Pollock Receives Science Educator Award for Expanding Student Horizons
Biology Professor Dr. John Pollock has received the 2020 Science Educator Award from the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) for his work in promoting STEM education and health literacy.
The SfN noted Pollock’s illustrious career in inspiring students of all ages to learn more about science through his educational resources and his research on the neurobiology of pain.
As director of the University’s Partnership in Education, Pollock has developed a wide range of educational and multimedia resources for school children, including Emmy® Award-winning educational television programs, apps, animated movies and teaching curriculum, most of which are available for free to educators. Other outreach projects led by Pollock have celebrated Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and involved a multi-year, city-wide partnership with several museums.
Principal support for this work has come from Science Education Partnership Awards at the National Institute of General Medical Science of the National Institutes of Health, among other federal and foundation grants.
“The society is honored to recognize this year’s winners, whose efforts…reflect a passion and enthusiasm for STEM outreach and health literacy,” SfN President Barry Everitt said. “In addition to conducting their own research in neuroscience, they have found creative ways to reach out to the larger community, and especially underserved populations, to instill an appreciation for brain science and health.”
Earlier this month, Pollock’s board game about the immune system, You Make Me Sick, received a 2020 International Serious Play Silver Medal. He also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation; and he is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The SfN award is supported by The Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing understanding about the brain in health and disease through research grants and public outreach.