In this episode, Jocelyn and Bradley are joined by Justine LaViolette, entomology graduate student and future “Jim Henson of science.” (You heard it here first, folks.) In addition to her research monitoring and tracking mosquito populations in Nebraska, Justine talks about how her childhood ambition to become a coroner (!) led her to the field of entomology; how she incorporates her love of art—specifically, puppet-making—into her educational videos about insects; and how she is using these videos to create a unique and powerful niche in the world of science communication. Justine also shares her struggles with anxiety and depression, as well as some strategies she has developed to navigate these challenges. Furthermore, the friends discuss the vital importance of talking openly about mental health in grad school and beyond.

You can find Justine’s latest videos on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/learnwithjustinelavi/) and her earlier work on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBp-1RKlWYM_zLhR81GtMgg).

Contact Science! With Friends (especially if you’re a scientist interested in a lively conversation about your science and science stories):

●Gmail: [email protected]

Produced by the Basement Creators Network
Sound Editing by Vince Ruhl