Corps employee participates in student science and technology event

Courtesy Photo | Cynthia Banks, environmental protection specialist, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, talks to Mississippi Museum of Natural Science visitors about the environmental impacts of using plastic during Science Makers, an event held to teach students about STEM careers. (Photo by Mississippi Museum of Natural Science)  

VICKSBURG, MS, UNITED STATES

03.13.2019

Story by Michelle Stewart 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center   

VICKSBURG, Miss. (March 13, 2019)—Cynthia Banks, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center environmental protection specialist, participated in the Science Makers event sponsored by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, a division of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks, in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 8. Science Makers celebrated the contributions of women and minorities in the sciences through hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities for 400 students from kindergarten through fourth grade. The event was also attended by 70 adults — 10 teachers and 60 chaperones.

Banks’ interactive exhibit focused on the impacts of plastics on the environment. “I thoroughly enjoyed presenting creative approaches for the three R’s — reduce, reuse and recycle — to the students. Participating in such events adds to the many efforts underway to tackle plastic pollution, and it’s important to me to share how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our environment,” Banks said.

Nicole Smith, event planner and naturalist for the Museum, described Banks in a thank-you note as “a role model that inspires the next generation of STEM professionals.”

• Date Taken: 03.13.2019
• Date Posted: 03.16.2019 12:10
• Story ID: 314544
• Location: VICKSBURG, MS, US