Science with Impact

Sep 25

What does career stability in science look like in 2025? For many of us, the traditional path—built on a single employer or a single stream of federal funding—no longer feels secure. Like many researchers, I once assumed stability meant staying on track toward tenure. But life, priorities, and real...Read more

What does career stability in science look like in 2025? For many of us, the traditional path—built on a single employer or a single stream of federal funding—no longer feels secure. Like many researchers, I once assumed stability meant staying on track toward tenure. But life, priorities, and realities shifted. I had to ask myself: what if all my eggs are in the wrong basket? That question pushed me to build Science with Impact, where we partner with research teams to amplify the societal value of STEM discoveries. Instead of relying on one pathway, I’ve found that a diversified career portfolio—spanning academia, nonprofits, industry, and media—can create stability while strengthening the impact of science. 💡 In my recent feature with Chemical & Engineering News, I share what I’ve learned from my journey in chemistry and beyond: 1. Reimagining Science – To stay relevant, research must tell a story that matters outside the lab. 2. Transferable Skills Matter – Critical thinking, design, and collaboration can carry you into new opportunities. 3. Beyond Federal Grants – Relying on a single funding stream is risky; stability comes from broad partnerships. 4. A New Career Model – Today’s scientists thrive by building flexible, cross-sector portfolios rather than following one narrow track. These aren’t just lessons from my own career—they’re reflections on how STEM can evolve to be more sustainable, impactful, and connected to society. Huge thanks to Chris Gorski and the American Chemical Society for telling this story and spotlighting why connecting science to society matters more than ever. 🔗 You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/geE-P3iR 👉 I’d love to hear from you: How are you diversifying your approach to your scientific career? What opportunities outside the traditional track have made a difference for you?

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