Outreach to the broader community instills a sense of appreciation and curiosity that drives the interest of the sciences. Growing up surrounded by outreach, I've experienced the impacts of creative efforts, which contributed to my love of the natural world.
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Truman State University's Herpetarium visited middle schools, high schools, and state parks to present amphibians and reptiles in a manner based in fact, rather than fiction, which instills a feeling of awe and wonder at these amazing animals. As a volunteer for three years, and hired on as the Herpetarium manager in the fourth, I've watched phobias transform into passions through the power of outreach.
Also interning at the St. Louis Zoo and the Topeka Zoo, along with providing outreach at the Oklahoma Aquarium, I've observed people become invested and contribute to conservation efforts. The effect on people and the impact on animals education offers has made me a life-long advocator of outreach.