Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion. - Stephen Hawking
Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion. - Stephen Hawking
Contractor/Freelancer SF Bay Area, Ca
Executive Director Science at Cal UC Berkeley
I am a Science Communication, Engagement, Marketing, Education and Outreach Specialist who has previously worked with non-profits, universities, and for-profit businesses to improve their science engagement efforts; this includes creating new and/or improving existing science communication, marketing, education, policy, diversity, and outreach initiatives, programs, and materials.
I am currently the Executive Director for Science at Cal, a program that shares the excitement and relevance of UC Berkeley research with public audiences by creating opportunities for the UC Berkeley STEM community to engage with the public.
I am available to host lectures, workshops, and panels on myriad topics including science communication, communicating climate change, self-branding/promotion, careers away from the bench (i.e. alternative careers in STEM), and systemic racism in science communication. Please contact me to learn more.
Previous Positions.
I was previously the Scientific Programs & Outreach Manager at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC. In this role, I provided independent leadership of science programs, outreach, and special initiatives intended to broaden the reach of scientific research, both within the worldwide scientific community and with the general public. My duties also included managing all partnerships between Carnegie Science and other research institution, government agencies, nonprofits, media outlets, and corporations.
Before beginning at Carnegie Science in 2015, I was a Project Director within the Education Directorate at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Within this role, I was the Director of the AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellows Program, a 45-year-old Fellowship that places advanced science student in news outlets across the country to work as science reporters. In addition to managing long-standing, high-profile programs, I organized public outreach and engagement events, particular those aimed towards under-served communities, and promoted and encouraged women and historically underrepresented minorities (of which I am both) in science.
Lastly, I have worked as a Lecturer at San Jose State University within the Meteorology & Climate Science Department where I taught classes that address the causes and negative effects of global climate change and incorporate solutions through mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Career Goals.
My broad goals as an advocate and educator are to: (1) increase the public’s interest and understanding of science, (2) advance the scientific enterprise by creating a more inclusive environment, (3) prepare, diversify, and expand the scientific workforce, (4) present viable and fulfilling science career options to young scientists, (5) convince scientists of their duty to communicate the benefits of science outside of academia to the broader society, (6) arm scientists with the skills to communicate science more effectively to each other, students, reporters, and lay audiences, and (7) encourage more, and more accurate, science within the mass media and popular culture.
Education.
I joined AAAS in 2012 after receiving my PhD in Atmospheric Science (specifically cloud microphysics) within the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. While a graduate student, I worked with the Division of Graduate Studies to create university initiatives that would address the lack of diversity amongst the graduate population. Before my final year in graduate school, I was awarded an AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship and created science radio stories in Washington, DC. Between graduate school and my undergraduate work in Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, I worked as a science educator at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California.
Check out my portfolio to learn more about all the projects and programs listed here and more!