(Bowie, Md.)-Two students and one professor from Bowie State University were recently invited to participate in the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll as volunteers for the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB). The ASPB team coordinated an activity during the event called, “Egg-seeding Expectations,” which was a seed-planting activity using recycled egg cartons and herb seedsBowie State University asociate professor in the Department of Natural Sciences, Dr. George Ude, received the invitation, bringing two of his lab technicians, Gabi Yamoah and Chioma Ebiringa, to serve as volunteers representing the university. Chioma, a graduate of the Bowie State University Biology Department, is currently at the University of Maryland College Park pursuing a doctoral degree in plant molecular biology. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer for a White House activity on behalf of Bowie State University and the ASPB,” said Dr. Ude. “It was an outstanding day where we were able to impact hundreds of children through an interesting, fun science activity.” The Easter Egg Roll is an annual event at the White House and, for the last several years, science activities have been coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Hosted by the First Family, this year’s affair saw more than 30,000 people from all 50 states. The theme, ‘Get Up and Go!’ focused on promoting health and wellness, a central part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of children.
“Representing Bowie State University at the White House is an honor and a privilege for the Department of Natural Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the greater university community,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences George Acquaah, Ph.D. “I am very proud of Dr. Ude and the team for dedicating their time and efforts to represent the university at this level.” The White House planning team requested the Egg-seeding Expectations activity because it combines the event’s themes including Easter, fresh produce/herbs, gardening skills, nutrition, and springtime science. Hosting such a large-scale activity required the ASPB team to systematically plan for more than 2,500 children during the 11 hours of the event. The White House OSTP advises the president and executive staff on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the president with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the federal government. To read more about OSTP, click here.
The ASPB was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interest and growth of plant scientist in general. ASPB membership spans six continents, in diverse areas as academia, government laboratories, and industrial and commercial environments. To learn more the mission of ASPB and volunteer opportunities click here.
