Andrew George

Emerging Broader Impacts Leader

University of Utah

Dr. Andrew George, associate director of the STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP) at the University of Utah (UU), exemplifies an exceptional level of commitment to the idea that research serves society. His enthusiastic efforts to bridge gaps between academia and the communities we serve have been remarkable. His strong commitment is evidenced in his activities both as part of STEMAP and to the broader UU research community. The STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP) is a public engagement training program that promotes open-minded exchange between members of the public and the scientific community. It was founded by Dr. Nalini Nadkarni in 2016 with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. In his role not only does he design and implement STEMAP curriculum in the classroom, he also consults with each Ambassador one-on-one throughout their time in the program, manages the program’s budget, develops tailored workshops for various groups requesting BI training, manages STEMAP staff, and works tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of the program. Through STEMAP, he also works to connect scientists and researchers to diverse groups in the community. Andrew has helped STEM Ambassadors forge connections with youth-in-custody, the Salt Lake City (SLC) public library system, the SLC public school system, South Salt Lake City community after school programs, the Ronald McDonald House, museums, nature centers, art walks, local government organizations, 4-H clubs, a women’s rehabilitation center, ski resorts, and summer camps through the UU’s Youth Education Program, among other organizations.

Andrew’s academic background, including a PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of Chicago, coupled with his NSF postdoctoral research fellowship in biology at the Field Museum of Natural History – one of our country’s premier informal science education institutions – have provided Andrew with a solid foundation for his many subsequent BI endeavors.