S p C u I b E l N i C c E: Interweaving science with unengaged publics shapes surprising synergisms

Ecologists love ecology. We are passionate about the organisms and landscapes we study. But not everyone shares those interests. How can we engage the unengaged - people who are indifferent, hostile, or lack access to ecological knowledge and the natural world? The NSF-funded STEM Ambassador Program designs and implements synergistic ecologist-delivered engagement events that are shaped by the interests, authorities, and networks of ecology-unengaged groups, as well as the research interests and personal attributes of ecologists. Engagement events take place in work, play, and living venues of public groups, such as football fields, churches, rifle shooting ranges, and state prisons.