K-12 & Girls in STEM
Members of the HEDGE lab are expected to contribute to ongoing lab outreach and engagement programming with K-12 students. Professor Mychajliw endeavors to be a role model for girls in science by designing and participating in programs for K-12 girls and Girl Scouts. We typically participate in at least 5 Skype a Scientist events a semester.
Community Museum Events
In the past, Professor Mychajliw has regularly led tours at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum for diverse audiences, and translated active research programs for the general public through museum outreach events such as Dino Fest, Haunted Museum, and Nature Fest. The HEDGE lab will begin curating Middlebury College specimens to facilitate outreach and engagement with local communities.
High School Science Fairs
Society for Science & the Public Advocate
Professor Mychajliw was named a 2018 “Advocate” for her support of high school science fair projects. Six students from the Girls Academic Leadership Academy participated in the 2019 Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair.
Professor Mychajliw was also the official chaperone for the California State Science & Engineering Fair finalists attending the 2019 Intel International Science & Engineering Fair. There, she delivered a talk for 200+ high school students and teachers: “Expanding access to ecology and evolution science fair projects using traditional and digital museum collections”
Judging Local Science Fairs
We encourage members of the HEDGE lab to serve as local middle and high school judges in Vermont. Professor Mychajliw has judged the following fairs:
California State Science Fair • Gaspar de Portola Middle School Science Fair • Hollywood High School Senior Projects • Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair • Orange County Science & Engineering Fair • Riverside County Science & Engineering Fair
General Writing
In addition to sharing science through general public lecture events, Professor Mychajliw enjoys writing creatively about her adventures and scientific research.
A Tar Pits Travelogue, The Naturalist, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Podcast Appearances
Professor Mychajliw has been interviewed by several radio, podcast, and tv outlets. Listen to a podcast about the solenodon featuring local conservationists by former lab undergraduate student Laura Cussen!
Outreach in the Dominican Republic
We are grateful to work with so many wonderful people and organizations including the National Museum of Natural History of Santo Domingo and the conservation group Grupo Jaragua. As outside scientists, these organizations have provided us with an opportunity to engage communities in the Dominican Republic.
the HEDGE lab 