Who we are
We are a group of scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz who volunteer to do science education outreach activities in our local community. Started by a group of postdoctoral researchers in 2014 with funding from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Young Hands in Science has grown each year and has brought fun, hands-on science activities to hundreds of students in Aurora and Denver.
In the news
Check out the latest articles featuring our work!
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Young Hands in Science Promotes STEM Education
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Fun with forensics: Young Hands in Science program raises awareness of STEM fields
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Diversity in STEM
Increasing diversity in STEM is incredibly important. STEM jobs have increased by 79% since 1990, with more than 25 million scientists and engineers employed in the United States today. Less than half of scientists in the United States are women, and only 7% are black and 8% are Hispanic. Diversity is crucial in science and the workplace; diverse teams problem-solve better, are more objective, and companies with greater diversity make more money. An early exposure to hands-on science is crucial for children to consider careers in STEM, and yet many schools do not have the resources or funding to achieve this. Young Hands in Science aims to increase diversity in STEM by bringing the University of Colorado's resources and scientists directly into local classrooms to ensure all students in our community have access to hands-on science lessons.
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If you're interested in reading more about diversity in STEM, check out these articles!
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Diversity in STEM: What It Is and Why It Matters
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Boosting Science with Diversity
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A Family-Friendly Policy That’s Friendliest to Male Professors
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How Women Are Harassed Out of Science
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The Gender Wage Gap Is Not Women’s Fault, and Here’s the Report That Proves It
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A New Report Uses Data To Drive Diversity In STEM Fields
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National Institutes of Health addresses the science of diversity
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Our results
Our funding
Interested in donating to Young Hands in Science or becoming a sponsor? Please email us at
Meet Our Executive Board
Director:
Nicole Rumian
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Nikki is a neuroscientist investigating how protein modifications to CaMKII may alter learning, memory, and cognition during aging and age-related diseases. Outside of lab, you can find her at a Red Rocks show, rain, snow, or shine.
Director of Finance:
Thomas Forman
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Thomas is interested in regenerative medicine and when he’s not researching you can catch him training for a triathlon!
Curriculum Director:
Rachel Hill
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Rachel is a graduate student in the D’Alessandro lab, where she studies the metabolism of leukemic stem cells. Outside of the lab, Rachel enjoys making embroidery art and playing with her dog.
Curriculum Director:
Sarah Kawell
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Sarah works as a research staff member who investigates the pain signaling pathway with the hope of developing new methods for pain management. She also enjoys painting, reading, and mentoring teens.
Volunteer Coordinator:
Samantha Bromley-Coolidge
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Volunteer Coordinator:
Francesca Manzella​
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Francesca is a neuroscience graduate student studying how steroid hormones work as anesthetic drugs in the brain. Outside the lab, she spends her evenings doing yoga and cooking tasty Italian food. When more time permits, she attempts to travel around the world.
Social Media Director:
Rosemary McDonald
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Rosie studies the brain hormones that control the reproductive system and how they change with age and between genders. One hobby she enjoys outside of the lab is spending time with her dog, Blazey and her cat Taco (pictured here)!
Social Media Director:
Josselyn Garcia Perez
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Jossy works on mechanistic and translational questions in human immunology using high-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry and ex-vivo cellular manipulation. Her goal is to understand healthy immune function, and dysregulated immune processes in immunodeficiency.
Director of Online Education:
Alexa Silva
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Alexa develops methods for the expansion of specific immune cells across species to combat diseases, and hopes to go to PA school. Outside the lab, she loves to paint, explore and do outdoorsy things, and travel both domestic and abroad.
School Outreach Coordinator:
Breanna Symmes
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Breanna is a postdoctoral fellow who is passionate about helping other people to understand and appreciate Biology.
Post Doc Association Liaison:
Dylan Mori
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Dylan is a postdoc working on developing antibacterial coatings for dental materials to selectively kill cariogenic oral bacteria. Outside of lab he enjoys volunteering, biking, music, and spending time with friends.