VICKSBURG, Miss. (March 13, 2019)—Cynthia Banks, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center environmental protection specialist, participated in the Science Makers event sponsored by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, a division of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks, in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 8. Science Makers celebrated the contributions of women and minorities in the sciences through hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities for 400 students from kindergarten through fourth grade. The event was also attended by 70 adults — 10 teachers and 60 chaperones.
Banks’ interactive exhibit focused on the impacts of plastics on the environment. “I thoroughly enjoyed presenting creative approaches for the three R’s — reduce, reuse and recycle — to the students. Participating in such events adds to the many efforts underway to tackle plastic pollution, and it’s important to me to share how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our environment,” Banks said.
Nicole Smith, event planner and naturalist for the Museum, described Banks in a thank-you note as “a role model that inspires the next generation of STEM professionals.”