Youth - Follow a Researcher!®

Follow a Researcher®

Follow a Researcher® is an innovative University of Maine 4-H program that uses technology and social media to facilitate conversations between youth and graduate student researchers working in remote locations around the world.

Since 2015, 4,200 youth ages 7 to 18 and over 120 educators have engaged with three different researchers during expeditions to Peru, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica.
Real-time interactions using Twitter and satellite communications allow participants to have their questions answered by the researcher while in the field.
Youth are able to learn about the research project including expedition planning and data collection, while increasing their understanding of the scientific process, and developing an interest in the researcher’s life story.
Video clips aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards Practices inform youth and educators throughout the project, giving participants a unique glimpse into the work of an up-and-coming scientist.
Experiential learning activities related to the expedition are provided to further enhance participants’ experiences.

Please join us! Archives of past expeditions are available below.

To be alerted when planning begins for our next expedition, please email laura.wilson@Maine.edu