Willis' actions illustrate one aspect of the difficulty research scientists meet when trying to give back to schools. Even though Willis' efforts are successful, such deeds go unrewarded and often produce negative comments from research professors. The time of a research scientist is a scarce resource. Reward for teaching achievements in hirings and promotions is absolutely essential. An area for improvement is the relationship between science and education faculty.
Any contact is usually in a crisis situation and there is a sharp exchange.
I don't know what the answer is. It is critical for us to start to reach younger students. If I adopted the status quo, I could come back here 20 years from now and hear the exact same ambivalent story toward outreach. It's more important that we sit back, look forward, and take some risks. Click here to view the original biographical summaries, abstracts, and issues to consider.