Science Unlocked: Empowering incarcerated and system-impacted learners

Fanuel Muindi interviews Anagha Krishnan and Hannah Dada, co-founders of Science Unlocked, a program designed to bring hands-on science education to incarcerated youth in Washington, D.C.

Recognizing that “students in secure facilities had never had the chance to do hands-on science—never looked at cells under a microscope or launched a bottle rocket,” Anagha explains how the program fills a critical gap in STEM education for system-impacted youth. Through monthly demonstrations at the Youth Services Center, Science Unlocked engages students with practical experiments that connect science to their everyday lives.

Hannah reflects on the program’s impact: “It’s so rewarding to see the light bulbs go off when students realize, ‘This is my DNA. This is what makes me who I am?” Their demos, like building speakers using physics concepts, resonate deeply with students, some of whom are aspiring musicians. “We’re not trying to turn every student into a scientist,” Anagha adds, “but science is part of life, no matter what you choose to do.”

Science Unlocked is a past recipient of microgrant funding from Research!America which enabled them to purchase critical supplies for their demos and expand their reach in the early days of the initiative. The co-founders also discuss their vision for scaling Science Unlocked nationwide, partnering with organizations like the Petey Greene Program to ensure sustainability. Looking ahead, they aim to expand to re-entry programs and create pathways for students to pursue their newfound interests post-release.

Learn more about Science Unlocked

Research!America Civic Engagement Microgrant Program

Petey Greene Program

Connect with Anagha

Connect with Hannah

Chapters

0:00 CivicSciTV Intro

0:16 QOTD Intro

0:36 Previously on QOTD

1:20 Meet the Founders

2:10 What is Science Unlocked?

4:30 Filling a Critical Gap

6:25 Hands-On Science

8:45 Misunderstood Goals

11:40 Building Partnerships

14:00 Demos in Action

15:45 Teaching Incarcerated Youth

17:55 Student Engagement

20:00 Measuring Impact

23:00 Long-Term Learning

25:00 Challenges of the Setting

27:08 Finding the Time

31:00 Key Learnings

33:00 Future Opportunities

35:30 Scaling the Program

38:10 The Power of Partnerships

42:10 Tracking Student Outcomes

44:48 Final Reflections

45:40 Rapid Fire Questions

Additional Readings: Anagha Krishnan & Hannah Dada Receive the Building a Better Community Through Service Award

How to cite the conversation: Dada, H., Krishnan, A., and & Muindi, FJ. Science Unlocked: Empowering incarcerated and system-impacted learners. (Video) Civic Science Television. Dec 18, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckK_F_Mgwto

Fanuel Muindi

Fanuel Muindi is a former neuroscientist turned civic science scholar-journalist and entrepreneur. He is a Professor of Practice in the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University where he leads the Civic Science Media Lab. Dr. Muindi received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and PhD in Organismal Biology from Morehouse College and Stanford University respectively. He completed his postdoctoral training at MIT.

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