Departmental Seminars
Each long semester, the department hosts seminars from both visiting speakers as well as during faculty promotion. You can check out the calendar here.
Science Under the Stars
Science Under the Stars is a free all-ages public outreach lecture series run by graduate students. Events are held evenings during the fall and spring semesters outdoors at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. As a graduate student, you are invited to participate and give a talk. It's a great chance to present your work and connect with a general audience to excite them about science. To learn more visit their website or email them here.
On Campus Outreach
UT Austin provides different opportunities to partake in and see science outreach in action. There is the annual Texas Science Festival that offers opportunities to explore demos, take tours, meet leading scientists and learn about the natural world. The Texas Science & Natural History Museum, located here on the main campus, tells the story of life in the natural world in Texas from the formation of our planet through the age of dinosaurs and into our current time. They have rotating and permanent displays, as well as many activities and events for the general public. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is not only part of UT's Texas Field Station Network, but also provides tours, classes, and talks centered around native Texas plants and sustainable gardening.
Austin Resources
Austin has many organizations for those curious in connecting with communities engaged in conservation, biology, biodiversity, science education, and sustainability. Just a few include…
Since 1952, Travis Audubon has been protecting native habitat for birds and other wildlife. They host many bird-focused events such as “Bird-a-thon,” birding excursions, as well as classes and volunteer opportunities. The Save Our Springs Alliance works to protect the Edwards Aquifer, its springs and contributing streams, and the natural and cultural heritage of the Hill Country region and its watersheds, with special emphasis on Barton Springs. They have volunteer opportunities. Founded in the U.S. in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit with focuses on sustainability and conservation. The Texas branch is in Austin and offer volunteer opportunities. They often visit campus annually as well to give “Careers in Conservation” talks. These talks are announced on the department's email list. The Austin Bat Refuge was founded in December 2015 with the mission of fostering respect for bats in their environment through education, conflict-resolution, rehabilitation, and release. They offer events, online resources about bats, and volunteer opportunities.