Science Outreach Program
Who We Are
The Science Outreach Program aims to serve the greater community and promote an interest in science from a Christ-centered perspective. Our purpose is to help advance science education, raise the scientific consciousness of the community, and share the resources of the George Fox University science departments.
How We Serve You
Many of our services fall under one of four primary categories:
Our Newsletter
Get all the latest information about our program by reading our newsletter.
Program’s Scope
The Science Outreach Program includes formal associations with several school districts, including more than 120 teachers and 60 schools, OHSU, OMSI, and Newberg Community School. Countless home-school children have attended youth science classes.
Over time, George Fox has built a national reputation for excellent science outreach and serves as a model for similar outreach programs.
We are happy to work with all educators, whether teachers from public or private schools, home-school parents, camp directors, or anyone interacting with children and teaching science.
Our History
Dwight Kimberly
Professor Emeritus
Science Outreach Community Liaison
George Fox’s Science Outreach Program was created in 1994 by Professor Dwight Kimberly with the help of a grant from the MJ Murdock Charitable Foundation. A well-equipped science laboratory was dedicated for the Science Outreach Program in the newly built Edwards-Holman Science Center. Kimberly’s desire was to help educators teach science better.
Kimberly’s vision included loaning valuable resources to under-equipped science teachers, providing encouragement, and brainstorming lab and hands-on teaching opportunities. He also formed a close connection with the home-school community by providing youth science classes taught by George Fox undergraduate science students. He continues to stay connected to the program as the community liaison.
In 2011, Dwight stepped down as director. Kathy Weiss directed the program from 2011 to 2016. From 2017 to 2021, Paige Parry continued to develop and expand the program according to the original vision. The program continued to grow and thrive under the direction of Tennille Hostetler from 2021 to 2024. Our current director is Marissa Dickison, who is enthusiastic about serving youth in our community and K-12 science educators. We look forward to many years of Science Outreach ahead.
Questions?
Marissa Dickison
Assistant Professor of Biology
Science Outreach Director