Kristin_Dreyer

Kristin Dreyer

Penn State MRSEC - Center for Nanoscale Science

Kristin is the Program Director for Education & Outreach at the Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a large interdisciplinary materials science research effort funded by the National Science Foundation. Her background spans science and education via B.S. degrees in both Physics and Secondary Education with an initial career teaching high school physics and mathematics, followed by an undergraduate curriculum position in Penn State’s Physics Department. Shifting to informal education, her work evolved to focus upon outreach and broader impact interests within the academic research environment. An early highlight includes designing and implementing one of Penn State’s very first themed summer science camps called Where Science and a Wizard's World Collide, an introduction to mechanics principles in physics inspired and disguised by the imaginary world of Harry Potter. In her current role at the Penn State MRSEC, Kristin strategically manages the Center’s portfolio of local STEM outreach, education, professional development, and DEI-focused initiatives. Her work supports researchers in translating their science into educational content and activities that are accessible to K-12 students, teachers, and the public. It also includes career skill-building and networking opportunities for diverse cohorts of undergraduates and teachers who engage in summer research projects in faculty labs, as well as grad and postdocs. A recent highlight is the Mission: Materials Science website project in partnership with The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia where graduate students in materials science designed DIY-at-home activities for kids, and video interviews connect each activity to current research. Her passion for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields has led to intentional efforts that support the retention of individuals who identify with underrepresented groups. Currently, Kristin is co-leading a Sustainable Lab Initiative at Penn State to create a tangible, educational, career skill-building, student engagement program to focus on the intrinsically resource-intensive and waste-producing laboratory setting. While still in its initial stage of development, this effort will improve operations, reduce waste and energy use where possible, promote mindful decision making, build awareness of daily behavioral practices and patterns, and inform researchers about available local resources that can support them in becoming an active partner in the pursuit of achieving the planet’s essential global sustainable development goals.


Appearances