KYRA RICCI
Outreach and Community Engagement
I'm passionate about engaging the community in my work. Here are a few of my most recent outreach and community engagement projects.
Artwork: Kathleen Lu
The Wetlands and You: A Science-Art Exhibition
Project Manager
This exhibition of original artwork by Binghamton University students in April 2023 showcased the many challenges that impact animals in the wetlands, the ways that researchers are studying these issues, and what community members can do to help. I developed the idea for the event, selected and coordinated artists, secured funding, and organized the exhibition.
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Funding: Society for Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), Grants in Herpetology
Educational Children's Books
Project Manager and Editor
In collaboration with undergraduate student artists, writers, and scientists as well as ecology research labs, we developed an original graphic novel (Amphibian Adventurers: Beyond the Vernal Pool; Hua Lab 2022) and a children's book (Phoebe's First Forage: Ant-Plant Mutualisms on the Forest Floor; Prior Lab 2023). I organized and managed the development of the books and accompanying educational materials.
Image Credit: Emily Ronan
Student Field Trips to Roberson Museum
Project Manager and Educator
At this educational event, we hosted 26 classrooms of 3rd grade students at Roberson Museum and Science Center to learn about the importance of local amphibian and aquatic biodiversity. I developed, planned, and executed this event with the help of my fellow lab members and community collaborators.
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Funding: NSF CAREER #2042970, PI: Jessica Hua
3rd Grade Techer Workshops
Project Manager and Presenter
At this professional development event, 19 local 3rd grade teachers across 10 schools were given instruction and resources to teach a lesson about biodiversity in the wetlands to their classrooms. I developed the classroom resources and ran the workshops with the help of my lab team.
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Funding: NSF CAREER #2042970, PI: Jessica Hua
Binghamton University EcoBlitz
Co-Organizer and Volunteer
This community science event invited members of the public and local campus community to assist in documenting local biodiversity at the Binghamton University Nature Preserve, hosted by the BU Center for Integrated Watershed Studies. I helped to organize and assess the event as well as hosting a table to educate participants about local amphibians.
Family Science at the Farm
Co-Organizer and Volunteer
This community outreach event invited families to learn about science and interact with scientists and conservation professionals at Woods Ravine Farm, a private nature reserve. I helped to organize and assess the event and taught families about local amphibian biodiversity.
Image Credit: Alyssa Micha WSKG