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Expanding the GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN) to Include “Early Career STEM Professionals”
  • Amy Barfield
Amy Barfield
UCAR (The GLOBE Program)

Corresponding Author:amy.barfield@colorado.edu

Author Profile

Abstract

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that connects a network of communities around the world and gives them the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. GLOBE hosts the GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN), which is an international network of STEM professionals that work with GLOBE students, teachers, and other STEM professionals around the world. Members of the GISN may mentor students and teachers, collaborate on scientific research, use GLOBE data in their research, judge student research projects, and write blogs for the GLOBE website, among other things. In January 2018, the GISN, which was previously only open to graduate students and seasoned STEM professionals, was expanded to include “Early Career STEM Professionals” which includes upper-level undergraduates or master’s students pursuing a degree in a STEM field or recent graduates working in STEM fields but have less than five years’ experience. Goals for expanding the the GISN include granting early career professionals a chance to establish ties with the next generation of STEM professionals, connecting early career professionals and students with potential mentors and collaborators, and allowing early career professionals and students to explore what a career in a STEM field can look like. All GISN members will benefit from an increase in the number of members as well as an increase in the numbers of members who have more flexibility in terms of time and finances. As well, it is another opportunity for GLOBE to engage with alumni of the program who have continued a career in STEM. Unlike other ECS networks, the GISN does not separate the ECS’ out from the other members so all members have equal access to resources and each other. Since opening up the GISN in January, 17 Early Career STEM Professionals representing 5 of our 6 regions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America, but not Near East and North Africa) have joined the network bringing total membership to 421 members.