Knight Campus PhD candidate Jarod Forer pursues science outreach for students in rural communities
By Julie Langenberg
Jarod Forer was sitting at a conference listening to a dialogue about the public perception of scientific research when he had a realization: many people still see science as a “black box,” an opaque world of unfamiliar people doing unfamiliar work. This is especially true of communities in rural areas who may be physically distant from scientific research hubs. He saw that disconnect not as a challenge, but an opportunity.
Determined to bridge the gap between researchers and students, Forer, who is a PhD student in bioengineering working in the Willett and Hahn labs, envisioned a program that would bring junior scientists like himself into middle and high school classrooms. His goal was simple: to demystify science and show students that scientists are real, approachable people doing exciting, tangible work.
To bring this idea to life, Forer reached out to Bryan Rebar, a science outreach specialist who serves as the associate director of STEM CORE and faculty in the physics department. Rebar connected him with Hanna Eberle, Career Connected Learning Project Coordinator at the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). Eberle helped Forer put together a plan, then reached out to a few educators she knew with their ideas, and the first phase of what is now called STEM In Reach was launched.
The program brings together University of Oregon graduate students from across STEM disciplines — bioengineering, molecular biology, human physiology, chemistry, physics, ecology and evolution, and earth sciences — into classrooms in small teams of three to create human connections between rural students and scientists.
Each visit is thoughtfully coordinated with teachers to serve the needs and interests of their students. During the visits, scientists rotate through classes, sometimes engaging with over 100 students in a single day. They sit with small groups to talk about their work, answer questions, and lead interactive demonstrations — ranging from showing fluorescent zebrafish under a microscope to exploring tree evolution, 3D printing, biomechanics, and quantum physics.
Forer believes that one of the most powerful parts of the program is simply showing up — often in sweatpants and t-shirts — to have real conversations about science and what it’s like to be a scientist. He hopes the experience will stay with students when they encounter science in school, consider a STEM degree or engage with science-related issues in the world around them.
It’s been just over a year since STEM In Reach started with a visit to Fern Ridge Middle School in Elmira, Oregon. Since then, the team has made visits to five schools, reaching hundreds of students throughout Lane County.
The program has grown thanks to faculty mentors and the Knight Campus Graduate Student Association — both of whom have championed outreach efforts — and benefitted from financial and logistical backing from Lane ESD, which has provided gas money and lunch for the traveling scientists. Feedback from teachers and students who have experienced the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how much they appreciated the informal, engaging environment to explore STEM topics.
Looking ahead, Forer and Eberle hope to expand the program to visit up to 10 schools next year, particularly in smaller rural communities that often lack access to enrichment opportunities. They also envision a year-end campus visit to the University of Oregon, providing the most engaged students with opportunities to tour labs and see research firsthand. Forer is eager to involve more scientists from a wide range of disciplines in the outreach effort. If you're interested in getting involved with STEM In Reach, contact Jarod Forer at jforer@uoregon.edu.
— May 21, 2025