUVWDQG DQG UHVSHFW WKH VFLHQWLČ´F SURFHVV
Surya Veerabagu conducting research at the *HUPDQ &DQFHU 5HVHDUFK &HQWHU LQ
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 81
IN YOUR EYES HOW CAN SCIENCE MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
Young scientists from around the world submitted artwork depicting how they thought science can make the world a better place. Thousands voted for their favorite on www.asm.org and the top three winners and editor’s pick are shown here!
EDITOR’S CHOICE
JESSICA KLEIN | AGE 25 Washington, USA
“Generating Neural and Global Circuitry”
Page 82 » In Your Eyes
MA. KRISTINA CELYNA R. ORTIZ | AGE 22 Paranaque City, Philippines
1ST
“Science is not just abstract or concrete; it’s everywhere. It influences the mind to materialize ideas that will achieve success and improve for change toward a greater community.”
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 83
2ND COURTNEY MOXLEY | AGE 22 Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa
“My dream for Hoedspruit is that the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” becomes as powerful in the lives of people in my community as “Save the Rhino.” Science has power here. Science can step up and drive energy into fighting the issue of accumulating waste - a problem on a global scale - just as it has done for [anti-rhino poaching efforts] which is largely limited to Southern Africa.”
3RD
ROCILL JHEN G. CASPILLO | AGE 21 Iloilo, Philippines
“‘Dimensions’ depicts the present day man confronted by the abrupt changes that accompany advancement and progress in the post modern age. The first dimension is the blind path which is unsystematically directed and a deeper understanding of the phenomena happening around is severely lacking. It then eventually leads to a dead end. In the second dimension, the pair of hands represents the enlightenment of man through a scientific approach towards a more productive way of life. It bridges development through its application in education, communication, health, agriculture, and transportation to name a few. In a newly industrialized country like the Philippines which is still gloriously embracing a rich natural resources, a more vibrant and progressive community could be achieved if Filipinos are greatly directed to embrace scientific approaches to lift the bounty of nature, not only for the Philippines but for the rest of the global communities.” Page 84 » In Your Eyes
IN THE NEXT ISSUE WE ASK:
BIOLOGICAL THREATS CONTINUE TO EMERGE ACROSS THE GLOBE. HOW DO WE ADVANCE OUR SCIENCE WHILE PROTECTING OURSELVES? Send us a photo along with a short 100-word statement of your perspective on this question. Submit your response to cultures@asmusa.org or tweet or Instagram @ASMicrobiology using the hashtag #ASMCultures for a chance to be featured in the next issue!
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 85
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, & CORRECTIONS CORRECTION TO THE SPRING 2014 ISSUE On page 15 in the Spring 2014 issue, we erroneously indicated that Dr. Peter Hotez holds an M.D. and M.P.H. His byline should be corrected to “Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D.”
“I congratulate ASM on this newest publication! I had moved last Fall, and have EHHQ EDWWOLQJ ZLWK P\ $60 SURȴOH IRU months to get Microbe sent to my new address, as I had missed several back issues. Hence, P\ GHOLJKW ZKHQ Ζ QRW RQO\ ȴQDOO\ UHFHLYHG the Microbe back issues, but found Cultures contained with the January mailing.” - KATHLEEN FROM MARYLAND, USA
Page 86
â&#x20AC;&#x153;JUST A QUICK HELLO FROM CENTRAL AMERICA AND TO PASS ALONG MY COMPLIMENTS ON CULTURES. SIMPLY PUT OUTSTANDING AND WELL-DONE AND LONG OVERDUE. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK - THIS IS JUST WHAT ASM NEEDS TO INCREASE THE DEPTH AND VALUE OF ITS SCIENCE.â&#x20AC;? - LEN FROM GUATEMALA
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO CULTURES? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you! Was there an article you particularly enjoyed? Or something you want to read more about? Maybe you saw a mistake KH\ ZHČ&#x2021;UH KXPDQ Reach out to us at cultures@asmusa.org.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent RU UHČľHFW WKH YLHZV RI the American Society for Microbiology.
asmicrobiology FOLLOW
@
ON INSTAGRAM
Photo Credit: NIAID
Photo Credit: NIAID
Photo Credit: NIAID
Photo Credit: NIAID Flickr
Photo Credit: Dr. Rachel Dutton, Harvard University
Photo Credit: Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility
Photo Credit: @microbiologylab
Photo Credit: NIAID Flickr
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 Âť Page 89
Photography + Art Credit Page 6: &RXUWHV\ RI 6DQMDQD 3DWHO
Page 47: Courtesy of Ariam Mogos
Page 6: Courtesy of Katy Stewart
Page 49: Courtesy of Global Viral
Page 8: Courtesy of Noor Shakfeh Page 53: Courtesy of Global Viral Page 9: Photo by Shiyam Ghalyon Page 56: Courtesy of Global Viral Page 11: Photo by Shiyam Ghalyon Page 58: Courtesy of ASM Young
Page 19: Photo by Shiyam Ghalyon
Ambassadors of Science
Page 22: Courtesy of Manu Prakash Page 60: “Female scientists in USAID Partnerships for Enhanced
Page 22: Courtesy of Maya Cohen
Engagement in Research Science SURMHFWȋ E\ 86$Ζ' $VLD LV OLFHQVHG
Page 22: Courtesy of Global
under CC BY-NC 2.0.
0LQLPXP *0LQ
Page 61: “2010 PopTech Science
Page 25: Courtesy of Manu Prakash
and Public Leadership Fellows” by John Santerre licensed
Page 30: Courtesy of Manu Prakash
under CC BY-SA 2.0 (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/
Page 36: Courtesy of GlobeMed
E\ VD
Page 38: Courtesy of GlobeMed
Page 62: Ȋ%LRIRUWLȴHG 5LFH BORȋ E\ 1HLO 3DOPHU &Ζ$7 LV OLFHQVHG
Page 41: Courtesy of GlobeMed
under CC BY-SA 2.0 (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/
Page 43: Courtesy of Global
E\ VD
0LQLPXP *0LQ
Page 64: Courtesy of the Clinton
Page 46: Courtesy of Global
Global Initiative
0LQLPXP *0LQ
Page 47: Courtesy of Heather
Page 65: Photo by Sara Saunders/
Cole-Lewis
The Carter Center
Page 90
Acknowledgments Page 66: Paul Morse / Clinton
JEREMY ALBERGA
Global Initiative
ANKUR ASTHANA REBECCA BOBROW
Page 67: Courtesy of Hannah Judge
KIM BOWMAN
& Anna Clements
SARAH CARTER AMRIT CHENG
Page 68: Courtesy of Daniel Streicker
LIZ ROSE CHMELA DEANNA CONGILEO
Page 69: Courtesy of Barbara Bush
TIM DONOHUE MICHAEL GOLDBERG
Page 64: Courtesy of
CASSI GRITZMACHER
Partners In Health
CINDY HAMILTON ELIZABETH JONES
Page 71: Photo by Yolanda Perez
JESSICA MACK SHARLENE MARTIN
Page 71: Photo by Pete Souza/The
RACHAEL MIGLER
:KLWH +RXVH 0D\
JEFF MILLER AMIRA MOUNA
Page 72: Courtesy of Lauren Braun
NANCY SANSALONE LAURA SCHWECHERL
Page 73: Courtesy of Possible Page 74: Courtesy of Article 25 Page 75: Photo by James Duncan Davidson/TED KWWS GXQFDQGDYLGVRQ FRP is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0.
NANCY WACHTER
For more information on reuse of any photographs or art featured in this issue, please contact us at cultures@asmusa.org. Edited by: CPS Communication
Page 76: Courtesy of Alison Mann
Production Services, Inc. Designed by: madebywe.org
Page 78-81: Courtesy of the South
Printed By: Goetz Printing
Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School for Science & Mathematics
© 2014 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY
Page 94: Courtesy of Jason Rao
ISSN 2332-0907
Citations “THE YOUTH ISSUE” INFOGRAPHIC: http://data.unaids.org/topics/
1. Diffusing the Population “Bomb”:
young-people/youngpeoplehivaids_en.pdf
Demography and Security (Population Connection Fact Sheet) http://www. populationconnection.org/site/Doc
8. Special Report: The World’s Youngest
Server/2012_Security.pdf?docID=3161
Populations (Euromonitor International) http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/02/ special-report-the-worlds-youngest-popu
2. World of Work Report 2010 (International
lations-.html
Labour Organization) http://www.ilo.org/ public/portugue/region/eurpro/lisbon/ pdf/worldwork_2010.pdf
9. United Nations Report on Global Situation of Youth Shows Changing Trends http:// www.un.org/events/youth98/backinfo/
3. Diffusing the Population “Bomb”:
yreport.htm
Demography and Security (Population Connection Fact Sheet) http://www. populationconnection.org/site/Doc
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Server/2012_Security.pdf?docID=3161
1. Special Report: The World’s Youngest 4. Global Employment Trends for Youth 2012
Populations (Euromonitor International)
(International Labour Office) http://www.
http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/02/
ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgre
special-report-the-worlds-youngest-popu
ports/---dcomm/documents/publication/
lations-.html
wcms_180977.pdf 2. Special Report: The World’s Youngest 5. Special Report: The World’s Youngest
Populations (Euromonitor International)
Populations (Euromonitor International)
http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/02/
http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/02/
special-report-the-worlds-youngest-pop
special-report-the-worlds-youngest-popu
ulations-.html
lations-.html 3. United Nations Report on Global 6. Prosumer Report, Millennials: The
Situation of Youth Shows Changing
Challenger Generation. Euro RSCG
Trends http://www.un.org/events/
Worldwide, 2011
youth98/backinfo/yreport.htm
7. Young People and HIV/AIDS: Opportunity
4. Young People and HIV/AIDS: Opportunity
in Crisis (United Nations Children’s Fund,
In Crisis http://data.unaids.org/
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/
topics/young-people/youngpeople
AIDS, and World Health Organization)
hivaids_en.pdf
Page 92
5. Diffusing the Population “Bomb” Demography and Security (Population Connection) http://www.population connection.org/site/DocServer/2012_ Security.pdf?docID=3161
SHARING THE VISION: 1. Office of Naval Research Stem to Stern 2. Office of Naval Research Stem to Stern 3. National Research Council. (2011).
6. “86% of civil unrest occurs” SOURCE: Global Youth Issues (United States Department of State) http://www.state. gov/documents/organization/183233.pdf
Successful STEM education: A workshop summary. Alexandra Beatty, Rapporteur. Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education, Board on Science Education and Board on Testing and Assessment. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
A note from one of our readers about the value of mentoring young people.
CULTURES Vol 1, Issue 3 » Page 93
THIS ISSUE IS DEDICATED TO ALL THE FUTURE INNOVATORS, THINKERS, AND CHANGE MAKERS WHO WILL DEFINE THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.
HI THERE THANKS FOR READING CULTURES!
Did you know that you can read Culturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interactive version as well as additional content on your Web browser or on an app on your tablet device? To learn more, visit us at www.asm.org/cultures.
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 www.asm.org/cultures | cultures@asmusa.org