North Carolina State University researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that experiencing awe in natural settings can significantly strengthen people's connection to science.
When individuals participate in citizen science projects during awe-inspiring events like a total solar eclipse, they report higher levels of science identity and a stronger sense of belonging in the scientific community. The study, conducted by faculty at NC State, highlights how emotional experiences in nature can transform public engagement with science in meaningful ways.
Background on Participatory Science at NC State
Participatory science, often called citizen science, involves members of the public contributing to scientific research through data collection and observation. NC State University has long been a leader in this field, with programs that connect communities to real-world scientific questions. Faculty members such as Caren Cooper, a professor of forestry and environmental resources, have emphasized how these efforts democratize science and expand collective observational capacity beyond what professional researchers alone could achieve.
The university's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches brings together psychology, biology, and environmental sciences to explore why people become more connected to science through hands-on participation. This work aligns with broader national efforts to broaden participation in STEM fields across the United States.
The 2024 Eclipse as a Natural Laboratory
The research team leveraged the rare 2024 total solar eclipse that crossed North America as an ideal context for studying awe. Participants observed either the total or partial eclipse while engaging in structured participatory science activities. The event provided a shared, emotionally powerful experience that allowed researchers to measure changes in how people relate to science.
NC State professors Kelly Lynn Mulvey from the Department of Psychology and Adam Hartstone-Rose from the Department of Biological Sciences led the project alongside Cooper. Their collaboration demonstrates the strength of cross-departmental research at the university.
Study Methodology and Participant Insights
The team surveyed 528 individuals ranging in age from 8 to 80 years. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, with the majority identifying as White/European American, though the sample included representation from Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Asian American, Black/African American, and multiracial groups. Roughly half experienced the eclipse in the path of totality.
Researchers measured awe, science identity, and feelings of belonging using validated scales. The study received exempt approval from NC State's Institutional Review Board. Funding came from the university's Data Science and AI Academy, underscoring institutional support for innovative public engagement research.
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Key Findings on Awe and Science Connection
Results showed that higher levels of awe experienced during the eclipse correlated with increased science identity and belonging. People who felt more awe while contributing to science reported feeling more like "science people" and part of a larger scientific community. This effect held across age groups and eclipse viewing conditions.
The findings suggest that the emotional component of awe acts as a powerful catalyst. Simply observing nature is beneficial, but combining it with active scientific participation amplifies the impact on personal connection to science.
Implications for Higher Education and STEM Programs
Universities across the United States can draw practical lessons from this NC State research. Incorporating awe-inspiring field experiences into science curricula may help retain students and foster deeper engagement. Programs that blend outdoor observation with data collection could particularly benefit undergraduate and graduate training in environmental sciences, psychology, and biology.
NC State's model encourages other institutions to develop similar interdisciplinary initiatives. Such efforts support national goals of increasing diversity in STEM by making science feel more accessible and personally relevant.
Expert Perspectives from NC State Faculty
Corresponding author Kelly Lynn Mulvey noted that while participatory science is known to boost science connection, the mechanisms behind this boost had received little prior attention. The study fills that gap by identifying awe as a key driver.
Caren Cooper highlighted the broader value of participatory approaches, stating that public contributions have enabled discoveries impossible for scientists working alone. Adam Hartstone-Rose emphasized the takeaway that conducting science amid awesome natural events strengthens personal ties to the field.
Broader Impacts on Public Science Engagement
The research carries implications beyond academia. Science centers, museums, and community organizations in the United States may enhance their programs by intentionally pairing awe-evoking natural phenomena with structured data collection. This approach could increase long-term participation rates and improve public understanding of scientific processes.
At a time when science literacy remains a priority, findings like these offer evidence-based strategies for building emotional connections that sustain interest.
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Future Directions and Ongoing Research at NC State
The team continues to explore how awe operates across different natural events and participatory projects. Future studies may examine longer-term effects on career choices or sustained involvement in science. NC State remains committed to expanding these lines of inquiry through its Data Science and AI Academy and related initiatives.
Other U.S. universities are likely to replicate and extend the work, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the intersection of emotion, nature, and scientific identity.
Actionable Insights for Educators and Administrators
Higher education leaders can apply these insights by designing field-based courses that emphasize emotional experiences alongside content mastery. Partnerships with citizen science platforms such as SciStarter offer ready opportunities for implementation.
Administrators may consider allocating resources to support awe-focused experiential learning, particularly in disciplines where student retention in STEM has historically been challenging. These steps can strengthen institutional reputations for innovative, impactful education.