WORCESTER—Don Spratt, an associate professor at Clark University, has been honored with the Science Mentorship and Advocacy Award from New England Biolabs (NEB) as part of the 2024 Passion in Science Awards.
Spratt is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, particularly through his work in founding the ClarkU STEM Outreach Program, which provides research opportunities for underrepresented high school students in Worcester.
“It was a pleasant surprise when I received the email from New England Biolabs about being selected as a winner of a 2024 ‘Passion in Science’ award,” Spratt told the Worcester Guardian. “I’m truly honored to receive this recognition for my STEM outreach program in Worcester.”
Spratt, a member of the Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Clark, started the ClarkU STEM Outreach Program in 2019. Since then, the initiative has hosted around 500 high school students from 10 different schools in Worcester and the surrounding areas. The program offers a hands-on introduction to science, featuring experiments like purifying jellyfish proteins and making liquid nitrogen ice cream, while also providing students with valuable insights into STEM career paths.
“This outreach program provides a unique and memorable experience for all students that take part by combining fun hands-on laboratory experiences,” Spratt continued. “We also have an engaging discussion on STEM career options and soft skill development.”
Spratt’s work is part of a broader effort to respond to calls from organizations like the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for coordinated improvements in STEM education for underrepresented groups. By offering early learning and research opportunities, Spratt aims to develop students’ professional skills, improve scientific literacy, and foster a positive experience in a university lab setting.
Clark University, especially since it is situated in the diverse Main South neighborhood, has long been involved in rebuilding the community, with educational outreach as a key element of its mission, explained Spratt.
“Clark has made it part of our core values and mission to be an active and contributing member in the Worcester community,” said Spratt, who remains committed to expanding the program’s reach in the years ahead.
In addition to the NEB award, Spratt has received other honors for his work, including the Jack W. Lund Clark Community Achievement Award in 2021 and the Hodgkins Junior Faculty Award for excellence in research and teaching in 2022.
Spratt is the sole Massachusetts recipient among 12 honorees from the U.S., the UK, and New Zealand. The Passion in Science Awards celebrate individuals whose contributions extend beyond the lab to make a positive impact in fields like environmental stewardship, humanitarian efforts, and education. Spratt will be officially recognized at an event hosted by NEB at their Ipswich, MA headquarters on October 9th and 10th.
“I am looking forward to spending two days in Ipswich, MA, in October where I’ll get to meet the other NEB awardees and hear about how they are also helping their communities through science outreach,” said Spratt.
Spratt remains enthusiastic about the future of the ClarkU STEM Outreach Program, emphasizing the importance of continuing to build connections with Worcester-area high schools. “I plan to continue to strengthen and expand the connections I have made with STEM programs at Worcester, MA high schools through this outreach program in the years to come. All are welcome!”
More details on the award and the winners can be found at NEB’s website, www.neb.com/passioninscience.
Editor Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
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