Wendee.... Great question, but I suspected you were going to get some of these responses coming in.
I suggest you come up with something more specific in how to measure this contribution you want to write about. In short, I think most Educators would like to hear that their Students became Biologists of any kind and would thank them forever for their influence. I get comments from former Students, not all Biologists, but they still comment about the class they had with me. It feels good. So, not every Student the Science Educators on this list or in general will every become a Scientist of any type. I have led groups personally since the age of 20 to many places. Many of those people were not Science oriented from day 1 and are not Scientists of any kind today. We still send groups/individuals to many parts of this amazing Planet. Educators want some of their Students to become famous Tropical Ecologists in some cases. Not a bad goal and I understand. Not going to happen! Still life-altering experiences, they look at their surroundings, their life-style, conversations with others, trying to figure out who to vote for, etc., etc. with a different and more informed angle. I have led groups and told me they still hate Biology, but they had a different grasp on life in general and they were thrilled to have had the chance to participate. Know you are an excellent writer, measuring this issue is going to get arguments from all sides. Am just guessing that the diversity in answers could add substance to your article. I know you will, but please tell it from both sides. Often they will have the same kind of impact. Educators on this list do some amazing things and just because you are not a U. level Professor with a Ph.D. and working with an NGO,etc. doesn't mean they are not making a contribution. Thanks for your time....probably telling you things that you already knew. You have traveled, but let me emphasize, making an educational contribution to our Planet does not always require a Ph.D. or in some cases, not even a HS diploma. I would agree 100% with the comments I have included below. We also work with many NGO's in other parts of the world that supply us with People that stun me on a daily basis with their local and beyond....knowledge. Call me or e-mail me, I can give you some very specific examples with References. *While it is not above and beyond their normal job duties, I'd argue that nearly all academic biologists make a substantial contribution to society through their teaching (not just their research). For many of us, teaching makes up an equal or greater proportion of our workload than research. And, many of us do give back through service to NGOs and government agencies, outreach to the public and school groups, etc. *Let me echo that some of us academics are involved in working with environmental groups, serving on advisory committees to EPA, NOAA, and state environmental agencies etc. I am spending this week in the DC area on an advisory committee to NOAA Sea Grant. (It's better to be here than in NJ/NY.) Thank you. Mike Nolan ---------- If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, best time to return your call and your e-mail address. After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. Sincerely, J. 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