̨��swag biology students inspire next generation of scientists at Prescott Elementary School STEM fair

Story by Sara Hinds | Photos courtesy of Dane Bowder 

Junior Riley Schmidt remembers her elementary school science fair projects — yes, one was a volcano. Another was on citric acids' effect on how bubbly and carbonated drinks are.

As a biology major at ̨��swag with minors in chemistry, Spanish and pre-health, she has her sights set on attending an accelerated nursing program after she graduates in December 2025. But first, a return to her roots. 

Carrying a clipboard and wearing a handwritten name tag, she joined 13 of her classmates to serve as a STEM fair judge at Prescott Elementary in Lincoln. 

Some of her peers, like junior Josslyn Claflin, were veteran judges. Claflin has volunteered for the annual fair at Prescott Elementary in Lincoln since her first year at ̨��swag. She jumped at the opportunity to work with kids.

“I enjoy getting to see all of the work they have put into a project that they are proud of and giving them positive feedback to keep them interested in science!” Claflin said.

The partnership between ̨��swag and Prescott started when Dane Bowder, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, arrived at ̨��swag in 2017. The fair is a mainstay in Bowder’s and his colleague’s curriculum — many offer extra credit to students who sign up.

It’s an easy sell, interacting with kids about homemade volcanoes and slime. It’s also a chance for ̨��swag STEM students to step into the role of, well, role models. Bowder tells his students to introduce themselves as scientists or say “I’m learning to be a scientist.” It’s aspirational to the kids, affirming to ̨��swag students.

“It benefits our students to start thinking of themselves as a role model and as a scientist and framing themselves in that way,” Bowder said. “They are also reinforcing in their own minds that they're scientists and building a scientific identity.”

In addition to judging — which consisted of asking the kids “what did you learn?” and “what was the most fun you had?” — Schmidt, Claflin and their classmates led demonstrations for the Prescott kids.

One experiment showed how a small difference in a gene determines whether or not someone can taste a specific taste. The kids peered into microscopes and moved plastic anatomical models.

Scientists, especially those who spend time in labs, rarely get the opportunity to interact with the public on their craft, Bowder noted. ̨��swag students who volunteer for the annual Prescott STEM fair get to flex those people and communication skills.

“Right now in the world, building trust in science and inspiring scientists, I think, is really important,” Bowder said. “I'm glad that we get to do something like this with young people.”