Being a Judge

One of the great things about being a science professor (even at the assistant level) is that sometimes we are asked to participate in really great events. I'm at a state institution, so tax money supports some (or possibly all) of my salary. Which to me means, not only do I do my job, but I should give back to the community whenever I have the opportunity to do so. So when I was asked to do this, I readily agreed. Some faculty think these things are a burden, and in some cases I would agree. This, however, was not, actually, it was kind of fun.

The Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium is a DOD sponsored program to get high school students involved in science. The regional symposium, which is the state-wide level, is held at my institution each year. Students from all over the state present original research to compete for a scholarship and the chance to go to the national competition. One of the many opportunities this program provides is feedback from practicing scientists (like me!). By serving as a judge, I interact with students by asking them questions about their research projects and hopefully provide positive feedback on their work. Students get not only involved in science at a very real level, but learn communication skills as well.

Holy cow, these kids are smart! Some of the projects in other fields like chemistry and microbiology went right over my head. One girl was doing research closely aligned with something I just got a grant to do! I was seriously impressed. Weather you are a parent, a scientist or a lay person, I would encourage you to get involved in this program, or something similar. For a brief moment, I got a glimpse of the future, and it isn't as bleak as TV news would lead us to believe.

Why would I say to get involved? Well there are a couple of reasons, the main one being that it is these kids that will eventually make the discoveries that may save lives, or discover something new. That alone is is worthy cause. The other reasons are a little sadder, but still very valid:

As great as this program is, not a single competitor was from a regular public high school. Magnet schools and private institutions only. These kids were smart and curious by nature, but they were successful in getting to this level because of their parents' economic status. Poor kids are smart too. So are middle-class kids for that matter. And as judges, we don't care if they did the research at their parents' fancy biotech firm lab, or in their garage. We care about how they did it, and how well they understand it.

If you are in a position to do so, get the word out. It doesn't cost anything to apply. The high school doesn't have to do anything, parents can do this on there own. So can teachers: start a program, incorporate it into your teaching, make a science club, whatever! Even if you just give the program information to one kid, you might change a life, and that life can change the future.

And finally, this program is sponsored by the DOD, so it will keep going on some level, but the people who run the regional competitions are mostly paid by universities. My university is in the midst of a budget crisis, as most state institutions are. Here, that budget crisis is exasperated by a series of bad political decisions and a lack of public support. Half of the judges, you know, the practicing scientists for kids to see, will very likely see pink slips next week. They are in teaching positions that will be cut. Which means, not only will the high school kids lose out in the future, but the college kids too. If you are in a state where things like this are happening, call your representative!!! Without education, our society can't progress forward. Without funding, education can't survive.