Center for Public Engagement with Science
The Center for Public Engagement with Science (CPES) partners with environmental faculty across campus to translate environmental knowledge and research results into action in North Carolina communities and beyond. Through informal science education, science communication, and community engagement initiatives, the CPES enhances public understanding of current environmental science and health research and its relevance to daily life, empowering North Carolinians to make informed decisions that protect the environment and public health.
Focus Areas
CPES serves as a campus-wide resource in five key areas: community and stakeholder engagement, K-12 environmental science education, pathways into STEM, experiential education for undergraduates and community/citizen science.
Featured Project – YES Resilience: SEE Solutions
Now accepting applications for Teen Climate Ambassadors, part of the YES Resilience: SEE Solutions project. This youth STEM enrichment summer program, hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC, engages 9th-12th graders in hands-on activities using cutting-edge science and technology to explore climate impacts and solutions in their communities.
Learn More
A message from the Director
In the Center for Public Engagement with Science (CPES), we recognize that research results can be a powerful springboard for transforming thought and informing individual and collective action. For this reason, current, peer-reviewed environmental science/health research is the foundation of CPES activity. We understand that scientific research often requires translation to be accessible and useful to lay audiences, so we rely on community partners to help us identify and respond to pressing environmental issues in North Carolina (NC).
We work in nearby neighborhoods and communities across the state, from the mountains of Jackson County to the coastal waters of Pasquotank County and many places in between. We also collaborate with peers across the country on environmental health issues with a national scope. In all the locations where we are active, our impact is attributable to the focused effort of a talented team that includes university educators and scientists and dedicated community partners.
In CPES, we like to say that we are rooted in research and relevant to NC communities; and we value collaboration and inclusion. If these ideas resonate with you, we hope you will reach out!
Kathleen Gray
Director, Center for Public Engagement with Science
Latest News
EcoStudio matches Tar Heels with internships (UNC.edu | Apr. 11, 2024)
Since 2018, the program has helped 466 students explore careers in environment and sustainability.
Read More
IE program brings N.C. students and teachers into state parks for meaningful outdoor science learning
N.C. teachers and park rangers create outdoor learning experiences for students.
Read More