Science with Impact

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

Sep 15

🎯 Save the Date: October 31st, 1:45-3pm ET Excited to share the stage with these incredible STEM leaders at the 2025 NDiSTEM Leadership Symposium! ⭐️ Pamela Martínez Oquendo, PhD, Jennifer Aleman, PhD, Austin J. Shelton, Ph.D., Carmina Chavez, Francesca Antillon, and Corey Welch, PhD ⭐️ Our pan...Read more

🎯 Save the Date: October 31st, 1:45-3pm ET Excited to share the stage with these incredible STEM leaders at the 2025 NDiSTEM Leadership Symposium! ⭐️ Pamela Martínez Oquendo, PhD, Jennifer Aleman, PhD, Austin J. Shelton, Ph.D., Carmina Chavez, Francesca Antillon, and Corey Welch, PhD ⭐️ Our panel "Transforming STEM Through Broader Impacts" will showcase authentic stories of how broader impacts programming becomes evidence of systemic change. From SACNAS chapter collaborations that increase graduate school interest to mentorship models that recognize community as chosen family - we're proving that authentic partnerships create lasting impact. 🔑 Key takeaways include: Mentorship is a bidirectional process ↔️ Don't underestimate the power of grassroots student programming. 🌱 Consider the "role" of your role models ❤️ Can't wait to connect with attendees who understand that transformation happens when we meet students where they are and create the communities they need to thrive. See you there! 🚀 #NDiSTEM2025 #BroaderImpacts #SACNAS #STEMLeadership #GrassrootsImpact #CommunityBuilding #STEM

Sep 12

🎉 30,000 Views and Counting! Thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with our Science with Impact community! Reaching 30,000 views on our podcast is a testament to the power of passionate listeners who believe science communication matters. From exploring evolutionary biology with Dr. Mat...Read more

🎉 30,000 Views and Counting! Thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with our Science with Impact community! Reaching 30,000 views on our podcast is a testament to the power of passionate listeners who believe science communication matters. From exploring evolutionary biology with Dr. Matt Wilkins to discussing how researchers can build STEM-literate communities, every conversation has been enriched by YOUR engagement, shares, and thoughtful participation. Our next big goal? 100 episodes of meaningful science communication! We're well on our way to creating lasting impact through accessible, engaging scientific discourse. To every researcher, educator, student, and curious mind who has watched, shared, or simply believed in our mission to translate science into societal impact—thank you. You're not just our audience; you're the reason this work matters. Here's to the next 30,000 views and the countless conversations yet to come! 🧪🌎 #ScienceCommunication #Podcast #Milestone #Research #ScienceWithImpact #Community Ready to join our journey to 100 episodes? Find Science with Impact wherever you get your podcasts and help us continue exploring how research creates real-world change.

Sep 9

What happens when researchers treat AI not as a threat, but as a partner? In this week’s Science with Impact Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lennart Nacke, University Research Chair and Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Waterloo. Together, we explore how AI can transform the...Read more

What happens when researchers treat AI not as a threat, but as a partner? In this week’s Science with Impact Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lennart Nacke, University Research Chair and Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Waterloo. Together, we explore how AI can transform the way scientists write, publish, and share their work—while staying true to the values of rigor and integrity. Dr. Nacke shares: 🔹 Why context engineering—designing prompts with audience, purpose, and constraints in mind—is essential for better AI outputs. 🔹 How publishing incentives are broken, and what alternative models (conferences, open platforms, even social media) could mean for science. 🔹 Why every scientist should also think like a communicator and entrepreneur, amplifying their research beyond the lab. 🔹 How to responsibly integrate AI into your workflow while avoiding pitfalls like hallucinations and plagiarism. AI isn’t replacing scientists—it’s amplifying them. With better prompts and critical thinking, researchers can cut through noise, speed up their work, and share science that resonates far beyond academia. 🎧 Watch the full episode here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8hy2pw