From Beans to Botany – Unveiling the Wonders of Plant Biology at the White House Easter 'EGGucation' Roll

The White House Easter “EGGucation” Roll was held at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 1st. Dr. Janeen Braynen and Ms. Audrey Fahey, both members of Dr. Doreen Ware’s lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, volunteered at the event as Ambassadors of the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB). At their station, Dr. Braynen and Ms. Fahey worked with other volunteers from ASPB and elsewhere to share their excitement for plant biology with people of all ages. With a historic attendance, over forty thousand participants took part in the Easter “EGGucation” Roll. The volunteers were busy at their table sharing how to plant seeds in seed cup necklaces, teaching the parts of a seed by dissecting a lima bean, and polling passers-by on how they think they use plants most in their day-to-day life (food, fuel, or fiber). In addition to ASPB, other notable organizations and groups participated in the event, such as actors from Fraggle Rock and scientists from NASA. Dr. Braynen and Ms. Fahey truly enjoyed engaging with the participants and sharing their excitement for plant biology.

Ms. Audrey Fahey at the ASPB booth teaches a young participant how to sow seeds. Photo Credit Janeen Braynen.

Actors from Fraggle Rock interact with a young participant. Photo Credit Audrey Fahey.

A volunteer at NASA’s booth wears a space suit to meet with participants. Photo Credit Audrey Fahey.

Audrey and Janeen at the White House for the White House Easter EGGucation Roll 2024. Photo Credit Janeen Braynen, photo edits by CSHL Public Affairs – original article