American Association for the Advancement of Science Member Learning Hub
Translating research into practical learning experiences for scientists and engineers. #
The Opportunity #
Scientists today are expected to do far more than conduct research.
They build relationships with communities, lead interdisciplinary teams, facilitate public engagement, and navigate increasingly complex social and ethical questions.
AAAS set out to create a new Member Learning Hub that would provide accessible, evidence-based professional development to help scientists strengthen these skills throughout their careers.
To support that effort, AAAS partnered with subject matter experts to synthesize research and design learner-centered courses that translated decades of scholarship into practical tools for scientists.
How We Got There #
As a Subject Matter Expert, I developed the research foundation and instructional design for three courses within the AAAS Member Learning Hub.
Working closely with AAAS staff and other collaborators, I conducted interdisciplinary literature reviews, identified evidence-based practices, and developed course maps that connected research with the everyday work of scientists.
Because the learning objectives and platform had already been established, my role was to help ensure that every course was grounded in the strongest available evidence while remaining practical, engaging, and accessible for busy professionals.
Start with the evidence #
For each course, I synthesized research spanning science communication, public engagement, learning science, evaluation, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
Rather than simply summarizing scholarship, I identified recurring themes, practical implications, and evidence-based recommendations that could inform course design.
Translate research into learning #
The next step was transforming research into a learner-centered experience.
Working within AAAS's instructional design framework, I developed detailed course maps, recommended learning activities, and organized content around authentic questions scientists encounter in their work.
The goal wasn't simply to present information—it was to help learners apply evidence in their own contexts.
Collaborate through design #
This project was highly collaborative.
Throughout the design process, I worked closely with AAAS staff to refine course structures, review learning activities, and ensure that each course aligned with organizational goals while remaining grounded in current research.
It was an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise within a larger interdisciplinary design team.
Outcomes #
My work contributed to the development of three courses within the AAAS Member Learning Hub:
- Evaluating Public & Community Engagement
- Building Relationships of Trust with Community Members
- Inclusive Leadership
Together, these courses help scientists translate research into more thoughtful public engagement, stronger leadership, and more meaningful relationships with communities.
For me, the project also demonstrates something central to my consulting practice: I enjoy collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, bringing together research, instructional design, and organizational goals to create learning experiences that are both evidence-based and practical.
Project Details & Resources #
- Organizations: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Services: Learning Design • Curriculum Development • Research Synthesis • Literature Reviews • Adult Learning
- Timeline: 2025
- AAAS Member Learning Hub
Resources #
- Course descriptions
- Sample course map excerpt
- Annotated bibliography excerpt
Looking for something similar? #
Whether you're developing a professional learning program, translating research into practice, or building evidence-based educational resources, I'd love to help create learning experiences that are rigorous, practical, and designed for real-world impact.