I recently spent a lovely evening at the offices of Vernier Science Education, where founders Christine and David Vernier hosted an evening with Ira Flatow, the host of NPR’s popular "Science Friday" program. Ira interviews scientists, authors, and experts about their latest research and discoveries in a live format which features listener questions.  It was especially thrilling to share with Ira that ARCS Foundation Oregon is sponsoring this show on OPB!

Ira’s message to the audience at Vernier Science Education will strike a chord with ARCS members: He stressed the importance of communicating science to all ages, because the topics and outcomes of scientific exploration are important to all of us. His goal is to make science a topic of discussion around the dinner table, as much as sports and politics are.

He talked about the importance of connecting people with scientists to show them that scientists are human beings, just like the rest of us, and stated that this was what “Science Friday” was conceived to do. Does this sound familiar? It should, because this is exactly the opportunity that ARCS Foundation offers its members.

From developing close personal relationships with ARCS Scholars to meeting professors, deans, and presidents associated with our partner institutions, members of ARCS Foundation Oregon have amazing access to science on the cutting edge -- and to those that make it possible. I wonder how many ARCS Scholar Alums and/or their mentor professors have been interviewed on “Science Friday,” and can’t help but wonder which of our scholars may find themselves talking with Ira Flatow in the future. I will certainly be listening.  

by Diana Gordon