Presenter – In Person
Dr. Christin Monroe,
Landmark College, Putney, Vermont.
Abstract
Engaging neurodivergent STEM students in science outreach provides an inclusive entry point to scaffold broader professional development, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging in STEM. This session presents strategies for designing accessible outreach experiences that support executive function, reduce sensory overload, and foster student agency. Examples include low-sensory engagement spaces like “sunflower areas,” as well as virtual and asynchronous formats such as YouTube videos, allowing students to participate in ways aligned with their strengths.
Science outreach serves as a foundational step in professional identity formation, offering opportunities for neurodivergent students to practice articulating scientific ideas across varied audiences—skills essential for research dissemination, conference presentations, and future careers. Presenters will share structured training approaches, clear expectation-setting strategies, and insights into working with community partners. The session includes perspectives from students who have participated in outreach, highlighting how these experiences fit into their longer-term academic and professional goals. Attendees will leave with concrete tools and adaptable outreach models to empower neurodivergent students as confident science communicators and future STEM leaders.