neutralchaos

As a chemist I say STEM is about the periodic table! Just kidding, I think you're right. But to take it further I think teachers need to effectively use those resources to do more hands on things. I'm always glad to see a kids face light up when they DO something. Places like Instructables and Make need to make sure teachers know they exist and scientists should get out there and work with kids. In the US the ACS puts on events during chemistry week. All STEM professional societies should do the same. Maybe a few times a year.

I hate to say it but companies pay for a lot of that research. The government has been drastically cutting back on funding. It's getting harder and harder to get a grant. For a company it is cheaper to pay a professor to use their grad students/post-docs than to pay full time scientists at their own facility.

Thanks for doing this AMA!

Besides bats what other animal fascinates you?

Have you thought about working with a roboticist to create robots that mimic bats?

Are there any features of bat locomotion (economy of motion, stability, etc.)that would be beneficial to a robot?

Perhaps "berzerker" ants would be a better description.

What is your favorite activity now? Any hobbies?