Tonight I watched JMBE Live! at ASM Microbe 2023. Stanley Maloy interviewed Kelly Ramirez, Zachary Freeman, and Arpita Bose. Ramirez spoke about bringing excitement about microbiology to students and courses early on! Freeman shared how they started Schoolyard Microbiology and how they collect soils from participants and learn about their microbiomes. Bose had an interest in diseases and curiosity. Bose is passionate about teaching children about microbiology and climate change, starting a collaboration with India. Students learn about global diversity, art, and microbes! Maloy asked Ramirez about the challenges of teaching climate change at the University of El Paso. Ramirez highlighted the activism aspect and communication. Bose had a positive experience learning about how climate change and art are taught in the collaborating institution in India. The Anand Fellowship helped Bose learn from others globally. Freeman spoke about the importance of moving away from scaring. Instead, Freeman suggests challenging students to think about microbes and their impact on climate change. Freeman noted that their lab manager is a child of a teacher and helped plan how to include teachers in the project. Maloy asked about how the panelists measure the impact of their programs. Ramirez talked about the personal impact of climate change. Maloy noted that a small change in climate can result in large impacts on microbes… and disease. Ramirez explained that often students don’t realize the interconnections and systems involved in climate change. Bose noted that it is also important to highlight that microbes can help with climate change.
