What happens when the next generation of young scientists discovers CanopyMeg?
At Peachtree Elementary School, fifth-grade students Malaika and Yeva recently chose Dr. Meg Lowman, better known as CanopyMeg, as the subject of their school’s Wax Museum project.
The students researched Meg’s life and career, from her childhood fascination with trees, animals, and insects to her pioneering work exploring rainforest canopies and helping people around the world understand and protect forests.
Then, they stepped into Meg’s shoes themselves! Malaika and Yeva created displays, dressed as CanopyMeg, and wrote first-person monologues to share her story with their school community.
Their CanopyMeg presentations even caught the attention of a special visitor! Malaika and Yeva had the opportunity to share their projects with Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts, giving them the chance to introduce CanopyMeg and her work to an even wider audience.
One part of Meg’s journey especially resonated with the students: her experience as the only girl in a science club filled with hundreds of boys. Rather than letting that discourage her, Meg continued pursuing what she loved: science.
That determination eventually led to a career exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary forests, pioneering methods for studying the treetops, and creating canopy walkways that give scientists, students, and communities new ways to experience and understand forests. Today, Meg continues her work in forest conservation and education as CEO of TREE Foundation.
Seeing young people discover Meg’s story, explore forest science, and imagine where their own curiosity might lead is a wonderful reminder of why inspiring the next generation matters!🌳