Document text
Principal Investigator: Tony John Ward
Organization: UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Fiscal Year: 2024
Award: $255,235
Funding agency: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Project Summary / Abstract
Climate change impacts are accelerating throughout the world. In the western US and Alaska, we are seeing
significant increases in the frequency of wildfires, with smoke impacting our rural communities nearly every
summer and fall. Children growing up these rural and medically underserved communities face unique
challenges, and may not have straightforward access to educational experiences that cultivate knowledge and
interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. There is also a lack of
educational opportunities related to the field of public health in our rural states, which are desperately needed
as we address the emerging climate change crisis. Leveraging an existing network of 26 high schools located
throughout rural areas of Montana, Idaho, and Alaska, we will add an additional 20 middle schools as we
provide research opportunities for students to explore the topics of climate change, wildfires, and public health.
With an evaluation plan consisting of a mixed method design, we will test the overall hypothesis that our
program can be successfully utilized in rural, underserved areas to increase middle school and high school
students’ interest in STEM careers and research. We will test this hypothesis through three Aims: Aim 1)
facilitate remote learning and STEM research opportunities for students, Aim 2) facilitate student learning and
career preparation through science communication practices, and Aim 3) provide teachers professional
development to support their delivery of public and climate health curriculum. With SEPA funding, we intend to
provide educational opportunities for a projected 1,200 students each year, with most of these students living
in rural areas, including American Indian / Alaska Native communities.
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