The Citizen Science Lab

The Citizen Science Lab is the answer to providing a solution to encouraging youth all across this nation to pursue a career in the sciences. The Elevate Prize would be used to expand our mission of being able to provide that access to not only Pittsburgh neighborhoods, but to other cities and states across this nation.  In addition, part of the funding would be dedicated to a comprehensive evaluation of our programs so that many of the lessons we have learned could be shared and replicated with other STEM programs.

As an African-American man, I am continuously aware of the limitations that society tries to place on me.  As a scientist, I am aware of the statistics about what the future could hold for little boys and girls who look like me.  Yet, it is because I am a scientist that I know there are proven, reproducible solutions to changing that trajectory.  And it is as a scientist that I know that STEM can be a key ingredient to that change.  

Thus, my purpose in creating The Citizen Science Lab is also our mission.  TCSL works to ensure that every child has access to the hands on inquisitive experimentation that is designed to launch them and prepare them for a career in a chosen science field.

My vision for the future is simple--that children from under-resourced and underrepresented fields are able to discover and explore a love of STEM that has been such a fundamental part of my life.

Founded in 2015, The Citizen Science Lab (TCSL)  has become a city leader in providing interactive STEM programming for the residents of Pittsburgh. Located in the Hill District neighborhood and South Hills region, TCSL provides an accessible space to connect young people with opportunities to increase STEM knowledge, academic achievement, and self confidence. TCSL incorporates two state-of-the-art laboratories that provide hands-on exposure to life science, biomedical, robotics, and biotechnology education for students, teachers, biomedical startups, and adult citizens of the Pittsburgh region. Our programming has a focus on increasing urban students’ interest in STEM but is available to all of the citizens of Pittsburgh. 

Through TCSL, students learn the common research techniques used in biology, technology, and computer science fields. Students are expected to be honest with their research, cooperate with one another, practice good sportsmanship, be respectful of their peers, and celebrate everyone's efforts. These skills extend beyond the laboratory, and that knowledge is a requirement for a successful career in the sciences. 

In addition, while many OST programs shy away from students with disciplinary referrals, our inclusive outreach at TCSL is designed to make all students feel welcomed.  Thus, our programming goes beyond STEM exposure. We believe that providing opportunity for children to gain the skills and exposure needed to earn a competitive, living wage is one of the biggest weapons in our arsenal against the school to prison pipeline threatening so many of our neighborhoods.   

One of the most vital (and potentially disruptive) components of our program is that our students, many of whom are disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields, are able to envision themselves in a STEM career.  For young women, students of color, and underserved children, this is no small feat and one of our biggest accomplishments.  

Quite simply, at TCSL, our goal is to use whatever methods available to get youth engaged with STEM.  We know this is critical to the economic, educational, social, and political future of our children.  TCSL’s core mission of increasing STEM programming to underserved communities isn’t solely based on academic objectives.  The Survey of Earned Doctorates report indicates that approximately 5% of PhD’s in the sciences are awarded to African Americans. TCSL strongly believes that the disparity between students and their choice in STEM careers is due to a lack of exposure, which correlates directly with a lack of interest in the sciences. Thus, at TCSL, active and hands-on learning is a core component of our programming and is having a direct impact in fostering interest in STEM. 

TCSL creates a community of students, educators, volunteers, and funders who directly contradict the stereotypes of who excels in STEM fields.  

Our lab-based programs demonstrate that attitudes of students toward the life sciences become significantly more positive when students participate in active and hands-on experimentation such as Polymerase Chain reaction, electrophoresis, DNA transformations, robotics, engineering competitions, and other essential science based skills.