SEM Link Founder and Executive Director an attendee of the 2012 COPUS Invitational Unconference

March 13, 2012 - PRLog -- SEM Link’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Tokiwa T. Smith is one of the over 65 science communicators, artists, educators and scientists that will be attending  the first ever COPUS Invitational Unconference at Biosphere 2 on March 16-18 , 2012 outside of Tucson, Arizona.  The Unconference will bring together individuals to discuss strategies for increasing public understanding of and engagement with science. Sponsored by the Whitman Foundation, the event will bring together individuals that operate normally in isolation together to share knowledge, experiences and discuss challenges. The conference is a think tank, a networking event, a showcase, a forum and a celebration- all rolled into one.

In the spirit of the Unconference, the agenda will be driven by the attendees; who will brainstorm on the opportunities and challenges of the science outreach community. There will be three core interconnected questions: What is meant by the public understanding of science, what is the role of the scientist in promoting public engagement in science and how we will know if we are successful at our efforts? “ I am very excited to be attending this Unconference” said Ms. Tokiwa T. Smith Founder and Executive Director of SEM Link “ I have been having great conversations about science outreach with many of the attendees via social media. I’m thankful for the opportunity to meet and have these conversations with them face to face.”

The event will have opportunities for individuals to participate in the dialogu via social networking tools such as Twitter and Facebook. You can follow COPUS on Twitter @COPUScore and use the hashtags #COPUS and #sci4all. You can also join the COPUS Facebook Group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/5277539203/ )


About SEM Link

Founded in 2005, SEM Link is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that promotes student achievement and career exploration in math and science for K-12 students by connecting them with individuals with backgrounds in science, engineering and mathematics. SEM Link has a two-core program model, Experimental Design Program and Math and Science Career Academy. These programs provide students with opportunities to develop math and science skills by enhancing the classroom learning experience and teaching them skills that are transferable to other areas of life. For more information about SEM Link visit our website at www.semsuccess.org or contact Ms. Tokiwa T. Smith, Executive Director and Founder, via e-mail at tokiwa.smith@semsuccess.org or via phone at   888-600-6294    .


ABOUT COPUS
The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) is a grassroots effort to engage the public in science and increase public understanding of the nature of science and its value to society. What COPUS does is simple- it creates a network of peers that build community for science through promoting dialogue, building connections and sharing ideas and resources. For more information visit http://www.copusproject.org.

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Founded in 2005, SEM Link is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that promotes student achievement and career exploration in math and science for K-12 students by connecting them with individuals with backgrounds in science, engineering and mathematics. SEM Link has a two-core program model, Experimental Design Program and Math and Science Career Academy. These programs provide students with opportunities to develop math and science skills by enhancing the classroom learning experience and teaching them skills that are transferable to other areas of life.