In addition to a ton of interesting things we discuss about the learning design that happens in a 1,700 acre arboretum, we dig into their new podcast called, "Planted: Finding your roots in STEM careers," an adorable title for an interesting show that's attempting to shed light on the professional world of an entire area of science that, previously, I honestly have no idea how people would've learned about.

Meghan Wiesbrock

Currently at The Morton Arboretum, Meghan Wiesbrock works with students at all places in their journey into STEM. Managing onsite curriculum-based nature programs, her and her team facilitate exposure to the natural world by providing rich, immersive learning experiences with the goal to build environmental affinity to protect trees and nature. She is co-host of the Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers Podcast. Meghan taught 7th/8th grade science for 6 years in Berwyn, IL. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton, OH in Middle Childhood Education with endorsements in Science and Language Arts, and a Master's degree in Science Content and Process from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.

Jessica B. Turner-Skoff

Jessica’s doctorate studying plants took her to the heart of Appalachia and the wilds of the Alaskan Tundra, and it was during this time that she discovered her passion for telling the story of research and science. As The Morton Arboretum’s first science communicator, or ‘Treeologist,’ Jessica supports the Arboretum's mission and vision to be the leading center of tree expertise by communicating and sharing expert knowledge. While centered in the Science and Conservation Department, she works collaboratively with Education and Information to help catalyze tree champions by creatively making tree science, horticulture, and conservation relevant and accessible to target audiences. Currently, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors of The Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) and President Emeritus of the Auxiliary Board. She is on the Advisory Council of the Seed Your Future, the national movement to improve the public’s perception of horticulture. Jessica is also an adjunct professor for the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, teaching ‘Economic Botany’ and ‘Science Communication for Broader Impacts.’

About Morton Arboretum

The mission of The Morton Arboretum is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. Our goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees. Its 1,700 acres hold more than 222,000 live plants representing nearly 4,300 species from around the world.

About "Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers"

Welcome to ‘Planted: Finding your roots in STEM careers,’ we are here to introduce you to some professionals that have interesting and diverse careers and the journey they took to get there. These plant professionals do everything from teaching people about the natural world, unlocking the secrets of DNA, and traveling the world to save unique species. Explore the journey, by listening to the episode that matches your interest, or mirrors your journey towards a STEM career.

Links from this episode:

About Planted: Finding your roots in STEM careers: https://www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/educators/planted-finding-your-roots-stem-careers

About Sonic Tomography: http://www.newdayarborist.com/tree-diagnostic-services/sonic-tomography/

Aurelie Jacquet on Planted: https://www.mortonarb.org/learn-experience/educators/planted-finding-your-roots-stem-careers/episode-4-merging-interests

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