MONET's commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists was exemplified during a STEM Day outreach event at the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Media Center on April 19, 2024. Led by Senior Investigator Dr. Juana Mendenhall, the activity engaged a cohort of 13 fourth graders, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm for science.

The outreach event's success was evident in the students' responses, with 100% of participants reporting that they enjoyed the activity. One student, in particular, expressed a strong interest in studying chemistry as a result of the engaging, hands-on experience provided by Dr. Mendenhall and the MONET team.

Building on this success, Dr. Mendenhall plans to continue the outreach projects with the same cohort of students as they progress to fifth grade, ensuring continuity and fostering a lasting interest in STEM fields. This ongoing engagement demonstrates MONET's dedication to nurturing young minds and cultivating a diverse pipeline of future scientists.

The impact of the outreach event was captured in a heartwarming photograph featuring Dr. Mendenhall and the enthusiastic student who expressed a newfound passion for chemistry, sharing a high-five to celebrate the student's excitement and the event's success.