Breaking The Facts: The Art of Scicomm

In the final episode of this season, we dive into the inspiring journey of Siri Carpenter, an award-winning science journalist and editor. As the co-founder and executive director of The Open Notebook, Siri has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of science journalism worldwide. Listeners will gain insight into what motivated her to start this nonprofit in 2010 and the initial goals she envisioned. Siri shares the challenges she encountered during the early stages of The Open Notebook and how she overcame them.

Siri highlights the importance of making content and training materials accessible to journalists from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. She offers valuable advice to aspiring science journalists facing barriers to formal training and resources. Finally, Siri sheds light on the mentoring programs available through The Open Notebook and their significance for early-career journalists, along with exciting upcoming initiatives aimed at expanding the organization’s reach in developing countries.

Important link for you :)

CASW - https://casw.org

AAAS mass media internship - https://www.aaas.org/programs/mass-media-fellowship

See you my dear listeners, super soon <3

In this captivating episode, we are joined by Anish Kirtane, a Ph.D. researcher at ETH Zürich whose remarkable journey fuses the worlds of science and art. Anish’s work in environmental DNA (eDNA) research is paving the way for innovative biodiversity conservation methods, while his artistic endeavors highlight the intricate beauty of nature.

Anish takes us through his fascinating career, from developing cutting-edge eDNA analysis techniques at Cornell University and the University at Buffalo to co-founding Protein Responsibly, a venture creating sustainable, insect-based protein alternatives to combat climate change. His diverse experiences underscore the powerful synergy between rigorous scientific inquiry and creative expression.

Listeners will gain insights into how eDNA can revolutionize species monitoring and conservation efforts. Anish also shares his thought processes behind his paintings, revealing how the objectivity of science and the emotive power of art can coexist and enrich our understanding of the natural world.

Tune in to discover how Anish harmonizes his dual passions, making a significant impact both in the laboratory and on canvas. Whether you’re a budding scientist, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, this episode promises to be both inspiring and educational.

Anish's youtube page : https://www.youtube.com/@silverliningart2183

It's easy to conform to the norm. We all have dreams that reality shatters as we grow up. We start questioning whether our identity and voice matter, whether having opinions leaves a mark in this world, and whether being a dead fish in the sea is the better route to take.

As we grow, it's easy to choose greed over good, to conform to the wrong, and to forget our dreams as reality sets in. This special episode, featuring multi-award-winning journalist and author Dhruti Shah, who draws upon her 20 years in journalism to create change through human-centred storytelling, will make us rethink whether our identity matters as we age. What happens if you travel a path less taken? Tune in to find out.

Dhruti's portfolio - www.dhrutishah.com

In this inspiring episode of breaking the facts, we are thrilled to host Rudra, the youngest guest we've ever had on the show!

Rudra's enthusiasm for astronomy is truly infectious, and his journey from a passionate stargazer to an influential science communicator is nothing short of remarkable. Tune in as we delve into what sparked Rudra's love for science, his thoughts on the importance of science communication (scicomm), and the ethics and philosophy he upholds in his work.

We'll also explore Rudra's impressive achievements as a YouTube creator and author, uncovering the story behind his writing journey. As someone with Indian roots, Rudra shares his perspective on India's standing in the field of astronomy and offers insights into the future of Indian astronomy organizations like ISRO.

For our high school listeners, Rudra offers valuable advice on becoming a science communicator, especially in the Indian context where rural internet users form a significant part of the audience. Discover how we can revolutionize science communication in India and make it more accessible and relatable to everyone, regardless of their background.

Don't miss out on Rudra's inspiring journey and his vision for the future of science communication!

Links:

- Rudra's LinkedIn: [Visit Here]

Rudra's Book on Amazon: [Buy Now](http://www.amazon.com/rudrasbook)

-Astropods YouTube Channel: [Watch Here](http://www.youtube.com/astropods)

Join us for an episode filled with passion, inspiration, and a look at the bright future of astronomy and science communication through the eyes of a young visionary.

In this captivating episode, we embark on a journey of enlightenment and discovery with the remarkable Dr. Colleen Kelley, a luminary in the field of chemistry education. From her humble beginnings to international recognition, Dr. Kelley's story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication. As the founder of Kids Chemical Solutions, she has pioneered a groundbreaking approach to teaching chemistry, igniting a passion for learning in learners of all ages.

The episode explores Dr. Kelley's visionary use of comics as a tool to demystify the complexities of chemistry, transcending traditional boundaries of education and inspiring a new generation of scientists. Through her innovative methods, she challenges the conventional wisdom of science education, advocating for a more inclusive and engaging approach.

We are invited to ponder the profound questions raised by Dr. Kelley's work: What if the dissemination of knowledge were to break free from the shackles of convention and flow as effortlessly as art? How can we keep the flame of curiosity alive in the hearts of future generations?

As the conversation draws to a close, listeners are left inspired and enlightened, with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to challenging the status quo. Join us on this extraordinary voyage of discovery and transformation, guided by the belief that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

a. The documentary on Dr Kelley's life : https://youtu.be/wDmkJzcm4Pc

b. Dr Kelley's site : https://kidschemicalsolutions.com/meet-the-founder/

c. Other awesome chemistry videos by Dr Kelley started recently on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChemistryColleen

Please feel free to collaborate and talk to her, she's the most humblest soul I've encountered!

Thanks for tuning in <3

 "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Indeed, our alma mater plays a pivotal role in shaping the individuals we become.

For me, my alma mater has been instrumental in shaping my identity. It's where my passion for research was ignited, where I encountered remarkable individuals, and where I was inspired by educators who were not only knowledgeable but also exceptional teachers. The values instilled by our alma mater serve as guiding principles, influencing the trajectories of our careers and the paths we choose to pursue.

episode
a passionate researcher blending molecular biology, cellular nanoscience, and developmental biology. Mayank has studied at renowned institutions like Harvard Medical School  and ] my alma mater IISER Mohali, where he honed his expertise in understanding how cells work.

As a postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School, Mayank investigates how organs develop, using advanced techniques like live imaging and CRISPR technology. Before this, he studied tiny molecular motors involved in cell division, shedding light on how cells divide.

Mayank's scientific journey began at IISER Mohali, where he explored blood stem cells in fruit flies. Since then, he's traveled the globe, gaining insights into various scientific fields.

For today’s ep we have Mayank's views on the changing landscape of research, his commitment to diversity and inclusion in science, and his dreams for the future of Indian science and beyond.

You can reach out to Mayank here : www.mayankchugh.org

Rose Gregorio is a trailblazer in science communication. Rose shares her inspiring path, from her diverse experiences in communication roles across Europe and the Middle East to her current position as the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Officer at Horizon Lab within EIT Urban Mobility in Barcelona, Spain. With a Master's degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement from the University of Edinburgh and a wealth of hands-on experience, Rose offers valuable insights into the intersection of science and communication.

We explore Rose's reflections on her ongoing studies at Edinburgh and how they enrich her professional endeavors. She candidly discusses any challenges she faced, including misconceptions about science communication, and the importance of advocating for the field. Through her leadership in EU-funded projects, Rose shares heartfelt memories and encounters with visionary individuals, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative efforts in science communication.

For aspiring science communication enthusiasts, Rose offers indispensable dos and don'ts, emphasizing inclusivity and career prospects. As we discuss the evolving landscape of science communication, Rose provides invaluable advice for those navigating the job market. Finally, we explore the promising future of science communication, particularly in the context of AI advancements, offering a glimpse into the boundless opportunities ahead.

Tune in as Rose Gregorio inspires and empowers us to break barriers and communicate science with passion and purpose.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-gregorio/

Join us on an illuminating journey with Miles, a passionate advocate for open science and a trailblazer in neuropsychology. In this captivating episode, Miles shares his remarkable academic odyssey, from his humble beginnings in academia to his current groundbreaking research on topics ranging from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to circadian rhythms. With infectious enthusiasm, Miles delves into the intricacies of neuropsychology, shedding light on the challenges he's faced and the progress he's made in this dynamic field.

Through thought-provoking discussions, Miles challenges common misconceptions in neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of scientifically informed citizens seeking reliable sources of information. As an ardent promoter of science communication through his channel, psyched!, Miles underscores the necessity of transparency in research and its pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering understanding among the public.

From sharing fascinating research insights to contemplating the future of neuropsychology, Miles offers valuable insights into his work and aspirations. As we conclude our conversation, Miles leaves us with a profound reflection on the significance of science communication in bridging the gap between academia and society. Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration of the mind with Miles, a true visionary in the field of neuropsychology and open science.

Miles webpage : https://www.mileswischnewski.com

Psyched! on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@real.psyched

Inclusion and Representation are the values that I hold close to my heart. With the advancing of education and technological resources, we are still stuck somewhere in history, and fail to give voices to the unheard. The struggle has been long in academia, and as a brown woman in STEM who practises scicomm, these voices are mostly from people who look like me, who have been banned to narrate science to others because a singular perspective on science is the norm, and has been for long.

I have with me Tyus D Williams, who is a PhD student at UC Berkeley whose interdisciplinary focus spans predation ecology, urban ecology, and environmental justice. Tyus aims to unravel the intricate behavioral mechanisms influencing the spatial ecology of large carnivores, exploring how they navigate and compete amidst a rapidly changing world. His academic journey is driven by the central question of understanding these carnivores' responses to environmental shifts. Apart from his adventures in lab, Tyus is an amazing science communicator - hosting series such as SciQ Friday on X/Twitter and sharing amazing instagram reels filled with love and passion for science. You can connect with Tyus here -

Thank you for your support my dear listeners, hope to bring more impactful conversations this year !

The idea of identity, of not knowing who we are, what we stand for has been an internal struggle for many. For some of us our identities are restricted to the work we do, for some its our families, and for some it might be friends and our position in society. I thought of kickstarting 2024, with the debate of identity in academia. Don’t worry this is still a science communication podcast, but recognising and talking openly about the issues of suppression is essential to practise knowledge, seeking the truth and bringing more impact in research.  

Today’s guest, as I put it to him is “devilishy handsome” multifaceted professional with a deep commitment to mental health, education, and advocacy within diverse communities. As a  psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and lecturer at University of Toronto’s Mark S Bohnham Centre for sexual diversity studies - I have Rahim Thawer here with me. Rahim's expertise extends across various domains, from facilitating discussions on innovative approaches to queer relationships to advocating for harm reduction, sex positivity, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practices.

This conversation is aimed to educate the masses about the gender vs sex debate, to inform the community about the marginilazation of LGBTQA+ and about above empower the masses to strive for they own voice. Connect with Rahim-

a. Rahim Thawer (@ladyativan)Instagram · ladyativan5.2T+ followers

b. https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/curriculum-vitae

c. https://sds.utoronto.ca/rahim-thawer/