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Professionals from a variety of scientific and educational organizations shared their insights and experiences on a Science Learning and Public Engagement Career Panel, coordinated by the new Science Education and Public Engagement major in the School of Education at T��ɫ��Ƶ.

Co-sponsored with the City College Initiative to Promote Academic Success in STEM (), and CCNY’s Division of Science and Grove School of Engineering, the event brought together five panelists, each of whom gave her unique perspective on career opportunities for those interested in science education that includes, but can go beyond, teaching.

The panelists were: Christina Carrero, Urban Waters Ambassador - Bronx and Harlem Rivers at the Hudson River Foundation; Necia Clarke, associate director of Youth Development for the City Parks Foundation; Abby Perez, senior manager of Youth and Workforce Development at the American Museum of Natural History; Gabi Rodriguez, director of STEM Education for The Green Design Lab; and Laycca Umer, manager of the Research, Exhibits, and Programs division at the New York Hall of Science, and a two-time graduate of The City College (B.S., Childhood Education Psychology; M.S., Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

Each panelist gave an overview of her current position and career journey, and provided career advice.

Umer spoke of how her early experience as an explainer at the Hall of Science was a turning point in her career, as it compelled her to learn more about science in preparation for a career as an elementary school educator.

“Another turning point was doing research on how people learn, and I got involved in developing technology tools for education,” she said. “I followed that path.”

Perez told the attendees that, while they may not yet know or feel what their passion is, “when you do, let that motivate you to do great work.”

Carrero agreed, noting that she is interested in the applications of biology with community and politics. Her current job, “connecting people with the waterways,” allows her to explore those applications, she said.

“Try to balance something you like with the financial reward,” said Clarke. She and Rodriguez urged the attendees to take advantage of internship opportunities.

“The courses needed to fulfill this new major in Science Learning and Public Engagement can lead to a wide variety of career options,” said the program’s director, Associate Professor of Teaching & Learning/Biology Yael Wyner. “The diversity of experiences represented by this panel offered attendees a chance to learn about opportunities that they may not have considered.”

To learn more about the new major in Science Learning & Public Engagement, or the Science Education minor and Science Education master’s degree programs, sign up for a monthly .