Today’s episode is part of the special WIS series. You may have heard me talking about this on other episodes and that is because I got a small grant from the AGU’s Sharing Science program to highlight some incredible women scientists. This week it's all about what does it mean to get involved with science for the layperson or nonexpert. What does it look like, why is it important, and what are the contributions that people make to science?   My guest is Dr. Caren Cooper. She’s part of NCSU’s Leadership in Public Science Program and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Biology Program. She is passionate about the social side of science, getting people involved in a variety of ways, and looking at what it means for laypersons to participate in science. She’s also an ornithologist and outstanding mentor to the next generation of scientists. You can keep up with Dr. Cooper on Twitter: @CoopSciScoop and visit her website for more links to other parts of her work: https://www.carencooper.com And don't forget to check out her TED TALK: Everybody Counts To follow us on social media visit @wildconnectpod  and @realDrJen for Twitter & @RealDrJen  and www.jenniferverdolin.com for more. Love the show or simply enjoyed this episode? Give us a like and share so others can find us too.