PiER Mentoring Program
About PIER
PIER (Pathways in Ecological Research) is an innovative initiative designed to inspire and empower young women in grades 8-11 through rigorous field and laboratory experiences at Lacawac Sanctuary under the mentorship of Lacawac staff. The program is aimed towards young women are interested in exploring the diverse fields of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Created with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion, PIER aims to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families, minority communities, LGBTQ+, and Autism spectrum to engage in hands-on learning experiences and mentorship within the STEAM disciplines.
Initiative components include:
-PIER Mentorship under Lacawac Staff
-Engagement with professionals in the STEAM Field
-Rigorous field and Laboratory opportunities for students to gain hands on experience
-Student lead research with a final poster presentation
The PIER program envisions a future where all young women have equal opportunities to pursue their interests and aspirations in STEAM fields, regardless of their background or circumstances. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support networks they need to succeed, we aim to empower the next generation of STEAM leaders who will drive innovation, tackle pressing global challenges, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
The PiER program begins with two school field trip days at Lacawac Sanctuary. Each day will focus on a specific environmental science topic. Students will collect data to be used by Lacawac researchers in their studies. Each school participating may bring a small group of students to the program/presentations.
PIER (Pathways in Ecological Research) is an innovative initiative designed to inspire and empower young women in grades 8-11 through rigorous field and laboratory experiences at Lacawac Sanctuary under the mentorship of Lacawac staff. The program is aimed towards young women are interested in exploring the diverse fields of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Created with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion, PIER aims to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families, minority communities, LGBTQ+, and Autism spectrum to engage in hands-on learning experiences and mentorship within the STEAM disciplines.
Initiative components include:
-PIER Mentorship under Lacawac Staff
-Engagement with professionals in the STEAM Field
-Rigorous field and Laboratory opportunities for students to gain hands on experience
-Student lead research with a final poster presentation
The PIER program envisions a future where all young women have equal opportunities to pursue their interests and aspirations in STEAM fields, regardless of their background or circumstances. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support networks they need to succeed, we aim to empower the next generation of STEAM leaders who will drive innovation, tackle pressing global challenges, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
The PiER program begins with two school field trip days at Lacawac Sanctuary. Each day will focus on a specific environmental science topic. Students will collect data to be used by Lacawac researchers in their studies. Each school participating may bring a small group of students to the program/presentations.
2022 PiER Presentations:
Tuesday, April 26
How is Research at Lake Lacawac Used to Track Climate Change?
Students will explore how Lake Lacawac is used by researchers to track Global Climate Change. They will collect water quality data and identify plankton to add to data collected by Lacawac scientists to study the effects of Climate Change on Lake Lacawac and other Pocono lakes.
Tuesday, May 24
How Do Whitetail Deer Affect the Forest Ecosystem at Lacawac Sanctuary?
Students will investigate the biology of Whitetail Deer and the effects of their browsing for food on the forest ecosystem. Students will collect vegetation distribution data inside and outside Lacawac’s deer exclosures to add to data collected by a current Lacawac researcher to assist in her research project.
Tuesday, April 26
How is Research at Lake Lacawac Used to Track Climate Change?
Students will explore how Lake Lacawac is used by researchers to track Global Climate Change. They will collect water quality data and identify plankton to add to data collected by Lacawac scientists to study the effects of Climate Change on Lake Lacawac and other Pocono lakes.
Tuesday, May 24
How Do Whitetail Deer Affect the Forest Ecosystem at Lacawac Sanctuary?
Students will investigate the biology of Whitetail Deer and the effects of their browsing for food on the forest ecosystem. Students will collect vegetation distribution data inside and outside Lacawac’s deer exclosures to add to data collected by a current Lacawac researcher to assist in her research project.