Inspired by his previous research experiences, Ariyaratne focused his efforts on improving the Wikipedia articles for type 1 diabetes and the RAGE receptor, adding valuable information and several new sections to both articles. 

Thousands of words and more than 70 new citations later, and Ariyaratne’s contributions to Wikipedia have already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. 

Throughout the project, Ariyaratne aimed to ensure that his contributions would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the complexity and dynamism of the biological systems involved in both topics, as well the ongoing challenges and advancements in the field of diabetes research.

And the benefits of Ariyaratne’s Wikipedia assignment aren’t limited to only those who will read his work. The experience also enhanced his own understanding of the topic, along with sharpening his writing and research skills, he explained.

“During my contributions to Wikipedia, I refined my expertise in scientific communication and critical analysis, essential for synthesizing complex research findings into coherent, accessible content,” said Ariyaratne. “This task required rigorous validation of information and precise articulation of intricate biological mechanisms, thereby enhancing my competency in data interpretation and literature evaluation – skills integral to scientific inquiry and academic rigor.”

Interested in learning more about Ariyaratne’s experience editing Wikipedia as part of his coursework? Explore our interview below to find out how he views Wikipedia’s role in shaping public perception and understanding, what he enjoyed most about his Wikipedia assignment, and why he plans to continue to edit the online encyclopedia.

How did you feel about your assignment on Wikipedia compared to a traditional assignment?

Editing Wikipedia differed markedly from traditional academic assignments in both scope and impact. Unlike traditional assignments, which are typically confined to the academic environment and primarily assessed by instructors, contributing to Wikipedia allowed me to engage with a global audience. This broadened the significance of my work, as the content I edited and updated could potentially influence public knowledge and understanding worldwide.

The real-time, collaborative nature of Wikipedia editing also introduced a unique set of challenges and rewards. It required a heightened level of accountability and thoroughness, knowing that the information provided would be publicly accessible and subject to scrutiny by an extensive community of editors and readers. This added a practical dimension to my academic training, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and the impact of shared knowledge.

This experience was enriching and empowering, offering a tangible connection between my academic studies and their real-world applications. It fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in contributing to an educational resource that people rely on every day, which is a distinct and valuable departure from the typical results of traditional assignments.

How was writing this particular content meaningful to you?

Engaging in the editing and creation of science-related content for Wikipedia has been profoundly meaningful to my professional development and scholarly pursuits. This process allowed me to apply and expand my understanding of bioinformatics and molecular biology, areas critical to my research on disease pathophysiology. By translating complex scientific theories and data into accessible content, I played a direct role in circulating accurate scientific knowledge.

How would you describe the power of Wikipedia?

Wikipedia plays a substantial influence in shaping global awareness and understanding of a vast array of topics due to its universal accessibility and extensive reach. As an open-source platform that allows users from all over the world to edit and contribute, it provides access to information and makes knowledge accessible to anyone with internet access. This inclusivity is crucial for educational equity and promotes a diverse range of perspectives in content creation.

Moreover, Wikipedia’s model encourages continual updates and revisions, ensuring that information remains current and reflective of the latest consensus in various fields, including science and medicine. This dynamic process of content refinement helps maintain reliability and accuracy, despite the open-edit nature of the platform. I also believe that Wikipedia is a tool that is used in bridging the gap between expert knowledge and general understanding.

What was your favorite part of editing Wikipedia?

My favorite part of editing Wikipedia was the satisfaction I felt from contributing towards global knowledge. This platform allowed me to directly enhance the accuracy and depth of information available to millions around the world. Specifically, I enjoyed incorporating cutting-edge scientific research into articles, ensuring that complex and evolving topics like Type 1 diabetes and the RAGE receptor are represented with the most current and comprehensive data. This task not only deepened my own understanding but also allowed me to share crucial scientific insights in a way that is accessible to a broad audience.

Moreover, the immediate and visible impact of my contributions provided a unique satisfaction that traditional academic work rarely offers. Knowing that the updates I made could help students, educators, researchers, and the curious public to better understand complex scientific topics was incredibly rewarding. The collaborative and dynamic nature of the Wikipedia community, where edits can be discussed and refined collectively, also added a layer of engagement and community interaction that enriched the experience further.

What was your least favorite part?

One technical challenge I experienced while editing Wikipedia involved mastering the Wiki markup language (Wikitext). For those without prior experience, the learning curve can be challenging. Ensuring that articles are not only factually accurate but also well-organized and visually appealing requires proficiency in this specialized language.

Will you continue to edit?

I will of course continue to edit. My experience editing Wikipedia has been immensely rewarding, offering me the opportunity to contribute to the global exchange of knowledge on crucial scientific topics. I plan to continue editing and updating articles, as this aligns with my commitment to educating the public as well as my passion for science communication. Engaging with this platform allows me to stay connected with the latest research developments and ensures that information shared with the public remains accurate and relevant. This ongoing involvement not only strengthens my own understanding but also supports my professional growth in the field of sciences and medicine.

Our support for STEM classes like Gallage Ariyaratne’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

1. Why was it important that Wikipedia have an article about Ali Guarneros Luna and why did you choose to create it? 

Ali Guarneros Luna is both inspiring and noteworthy. Her story is nothing short of remarkable – her upbringing and the obstacles she overcame to achieve her success are deeply moving. As a Chicana, a woman of Mexican-American descent, I found her story resonated with me on a personal level. 

My own parents faced significant challenges when they immigrated to the United States at a young age, working hard to support themselves and their families. Luna’s journey reminded me of their struggles and resilience, as well as the sacrifices they made to build a better future. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and determination, which is so inspiring to women of all ages and backgrounds, but especially to Latina women like me. What makes her even more admirable is her role at NASA, an organization that has always been a source of fascination and inspiration for me. Learning about her involvement in various groundbreaking projects was truly astonishing. It’s not every day you hear about a Latina woman contributing so significantly to the field of aerospace engineering and space exploration.

Her achievements highlight the importance of representation and show that women of diverse backgrounds can succeed in STEM fields. For these reasons, I felt compelled to give her the recognition she deserves by ensuring her story is shared widely. She serves as a powerful role model for anyone with big dreams, but especially for Latinas aspiring to make a difference in fields like science, technology, engineering, and beyond.

2. What did you especially want to get right about the article? 

I wanted to get her story right and get all of her information in the correct chronological order so that no part of her story was lost. I wanted to accurately portray her struggles, where she came from, and how she took it upon herself to succeed and become an influential figure in NASA and aerospace engineering. In telling her story, I wanted to make sure that her achievements did not overshadow her struggles, but rather were shown as integral to who she is and what she has accomplished. By doing so, I hoped to provide an honest and inspiring portrayal of a woman who serves as a role model, particularly for Latina women and others who aspire to break barriers in STEM fields.

3. Wikipedia has significant gaps in its coverage of women of color in its biographies. How was adding this biography meaningful to you?

Adding a biography of a diverse woman in STEM was deeply meaningful to me because I have a genuine passion for STEM and a strong desire to see greater representation within the field. Writing Ali Guarneros Luna’s biography felt like more than just a project – it was an opportunity to bring her inspiring story to light and to help close the gaps in coverage that exist for women of color on platforms like Wikipedia. It’s no secret that women, especially women of color, are underrepresented in STEM fields and often overlooked in historical and contemporary records. Being able to contribute to changing that narrative, even in a small way, was an honor. Ali Guarneros Luna’s achievements are remarkable, and her journey is one that deserves to be widely known. Highlighting her story was also personally fulfilling. It allowed me to celebrate a Latina woman who has made significant contributions to NASA and aerospace engineering. Knowing that my work could help ensure her legacy is recognized and inspire others to pursue their passions in STEM makes this accomplishment something I’m truly proud of.

4. How would you describe the power of Wikipedia in shaping people’s awareness and understanding of notable figures like Ali Guarneros Luna?

Wikipedia serves as one of the most widely accessed sources of information in the world. Typically, the first source for a person to read up about a topic or person at a glance is Wikipedia.  Its accessibility and collaborative nature make it a critical platform for documenting stories that might otherwise be overlooked, particularly those of underrepresented groups. By including biographies of individuals like Luna, Wikipedia not only preserves their legacies but also broadens the public’s perception of who can succeed in fields like STEM. For many, Wikipedia is a starting point for learning about influential figures, and having accurate, detailed information about women of color like Luna ensures that their contributions are recognized and celebrated. In Luna’s case, her biography showcases her incredible journey, overcoming challenges to excel at NASA and in aerospace engineering. By bringing her story to light, it does its job by making the information gap smaller. Wikipedia contributes to greater representation and inspires future generations to aim high, pursue their passions, and break barriers.

5. How did you feel about this assignment compared to a traditional assignment?

To be honest, at first this assignment was intimidating. I did not know what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it. I enjoyed learning the process and what actually went into Wikipedia. Knowing now the guidelines and effort that one must put into making a Wikipedia page, I appreciate the process a lot more. An assignment that contributes to a live encyclopedia makes all the difference from a traditional assignment, because what you are working on feels like it matters and it is amazing to see the final product.

6. What was your favorite part of editing Wikipedia?

My favorite part of editing Wikipedia was when I was able to see it all come together. It was amazing seeing peer reviews, and then going back into the editing process. Though it was time-consuming, it was worth it. I got to see how a list of information started to look like a biography, then see it go live.

7. Will you continue to edit?

Yes! I will continue to edit. I plan to keep up to date with the other accomplishments Ali Guarneros Luna makes, and I would love to keep editing the article and seeing her biography grow. I would like to edit other starting biographies, as well.

Valeria’s work on Wikipedia is part of a larger Wiki Education initiative sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, which supports the creation of new biographies of diverse people in STEM on Wikipedia.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“I did not know there was such a significant gap in coverage of minority groups, so increasing representation and visibility on Wikipedia is important!” explained Ashley, a senior studying chemical engineering. “Being able to highlight the many accomplishments of Lisa Secat DeLuca is meaningful in that it can challenge stereotypes in STEM and give a more inclusive viewpoint to those who see our article. The potential to broaden the public’s perception of who can excel in STEM is exciting.”

Working together to tackle their Wikipedia assignment, Ashley and Rezwan divided the research and writing into sections including DeLuca’s early life, professional life, and ventures outside her primary work focus. The duo then wove together their individual contributions to create their collaborative text for the article, hoping readers feel as inspired by DeLuca’s trajectory as they were throughout their research.

“Highlighting a woman in STEM was part of the appeal of covering DeLuca,” noted sophomore Rezwan. “As a computer science major, I hear little about the diverse figures contributing to the field. It was fulfilling to be part of the movement to bring these excellent minds to light so that more people know that STEM is for everyone.”

As one of the first reference points for people seeking information and a source of data for AI tools, Wikipedia has the power to increase public awareness of notable figures like DeLuca, explained Ashley. 

“Her presence on Wikipedia makes her achievements accessible to a global audience,” said Ashley. “While writing, I really thought about the tone of the article. It was important to write in a way that was professional, unbiased, and easy to understand for any possible viewers.”

Creating DeLuca’s Wikipedia article required an open mind and thorough research, noted Ashley – skills that will translate well to her career goals as a chemical engineer. 

Echoing Ashley’s reflection, Rezwan also outlined connections between the assignment and his own career goals in software development.

“Writing a Wikipedia article was an excellent exercise in research and writing for a public audience,” said Rezwan. “I want to work in software development after graduating, and being able to research a topic is an essential skill in this field. Furthermore, communicating well is vital, and Wikipedia has built my confidence as our edits are still live!”

Both student editors expressed their surprise at how easy it was to make edits and add sources to the online encyclopedia, referencing helpful built-in tools like the automatic citation generator, as well as the comprehensive training modules and guidance from Wiki Education.

Rezwan, who has since made other contributions to Wikipedia, underscored his appreciation for the unique perspectives brought by editors of diverse backgrounds. Ashley also emphasized the impact that can be made through even minor edits from a variety of editors.

“It’s beneficial to work on an article even if the edits are small, because then the articles can represent a broader collection of facts and insight from all editors,” she explained.

Ashley’s and Rezwan’s work on Wikipedia is part of a larger Wiki Education initiative sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, which supports the creation of new biographies of diverse people in STEM on Wikipedia.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“Wikipedia’s reach and accessibility make it a powerful tool for democratizing knowledge and amplifying underrepresented perspectives,” said LeFever, reflecting on his Wikipedia assignment experience in the Political Parties course he took last term. “This assignment felt more impactful because it allowed me to engage with real-world audiences and make a tangible contribution to public discourse.”

LeFever, a political science major focusing on social justice and race-related issues, hopes his efforts to improve the felony disenfranchisement in the United States article on Wikipedia will help prevent the spread of misinformation by giving readers a more complete understanding of the topic. The historical context and layered implications of denying felons the right to vote are critical to a more nuanced perspective, he explained.

“Felony disenfranchisement disproportionately affects marginalized communities and perpetuates systemic inequality in the United States,” emphasized LeFever. “I chose this topic to shed light on these injustices and ensure the information is accessible to a broad audience.”

The new Wikipedian transformed several parts of the article, adding more than 1,100 words to underdeveloped sections that outline the economic, political, health, and recidivism implications of felony disenfranchisement. LeFever also added new details about state-specific reform efforts and context for how felony disenfranchisement policies in the United States disproportionately impact people of color.

“I wanted to ensure the article was balanced, well-sourced and emphasized the racial and socio-economic disparities tied to felony disenfranchisement,” said LeFever. “I hope readers come away understanding how voting restrictions contribute to broader patterns of disenfranchisement.”

While LeFever hopes readers will learn from his work, his own learning experience extended well beyond the topic itself.

“I learned to critically evaluate sources, identify bias, and distill complex information into accessible content, [all] essential for navigating today’s information landscape,” explained LeFever. 

He also noted that the assignment sharpened his research, fact-checking, and writing abilities – skills that will be invaluable as he pursues a career in public policy or advocacy, with a focus on civil rights and equity.

While he initially found Wikipedia’s formatting policies a bit challenging, LeFever embraced the chance to learn something new and enjoyed seeing his work live and accessible on the site. 

“It felt rewarding to contribute to a larger conversation,” said LeFever, who plans to continue to edit in his free time. “This experience has shown me how powerful Wikipedia can be as a platform for advocacy and education.”

Wiki Education thanks the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation for their support of impactful student work like LeFever’s to enhance accuracy of information and promote digital citizenship on Wikipedia. 

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“As someone deeply invested in the evolution of AI in education and training, I was thrilled to learn about Anna Makanju, an African woman shaping the AI industry,” explained educational technology student Lauren Love. “Since minorities are often underrepresented in computer science and artificial intelligence, our objective for creating this article was to highlight her impactful contributions and inspire awareness of her influence on the AI tools many use today.”

With a shared interest in adding representation to Wikipedia, information science student Katrina Powell teamed up with classmate Love to bring Makanju’s article to the encyclopedia.

“Lauren and I chose Anna Makanju because first and foremost, she’s a woman leader and second, we believe it’s crucial to increase representation of women in STEM fields on Wikipedia,” said Powell. “As a woman of color in STEM, we were particularly drawn to Anna’s story – her experiences navigating a male-dominated field and her commitment to ethical AI resonated with us. We hope that by sharing her story, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable online encyclopedia.”

The student pair, who worked closely to divide the workload and find high-quality sources for the new article, underscored the challenges posed by Wikipedia’s notability threshold for publishing new biographies. 

“I enjoyed delving into research to uncover Makanju’s diverse experiences and contributions,” said Love. “Refining the article to align with Wikipedia’s standards was also a rewarding challenge that pushed me to improve my writing. Ensuring alignment with their guidelines was definitely the toughest part.”

For both Love and Powell, the Wikipedia assignment offered the opportunity to give readers insight into the ongoing work to address ethical implications of emerging technologies, including Makanju’s efforts in shaping AI regulations to maximize societal benefit while minimizing risk. Powell, interested in pursuing a career in AI governance like Makanju’s, stressed the power of Wikipedia in raising awareness of underrepresented yet notable individuals.

“Before the assignment, I had no clue who Anna Makanju was, I had never even heard her name before,” explained Powell. “It was great learning about her background and the work she is doing in the tech field. I was deeply inspired.”

Similarly inspired by Makanju’s journey and professional impact, Love also appreciated the opportunity to sharpen her skills for a future career in learning and development and instructional design.

“Unlike traditional research or discussion boards that may lack engagement, this project allowed me to explore a topic of personal interest while refining critical skills such as creativity, collaboration, and effective communication,” said Love. “[It] enhanced my research and written communication skills, particularly in presenting diverse perspectives with neutrality.”

Powell’s and Love’s work on Wikipedia is part of a larger Wiki Education initiative sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, which supports the creation of new biographies of diverse people in STEM on Wikipedia.

“It is critical for young women and people of color to see themselves as powerful AI leaders like Anna Makanju. The future of AI is here, and they can shape it to reflect their unique knowledge and achievements,” noted Paula Golden, President of Broadcom Foundation.

While their coursework on Wikipedia is now complete, both Love and Powell expressed plans to continue editing and improving the online encyclopedia into the future, finding the experience both fun and rewarding.

“It was a proud moment once the article was published,” said Powell. “It felt great to be part of history!”

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

One Wikipedia assignment, more than 3,500 words, and 36 new references later, and the Irwin County Detention Center Wikipedia article has been completely transformed – thanks to England’s efforts to provide readers with a more comprehensive overview of its history, which includes allegations of non-consensual surgeries performed on female detainees. 

As the article outlines, more than 40 women detainees and a nurse at the facility came forward in 2020 alleging that unnecessary medical procedures, including hysterectomies, were conducted on women without their consent. But concerns for the health and wellbeing of detainees were raised long before the highly-publicized allegations in 2020, explained England.

“News articles sensationalized this dehumanizing experience of immigrant women,” said England. “However, what was missed in the hype of it all, whether you believed the women’s experiences to be true, is that the treatment of immigrants had been poor long before that at the detention center and that any abuse no matter how big or small should be addressed regardless of whether it makes a good headline or not.”

Before England’s edits, the article contained one short paragraph that focused on the 2020 allegations. Now, the article provides readers with several new sections, including other allegations made before 2020, a more detailed summary of the 2020 allegations, the legal aftermath of the 2020 allegations, and the 2022 report outlining the United States Senate’s investigation of the center. 

“When I talked to people about my topic, many disregarded the story and said that events like these surely could not be happening in our current time,” said England. “I wanted people to know that immigrant detainees have been poorly treated and continue to be treated that way, and that this is not an isolated event.”

England emphasized that while she personally believes the women’s allegations, she wants readers to be able to make their own determinations based on the facts. 

Reflecting on the impact of her edits, England underscored the crucial role of Wikipedia’s volunteer editors in making information accessible to everyone.

“In this day and age, people are all about instant gratification,” noted England. “They want quick information that is easily accessible, and Wikipedia can easily make that knowledge accessible and reliable. It’s just down to Wikipedia editors to make sure that there are articles written about these topics and that they are written/sourced well.” 

England, who considered her assignment to improve Wikipedia a win-win for everyone, enjoyed the opportunity to develop her research and writing skills in a new way.

“While I do love writing historical analyses, it was super fun to do something different,” said England.  “I put in a lot of work and effort to make sure that this article was as unbiased as possible. It is also kind of cool to say you have something published on Wikipedia  – I sent the link to all of my family.” 

As an aspiring history professor, England recognized the value of bringing research to the public in an accessible way.

“While writing scholarly articles is important, I think it is extremely important to be able to synthesize that information for the general public in a more informal manner,” explained England. “That way your information can be used for good rather than just sitting and collecting dust. I would totally be willing to assign my future students a Wikipedia writing assignment!” 

England’s editing efforts are part of our three-year initiative to improve humanities and social justice content on Wikipedia – the largest campaign of its kind in history. Read more.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

Ecologically critical yet underrepresented in public knowledge, these underwater microbial communities piqued the interest of two science students at the University of British Columbia. The duo teamed up to enhance the way we understand the ocean and some of its smallest life forms – through a new Wikipedia article for all to read.

“Seamount microbial communities play significant ecological roles that are not well-documented, and we wanted to shed light on their potential impact on oceanic nutrient cycling and biodiversity conservation,” said fourth-year student Alia Kogiso. “This topic offered a unique opportunity to explore an underrepresented area in marine microbiology.”

Kogiso, an Integrated Sciences major with a focus on Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, and Structural Geology, worked with biology major Alyssa Jung to collect, review, and synthesize the related existing literature on the microbial communities. Together they brought the new, robust article to Wikipedia as their final project for Dr. Curtis Suttle’s marine microbiology course this spring.

As the article outlines, seamounts provide a variety of habitats, including rocky surfaces and hydrothermal vents, which support a wide range of microbial life. The microbial communities, characterized by their microbial diversity and adaptability to extreme conditions, such as high pressure, low temperatures, and limited nutrient availability, play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, making them a critical part of ocean life. 

“Our main goal was to ensure literature was being well-documented in an easier format than scientific paper,” said Jung, underscoring Wikipedia’s role as the world’s go-to source of information. “We hope that readers get a glimpse of the importance of microbes in an underexplored biodiversity such as seamounts.”

Jung and Kogiso also ensured greater awareness of the implications of microbial communities in seamount ecosystems on biodiversity and ecological productivity, known as the “seamount effect.”

“The seamount effect alters ocean current patterns, enhancing biodiversity and productivity, making these areas crucial for understanding microbial community structures and ecosystems,” explained Kogiso. “We hope that our article helps readers unravel this complexity and inspires further exploration in this field.”

The science students added an impressive 9375 words and 89 references to create the article, contributing to the incredibly impactful work of their class. Collectively, Suttle’s students in the spring 2024 course added 86K words to Wikipedia while creating 10 new articles and enhancing 35 existing articles through their Wikipedia assignments. Their work on Wikipedia has been viewed nearly 500K times. 

“I loved this assignment because it allowed us to engage with a wider audience and develop skills in communicating science to the public, which I believe will be invaluable in a professional setting after graduation,” said Kogiso, who plans to pursue a career in environmental consultancy and project management. “This kind of opportunity is often lacking in traditional assignments.”

From scientific research to writing in a neutral, accessible style, both assignment partners noted a range of skills and knowledge they developed throughout the process. 

“Writing this article not only enhanced my research skills but also deepened my understanding of marine ecosystems from a microbiological perspective,” said Kogiso, reflecting on her assignment experience. “I learned how to adapt complex scientific information for Wikipedia, which requires unique editorial considerations such as maintaining neutrality and citing reliable sources extensively.”

Echoing her classmate’s reflection, Jung also emphasized the fun of learning new science-related concepts.

“My family is very science-oriented,” Jung explained. “My father always taught me the fundamentals of the scientific method and different topics he was working on – I am glad to have something new to tell him!” 

Kogiso particularly enjoyed the collaborative nature of working on Wikipedia, noting both the challenge and pleasure of bringing different perspectives and expertise into a cohesive, unbiased narrative, a process that enhanced her own understanding of the topic.

“The project was meaningful because it allowed me to contribute to a public platform that educates both myself and others, reinforcing my passion for environmental science and biology,” said Kogiso, who plans to continue to edit Wikipedia.

Like Kogiso, Jung also emphasized her interest in editing Wikipedia in the future as topics and new research catch her eye. Jung plans to pursue a career in secondary education, bringing her biology expertise to the high school classroom.

Our support for STEM classes like Alia’s and Alyssa’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“Throughout our Biological Materials course, we explored the remarkable ways nature has evolved to provide living organisms with structure and protection,” said Vizzini. “We were surprised to discover that there wasn’t already a dedicated Wikipedia article on this topic!”

As the new Wikipedia article explains, bioinspired armor are human-created materials inspired by the microstructures found in nature’s defense mechanisms. 

From mollusk and turtle shells to horns, hooves, and scales, naturally-occurring protections against high-speed collision, blunt impact, and puncture provide no shortage of inspiration for the creation of high-performance materials like helmets, military and sports equipment, and even medicinal applications.  

“The materials and structures we discuss in the article have been perfected over millions of years through evolution,” explained Vizzini. “Even with all our modern techniques and technology, engineers and scientists still struggle to replicate them. It’s incredible that such complex and effective designs can emerge from such humble origins.”

For Vizzini, who graduated in May with a biomedical engineering major and a philosophy minor, the Wikipedia assignment was a unique opportunity to deepen her research and writing skills while exploring a topic she found particularly fascinating.

“Writing this article taught me a lot about various organisms – from sharks to spiders to goats – but more importantly, I learned how to present complex information to a broad audience in an accessible way,” reflected Vizzini.

To organize their work, Vizzini and her three groupmates first outlined the sections they intended to include based on the common themes they found in their research, then assigned each student to a section that matched their interests, ensuring tasks were evenly distributed.

“I wish I could do this assignment for every class!” emphasized Vizzini, who expressed gratitude to her professor, Dr. Edmund Palermo, for incorporating the Wikipedia assignment. “It’s truly a win-win: we gained a deep understanding of the subject, had the chance to share it with a broader community, and contributed to the already vast Wikipedia library.”

Reflecting on the assignment and the impact of her work, Vizzini underscored the role of Wikipedia in shaping public knowledge.

“Wikipedia is incredibly powerful because it’s often the first place people go to learn about a new topic,” noted Vizzini. “Its accessibility and broad reach make it a key resource for spreading knowledge and increasing awareness on a global scale.” 

Vizzini hopes readers of the new article come away with her same sense of appreciation for nature and the way it can inspire innovation.

“In writing this scientific article, I was able to dive deeper into the intricate relationship between biology and technology,” said Vizzini. “It reinforced my passion for finding innovative solutions to the real-world health challenges that drew me to the field of Biomedical Engineering in the first place. Sharing this knowledge felt rewarding since it could have a similar impact on others!”

Vizzini, now working as an engineer in test method development at Becton Dickinson, plans to continue editing Wikipedia. She particularly enjoys editing text and formatting articles, noting the ease of the citation and insert functions.

Our support for STEM classes like Liv’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada. 

“I have always wanted to be part of making the environment and fishing better,” explained Franke, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology.

Before enrolling in Derek Houston’s Ichthyology Laboratory course this spring, Franke might not have considered editing Wikipedia as a strategy for this goal. Now, he sees the impact he can make by increasing public access to high-quality, robust information about a topic he loves.

“Having correct information at your fingertips can make a world of difference when making decisions,” said Franke, who was surprised to learn of the rigorous nature of Wikipedia’s editing policies and guidelines.

For his Wikipedia assignment, Franke chose to focus his work on the redside shiner, a small freshwater fish found in the Western United States and British Columbia – a “brave selection” his professor jokingly noted, considering it was one of his own areas of expertise.

Franke, however, was more than up to the challenge, expanding the existing single sentence about the species to an informative article with new sections on habitat and distribution, morphology, life cycle, and conservation status, as well as expanding the set of references.

“It’s not just the large fish that are interesting,” explained Franke. “There are plenty of smaller fishes that don’t get represented.”

To pull off this complete transformation of the text, Franke spent significant time combing through books and research articles to learn as much as he could about the redside shiner.

While doing his research, Franke recognized discrepancies in research access – his university credentials granted him access to information that others could not see.

“[My research] has opened my eyes to the amount of information that is not immediately available to the public,” said Franke. “Knowing that my efforts were going to be enjoyed by more than just myself was absolutely the best part of editing Wikipedia.”

Franke now works at a fish hatchery in Colorado and plans to continue to improve Wikipedia in the future, hoping to interest and educate others about fish and their environments.

Our support for STEM classes like Tim’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada. Apply by September 8 for the fall 2024 term!