Community Outreach
BUILDING A “CITY OF SCIENCE”
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s today’s research leaders at Texas Biomedical Research Institute work to diminish the threat of infectious diseases, Texas Biomed’s community outreach program educates tomorrow’s scientists who will continue this good work.
said Kelli Oberheu, Science Department Chair and Biomedical Science Teacher of Harmony Public School. “Being able to talk with individuals doing research and those working with the animals was very exciting. I love that the students are so interested in science and the research that is happening so close to them.”
Texas Biomed has expanded its community outreach efforts in various ways. Since March 2018, we have successfully doubled tours for high schools, college groups and businesses. These tours include educational presentations from scientists, veterinarians and other professionals across campus, as well as a virtual tour of our Biosafety Level-4 laboratory and an up close look at the nonhuman primates in the Southwest National Primate Research Center. These tours impacted more than 1,000 visitors in 2018, including hundreds of local students.
Texas Biomed has made significant strides to develop more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) partnerships in the community with outreach to business and educational groups and even arts organizations. At science fairs, students are taught the importance of animal research from animal caretakers, and they learn about the various pathogens our scientists work with through hands-on activities.
“Our connection with Texas Biomed has been extremely inspirational to our students,”
“At Girls Inc, we work every day to connect young girls to local STEM professionals so that they can see all of the amazing opportunities available for them,” said Heather Aguillon, STEM Program Manager
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for Girls Inc. of San Antonio. “Being able to engage with industry partners like Texas Biomed is a great way for kids to meet, talk to and work with someone who just might change the trajectory of their life.” Other projects have included coordinating with local organizations such as The Public Theater of San Antonio. The Public Theatre hosted a special night for Texas Biomed at its Spring showing of Rent, a Broadway musical focused on those suffering from HIV at the height of the epidemic. The evening included an audience discussion after the performance with representatives from Texas Biomed, The Public Theater and the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. “The partnership with Texas Biomed and The Public Theater has exceeded my expectations,” added Shelly Chance, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the San Antonio Public Theatre. “It is wonderful for the theater to start a conversation about science and have the expertise of scientists to elevate
