Plasma NET: A Summary of Engagement Activities and Resources

ORAL

Abstract

Plasma NET (Network for Engagement and Training) is a community initiative enhancing public engagement and strengthening workforce development in plasma science and fusion energy (PS&FE). We advocate a mutual contribution model, emphasizing research-based methods, rather than a deficit "outreach" model. The Plasma NET ecosystem connects diverse practitioners focused on plasma engagement, education, and workforce development. Plasma NET coordinates focused sessions at plasma-related conferences, including the annual APS DPP meeting and MagNet-US meetings. This talk will summarize Plasma NET's recent activities, including successful workshops on "Science Trust and Battling Misinformation" and "Program Evaluation for Broader Impacts." It will also highlight our upcoming virtual workshop series, designed to expand reach and cover topics like science storytelling and K-12 engagement. Attendees will learn about the resources available through the Plasma NET website and our active online discussion forum, which serve as central hubs providing an open-source repository of workshop recordings, impact assessment tools, and public engagement materials.

*This work is supported by PPPL (DOE-DE-AC02-09CH1146) and Coalition for Plasma Science through support from APS DPP and IEEE NPSS. Educational materials for the PlasmaNET initiatives were supported through grant numbers NSF-PHY-2440328, NSF-PHY-2440328, DE-SC0023061, DE-SC0024547

Presenters

  • Shannon Greco

    • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

Authors

  • Shannon Greco

    • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
  • Evdokiya G Kostadinova

    • Auburn University
  • Brean E Prefontaine

    • Duke University
  • Zack Pruett

    • American Physical Society
  • Arturo Dominguez

    • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)
  • Jen Tuttle Parsons

    • American Physical Society