STEM and Society: Public Roles of Scientists and Engineers

Posted November 2, 2016 in JMU Libraries News

Civic engagement is a unique set of knowledge, skills, and dispositions advantageous to citizens in a representational democracy. JMU acknowledges the value of developing students and professionals as citizens who can politically act in the world and enact meaningful change. What roles and responsibilities do scientists, engineers, and technologists play in the civic sphere? Should those in STEM fields be prepared to play different roles in today’s society?

This JMuse Café event will bring together STEM experts and practitioners to explore how regulations, funding, policymaking, ethics, and other factors can and should influence technical decisions. Through panel and small-group discussion, participants will also explore the responsibilities of STEM professionals as engaged citizens.

“STEM and Society: Public Roles of Scientists and Engineers” will be on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 6:30pm – 8:00pm in JMU’s Rose Library, 3rd Floor Flex Space.

Refreshments will be served at this free event. Free parking is available in JMU lots C10 and D2.  All are welcome!

The panel will include:

Brianna Kirkpatrick, owner of WatershedDNA

Mr. Zachary Pirtle, Program Integration Engineer in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate

Mr. Brad Reed, Assistant District Planner (Staunton) with Virginia Department of Transportation and JMU ISAT ’06

Dr. Emily York, PhD, Assistant Professor of Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University

The JMU Civic Engagement Task Force is pleased to be partnering with JMuse Café & JMU Libraries and Educational Technologies in a year-long series of events focusing on civic engagement across a wide variety of disciplines. Coming in 2017:
Civic Engagement and Business
Civic Engagement and the Arts

If you have questions or suggestions about the series, contact Lori Britt at brittll@jmu.edu.