Page 8 - Gateways_Winter2016-17
P. 8
News Bites continued
As Seen on TV Learners IMPACT Marine biologist and TV personality Danni
Turned Leaders Washington (left) meets with future scientists
Marine biologist Danni during the Teen Conservation Leadership
Washington was one of the True to Benjamin Franklin’s Conference.
guest speakers at this year’s
Teen Conservation Leadership timeless adage, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me Lincoln Park Zoo, and others were able to hear from,
Conference. (See the article at and I remember. Involve me and I learn,” the interact with, and learn from experts in a variety of
right.) She is also the host of a fields, including those other than zoology.
new show in the Xploration attendees of the first-ever Teen Conservation
Station STEM programming Dr. Hamid Arastoopour, a professor at Illinois
block. Nature Knows Best Leadership Conference in August—hosted by the Institute of Technology, where the conference
explores how engineers, Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation took place, discussed how critical it is for the next
scientists, and other innovators generation to come up with a comprehensive solution
use plants and animals as Science Scholars program—left with a serious for the sustainability of energy, water, and food. He
inspiration when designing shared that a successful policy must address issues
some of today’s most amazing interest in learning more about science, technology, such as the economy, health, and climate change.
technological advancements. engineering, and math (STEM). These teen students
Some of the advice attendees received may have
Washington became considering careers in science discovered that there been a bit surprising. Ken Ramirez, a biologist and
interested in science as a child animal behaviorist—and the former executive vice
and, together with her mom, are many options to choose from, whether resear- president of animal care and training at Shedd
founded The Big Blue and ching in a lab, working directly with animals, or Aquarium—dispelled the myth that those who work
You (bigblueandyou.org), a with animals do not need people skills. He stressed
nonprofit organization that creating vital calls to action for the benefit of nature. how important it is to acquire strong communication
focuses on educating younger and public speaking skills.
generations about protecting The teens who participate in the King Scholars
the oceans and our world’s program at Brookfield Zoo learn about animals Both the conference and the King Conservation
natural resources. BB&Y hosts Science Scholars program are supported by The King
several annual events, such as and conservation and make a difference in their Family Foundation; Astellas USA Foundation; Baxter
its annual Artsea Festival, to International Inc.; the Leo S. Guthman Fund; Nalco, an
bring young people closer to Ecolab company; UL; and Wells Fargo.
the oceans. The festival is an
ideal platform for creative
expression and empowerment
to take action through art,
service, and mentorship.
Nature Knows Best began
airing nationally on Fox
stations in early September
and will be available through
Hulu and Amazon Prime.
communities while preparing for college and future
careers. They gained valuable hands-on experience
in planning, promoting, and hosting the conference
for 427 of their peers from all over Chicagoland.
During the conference, attendees from Cook
County Forest Preserves programs, the University
of Illinois-Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology,
8 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES
