Graduate student in Genetics
Of all of Beatrice Severance’s volunteering activities, the Wisconsin Science Olympiad is a highlight. She started as a volunteer with the Olympiad and enjoyed it so much that she devoted her time to being a coach this year and has no plans to stop volunteering with the group.
As an Olympiad coach, Beatrice meets with middle school students on a weekly basis to teach them about genetics while fostering a general interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“It’s been really great to watch the students grow this past year, and I am excited to see how well they perform in the state competition,” she said. “The students are so smart that it inspires me to continue fostering this interest in STEM for the next generation.”
Dr. Matt Anderson, associate professor of genetics, said Beatrice immediately jumped into volunteering despite being early in her graduate career.
“She’s a great representative of being engaged throughout her academic career in the public’s understanding and engagement with science,” Dr. Anderson said.
In addition to the Wisconsin Science Olympiad, Beatrice volunteers with the Evolution Interest Group to have even more opportunities for community outreach. The group shares bite-sized info about evolution with elementary and middle school students, and this year has been developing quick activities and games that they can take with them to local schools.