Science with Impact

Sep 22

✨ What if everyone did like science—they just hadn’t found the kind they connect with yet? In this week’s Science with Impact episode, Jocelyn Bosley (Research Impact Coordinator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln) makes that case. From her Fun-Sized Physics project to her reflections on poetry, metap...Read more

✨ What if everyone did like science—they just hadn’t found the kind they connect with yet? In this week’s Science with Impact episode, Jocelyn Bosley (Research Impact Coordinator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln) makes that case. From her Fun-Sized Physics project to her reflections on poetry, metaphors, and mentorship, Jocelyn shares how scientists can: - Break down complex ideas without losing accuracy - Use storytelling to spark awe and curiosity - Reconnect with their own sense of wonder while teaching others This episode is a reminder that science isn’t just equations and data—it’s about making meaning, building connections, and showing people the beauty of discovery. 🎥 Watch the full conversation here ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cETuRZxym4Y What’s the most creative way you’ve explained your science to someone outside your field?

Sep 22

Teachers are the frontlines of science. 🧪📚 In this week’s Science with Impact Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Matt Wilkins, Founder and CEO of the Galactic Polymath Education Studio, to explore why supporting educators is the key to building a science-positive society. Matt shares powerful insights...Read more

Teachers are the frontlines of science. 🧪📚 In this week’s Science with Impact Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Matt Wilkins, Founder and CEO of the Galactic Polymath Education Studio, to explore why supporting educators is the key to building a science-positive society. Matt shares powerful insights from his journey as a biologist, educator, and science communicator: why outreach can’t be an afterthought, how teachers shape the next generation’s relationship with science, and what it really takes to translate complex research into the classroom. This conversation is a reminder that the final step of research isn’t just publication—it’s mobilization. And when we invest in teachers, we multiply the impact of science across entire communities. 🎧 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/tR4ZZ675Qok?feature=shared

Sep 18

🎯 Behind the scenes: How we track research trainees' professional development across 14 labs and 9 universities ⬇️ This screen recording shows our live Notion database in action during today's MONET lab meetings. Watch how we: ✅ Track career goals in real-time - From PhD students exploring indus...Read more

🎯 Behind the scenes: How we track research trainees' professional development across 14 labs and 9 universities ⬇️ This screen recording shows our live Notion database in action during today's MONET lab meetings. Watch how we: ✅ Track career goals in real-time - From PhD students exploring industry transitions to documenting their achievements ✅ Celebrate progress visually - "Your lab is exceptional... you're exceeding our highest goal of 3 professional development experiences per trainee" ✅ Connect opportunities instantly - When someone mentions looking for industry internships, I can immediately see who else has similar goals ✅ Measure what matters - Broader impacts aren't just checkboxes. We track outreach events, data tool integration, and professional development with lab-specific dashboards The magic happens when data becomes conversation. As I told the team: "I'm like a career doctor - I keep a chart on all of y'all" 😄 Why this approach works: → Real-time updates during meetings keep everyone accountable → Visual progress tracking motivates labs to exceed goals → Systematic documentation helps us allocate resources strategically → It transforms compliance into celebration The result? Labs don't just meet NSF broader impact requirements - they *exceed* them because they can see their progress and feel supported in their growth. What systems do you use to track and celebrate your team's professional development? #ResearchImpact #BroaderImpacts #NSFfunding #ProfessionalDevelopment #ResearchManagement #ScienceCommunication #AcademicSuccess

Sep 16

I’ll be joining thousands of changemakers at #NDiSTEM2025 this fall in Columbus, Ohio! This conference is where science, culture, and community intersect in STEM, and I’m especially excited for conversations around mentorship, inclusive research, and community-driven science. Want to meet up to re...Read more

I’ll be joining thousands of changemakers at #NDiSTEM2025 this fall in Columbus, Ohio! This conference is where science, culture, and community intersect in STEM, and I’m especially excited for conversations around mentorship, inclusive research, and community-driven science. Want to meet up to record a special in-person episode of the Science with Impact podcast? DM to coordinate a time on site, Oct 30–Nov 1, in Columbus. #NDiSTEM2025 #SACNAS #STEM #STEMCommunity

Sep 15

🧪 What happens when you actually listen to feedback? You get this → Complete transformation of a science outreach activity based on 3+ years of systematic stakeholder input. The Challenge: Our first draft of the "Materials Science of Soccer" kit had some issues. Measurement tools didn't work. Ins...Read more

🧪 What happens when you actually listen to feedback? You get this → Complete transformation of a science outreach activity based on 3+ years of systematic stakeholder input. The Challenge: Our first draft of the "Materials Science of Soccer" kit had some issues. Measurement tools didn't work. Instructions were vague. Age ranges weren't precise or calibrated. The Solution: We didn't just fix the problems—we rebuilt the entire experience using evidence-based pedagogical frameworks. The Results: ✅ Eliminated instrument confusion → Simple observation methods ✅ Vague instructions → Step-by-step facilitator guides ✅ One-size-fits-all → Differentiated for ages 4-18 ✅ Basic demo → Authentic materials testing (tensile + wettability) ✅ No assessment → Pre-post learning measurement What I'm most proud of: We turned participant complaints into design features. "Kids want to cut the ball themselves" became hands-on material testing. "Need more discussion" became structured peer collaboration protocols. This isn't just about soccer balls—it's about systematic feedback integration in science communication. Every complaint became a requirement. Every suggestion became a feature. The Facilitator's Guide is ready for the Cambridge Science Carnival, where thousands of participants will experience materials science through something as familiar as a soccer ball ⚽ For fellow science communicators: How do you systematically incorporate feedback into your outreach activities? The difference between good and great science engagement often comes down to actually listening to your audience. #SciComm #MaterialsScience #STEMOutreach #CambridgeScienceFestival #ScienceEducation