Every proposal submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) is evaluated based on the Intellectual Merit (IM) and Broader Impacts (BI). IM refers to the potential for the work to advance understanding in the discipline, while BI refers to the societal benefits of the proposed work. Societal benefits usually involve engaging underrepresented groups, the education community, or the general public in research efforts and outcomes. In addition, developing and implementing successful broader impacts activities is often dependent on identifying the right partner(s) and establishing a productive collaboration. In this talk, I will provide five suggestions for effective ways to build BI partnerships and evaluate their impacts. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how to engage in BI effectively.

As a graduate of ODU, Janice received her MS degree in marine science with Dr. Dan Dauer. She has been a marine science educator in Rutgers' Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences for 26 years, including 10 years as the lead Investigator for the National Science Foundation's Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence Networked Ocean World (COSEE NOW). COSEE NOW was focused on helping scientists and educators work together to better communicate with others about the ocean through a data science lens. She is one of the co-authors of the Broader Impacts (BI) Wizard, developed as part of COSEE NOW, and is currently a Co-PI on the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impacts in Society (ARIS), based out of the University of Missouri. Within ARIS, she is developing a suite of tools that researchers can use to improve their Broader Impacts.

Since 2009, Janice has served as the STEM Agent in the Department of Youth Development at Rutgers University, where she focuses on developing and implementing high quality STEM programs for young people. As part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Janice puts her BI experience to work focusing on providing learning opportunities where researchers and young people work together to explore STEM disciplines.

CCPO Innovation Research Park Building I 4111 Monarch Way, 3rd Floor Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 23508 757-683-4940