Expanding the GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN) to Include “Early
Career STEM Professionals”
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.