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 – Schools in Parks Collaborative
The Schools in Parks Collaborative is a free, year-long professional development program for elementary teachers and state park rangers. Together, these professionals learn to create outdoor learning experiences for students, in state parks and on school grounds, maximizing opportunities for students to connect to nature and foster a sense of wonder throughout the school year.
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
Well water test history must now be shared with home buyers (Environmental Factor | July 1, 2024)
Members of IE’s CPES made recommendations to require sellers to disclose well testing results.
Read More
Energy LEAP engages N.C. high school students in latest energy science
Students participated in a range of hands-on STEM activities throughout the week.
Read More