A few of our outreach projects!
Sharing our science is a responsibility we take seriously, but it’s also a LOT of fun! We organize outreach programs to connect our work with the citizens of California, the Davis community, the general public, and University of California-Davis undergraduates, in partnership with the Bohart Museum of Entomology and supported with grants from the National Science Foundation.
We seek to share the wonderful world of arachnid and terrestrial arthropod biology with everyone we possible can. Check out a few of our flaship programs here.
Eight-legged encounters
Eight-Legged Encounters, and all of its associated resources, were developed by Dr. Eileen Hebets at the University of Nebraska, for science educators, caregivers, kids, arachnophobes, and anyone who has ever interacted with an arthropod. The event was developed with the goal of educating the public about the wonders of biology and the possibility of scientific discovery using a charismatic and engaging group of animals – Arachnids. As part of an ongoing National Science Foundation funded project, Eight-legged Encounters is no an annual public event at UC Davis.
Making the transition
In collaboration with Folsom Lake College (FLC), we recruit students during their final year at community college for a 5-week summer research training program at UC-Davis. The program works to identify prospective FLC students who are interested in majoring in a STEM-related discipline. In addition to having a genuine research experience, students receive specialized advising and cohort activities to help them transition from community college to the 4-year environment. Upon completion of the summer internship and matriculation at UC-Davis, PIs Bond and Keller continue to mentor and advise students, as well as monitor their progress toward graduation.
our Approach to outreach
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Create an inclusive, fun, engaging, and exciting environment for citizens, the general public, and UC Davis undergraduate students.
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Develop programs and activities that promote life long learning, scientific discovery, and facilitate understanding and appreciation of the natural world (particularly spiders!)
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Mentor UC Davis undergraduate using hands on, lab and field-based activities that engage them as full partners in the research enterprise.
Work with us
Reach out to collaborate on an outreach project!
If you are interested in collaborating or being involved in any of our public events or other outreach activities please do not hesitate to contact us. Undergraduate students with a genuine interest in evolutionary biology and terrestrial arthropods (particularly spiders!) should email to set up an appointment or stop by the Bohart Entomology Museum or BondLab (both in the Academic Surge Building on the UC Davis main campus).
Image credit: Jason Bond
