Biology professor honored as St. Louis science educator of the year

Missouri S&T News and Events

Dr. Dave Westenberg (right) speaks during the first Research on Tap social hour at Public House Brewing Company in Rolla. Greg Katski/Missouri S&TDr. Dave Westenberg’s passion for educating school-aged children was recognized with the Academy of Science of St. Louis’ Science Educator Award during the 23rd Annual Outstanding St. Louis Scientists Awards on April 6.
The award is given annually to “a distinguished individual on the basis of outstanding contributions to science education or to the public understanding of science, engineering, or technology.” An associate professor and interim chair of biological sciences at Missouri S&T, Westenberg often does school outreach in the Rolla area and around the state, and organizes and volunteers to do hands-on science activities at conferences and events across the country.
During a speech at the ceremony, Westenberg said his inspiration for science education always has been, and always will be, his daughter, Erica, who is now grown up and attending graduate school in Germany. He says he began doing outreach as a way to bond with her and “be a part of her life.”
“From helping with her science events in kindergarten to being ‘the germ guy’ in first grade to dressing up as the plague doctor for the middle school Quest program, I have loved sharing my passion for science, and microbiology in particular, with her, and now kids of all ages,” Westenberg said during his speech.
Westenberg dresses up as a plague doctor and visits local middle schools to educate students about how diseases like Black Death were combated during the Middle Ages. Photo contributed by Dave Westenberg
Westenberg says the outreach that he and his S&T colleagues do is especially important in a rural area like Rolla, where not every child has the opportunity to experience the cultural institutions and museums that larger cities offer.
“When my daughter was ...

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