About

A group blog composed of scientists, show hosts and producers, Correlations is the official blog of WIRED SCIENCE. Tips, questions or comments? E-mail us at correlations@kcet.org.

Bloggers

Liz Burr

is the Interactive Project Manager for WIRED SCIENCE Digital.

Damon Gambuto

is a producer on the WIRED SCIENCE television series.

Tamsin Gray

is living in Antarctica to research climate change and the ozone hole.

Chris Hardwick

is a co-host on the WIRED SCIENCE television series.

Clifford Johnson

is a professor of Physics at the University of Southern California.

Sheril Kirshenbaum

is a marine biologist at Duke University.

Tara C. Smith

is an assistant professor of epidemiology in Iowa.

Michael Tobis

is a climatologist at UT Austin working on improving climate models.

Ziya Tong

is a host and field producer for WIRED SCIENCE.

WIRED Science blog

WIRED Science MyBlogLog

04.20.08

A Bright Future

by Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Department: Culture

Last week, I expressed concern over science illiteracy in the United States. While it's obvious we have a long way to go, (evidenced by survey information provided by NSF), I have renewed optimism for tomorrow's leaders...

You see, Saturday night I attended North Carolina's 'Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education.' The event honored students and teachers in science and mathematics statewide and nationally.

To write I was 'impressed' would be an understatement.

I met students like Melanie Wiley, a senior at NC School of Science and Math studying protein aggregations in the brain and their correlation to incidence of Parkinson's disease. I learned about the work of Adam Meyer, a senior at Raleigh Charter High School, who identified the need for a campaign to protect the Richland Natural Area and then worked to build a coalition to support the effort. I was inspired by teachers like Myra Halpin, this year's Outstanding Educator in Science, Mathematics, and Technology who's passion for science is coupled with an equal drive to communicate to broad audiences.

If the ceremony reflects the future for math and science, there is certainly reason for hope. Congratulations to all the young men, women, and teachers recognized for their achievements!