Anna Karls: Engaged Scholar

Though Karls has been involved in outreach projects since coming to UGA in 2000, it wasn't until 2009 that she started her own projects, which include establishing a partnership between UGA and the first and second USA Science and Engineering Festivals and providing science demonstrations at the Clarke County Young Scientist Fair and local elementary and middle schools.

...

"I believe service-learning classes are crucial in developing and enhancing students' understanding of course material," Karls said. "Microbiology impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. By having them work on projects that address issues impacting the community, it helps demonstrate the relevance of their studies, guides them to consider a range of nontraditional careers and gives them experience in solving real-world problems."

This is engagement focused on making good citizens of our students, in addition to the training and preparation for successful careers. UGA graduates are going to be successful; the question is whether they develop the talents and compassion to also be a positive force in their communities. And as Dr. Karls' efforts attest, the answer to that question is also a resounding yes.