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Student Perspectives on Increasing STEM Engagement and Lowering Barriers to Seismology

Description: 

Seismology is well-positioned for broader participation in STEM due to open data practices, affordability, accessibility of online resources, and research possibilities that are independent of location. Despite seismology being widely accessible, students (K-12 and undergraduate) are largely unaware of these resources, and may not even consider seismology as a potential career path. To increase awareness and accessibility to students and independent learners, I propose a lowering of perceived barriers by expanding seismology programs geographically and by establishing a structured outreach network. Even with the wide availability of online resources that prove useful to students and independent learners, the lack of structured pathways (outside programs such as the Seismology Skill Building Workshop offered by IRIS) contributes to a high barrier to entry. While programs such as SchoolShake benefit K-12 students with a structured introduction to seismology, these resources are largely unavailable in regions with a lower focus on seismology. A proposed solution would include a geographical expansion of community-centric seismology programs with an emphasis on the ability to practice seismology from any location. These programs would include hobby seismometer kits and an emphasis on the multidisciplinary nature of seismology. While the accessibility of seismology serves as its strength, this advantage remains widely unrealized without a geographically expansive, intentional, and structured outreach. Expanding K-12 and community-focused programs with an emphasis on location independence and interdisciplinary connections can transform seismology from a niche field into an entry point for geographically diverse STEM learners.

Session: Seismology for All: Expanding STEM Education Through Accessible Tools and Global Collaboration - I

Type: Oral

Date: 4/15/2026

Presentation Time: 05:30 PM (local time)

Presenting Author: Beatrise Robinson

Student Presenter: Yes

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