The EcoLogik Project
Connecting Nature and Technology for Young Women in Science
The world is changing at a prodigious rate - humankind is facing, arguably, its biggest threats to survival yet. Climate change is accelerating and ecosystems across the globe are on the brink of collapse. In order to solve these significant global issues, we need everyone’s efforts - every voice at the table.
Unfortunately, not everyone is welcome or feels welcome at the table - there is a disconnect of women and female identifying representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Statistics show that 50% of college educated people in America are women, yet only 30% of STEM professionals are female (NSF 2017). More dismally, less than 1:10 employed scientists and engineers are women of color (Hill et al. 2010). Why is this happening? It’s a complicated issue with many causes, but research suggests that one of the main drivers for female underrepresentation in fields is the lack of female role-models. If young women can’t envision themselves in these roles, they will not pursue them.
Out of this disconnect, the EcoLogik Project was created.
EcoLogik Exploring Cabrillo ( Audio Description )
Reaching for New Heights
For many EcoLogik participants, this is their first time in a National Park. The EcoLogik program allows them to explore the natural wonders in their backyard in ways they never imagined.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Participants get to use many of the same technologies that are employed by park resource rangers and partnering scientists. Instead of native Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes however, we have fluffy green snake models for student teams to practice their telemetry skills. These study specimens don’t slither off quite as quickly!
Making Observations 101
“EcoLogik helps girls peer into the world of science ... and helps spread the word that there are people that support females in science.”
- 2019 EcoLogik Participant, Age 12
Started in 2017 at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California, the EcoLogik Project is a free and unique program that fuses ecology and technology and connects young, underrepresented female explorers and scientists (ages 9-16) to the natural resources and science of America’s National Parks. EcoLogik participants learn and incorporate technological advances and knowledge of the environment to collect natural resource data (community science), create 3D biomodels, learn basic coding and programming, and much more!
EcoLogik Exploring Nature ( Audio Description )
“EcoLogik is important because it gives underrepresented girls the tools and resources they need to succeed ... and helps them to visualize their STEM dreams and shape them into reality.”
- 2018 EcoLogik Participant, Age 14
With this fully immersive program, we provide young girls a meaningful connection to their National Parks while simultaneously nurturing their love of STEM and, perhaps more powerfully, their belief in themselves. We show them that they too can become scientists and engineers - if they see it, they know they can be it. EcoLogik is not just any summer camp - by directly selecting a small cohort from underrepresented groups for this experience we are changing the culture around STEM. And by changing the culture, we are tackling these pervasive global issues in a fresh and effective way.
Where Nature and Technology Merge
EcoLogik students learn about new technologies to ask novel ecological questions. From coding and programming Arduino boards to 3D printing, this program equips participants with the tools and context to see the world differently.
Telling the Story
Beyond exploring nature, the EcoLogik program instills the importance of telling the story behind why science matters and why we need to work together to protect natural spaces. Students utilize tools they are familiar with, such as iMovie video editing software, to connect these critical messages to a broader audience.
Collecting Data and Asking Questions
Ensuring that students have ongoing access to the tools and tenets they learn in EcoLogik is one of the program’s primary objectives. We utilize community science programs, such as iNaturalist, so that students can continue to ask and answer questions of their own.
Resource Rangers in Training
Students learn the importance of collecting and using data to understand park ecosystems and their inhabitants. With this information, they are guided to make tough decisions on how to best preserve and protect their natural legacy.
EcoLogik Scientist's Manifesto ( Audio Description )
Since its inception, the EcoLogik Project has served over 200 young women through 7 summer camp experiences, and 350 community members through 20 independent workshops. Several participants have been inspired by this program, and the connections they made, to continue their science explorations with partners such as the National Park Service, University of California - San Diego, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Surfrider Foundation, and more. EcoLogik has had a significant impact in our community and we are excited to explore avenues of expansion in the future.
“The strong women that led this program have made a huge impact on my life and have changed me for the better. I hope one day to be a role-model for another young girl looking for direction.”
- 2017 EcoLogik Participant, Age 16
The world is changing and we must change with it. Our ultimate goal is to empower young women to be champions for nature, innovators in STEM, warriors for environmental stewardship, leaders in their communities, and change makers who create a positive impact on the world around them.
The EcoLogik Project, now the EcoLogik Institute , is a 501c3 partner with the National Park Service. This endeavor is supported by the Southern California Research Learning Center , the Great Basin Institute , and a community of incredible partners .
To learn more and get involved, please visit The EcoLogik Institute .
