SCIENCE TALK '21 SPEAKER SERIES January 19

Welcome to the Science Talk Blog’s Meet the Science Talk ‘21 Speaker series! Each week we will highlight some of our exciting speakers. Registration for Science Talk ‘21 is now open!

Photo courtesy of Andrea Joseph

Andrea is a member of the Engage Board of Directors. She is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington. Her research applies nanotechnology to improve the delivery and efficacy of medicines to the brain. She also holds leadership positions in her department, college, and an international professional society, and is passionate about good science communication!

She will be leading the workshop “Communicating with Science Averse Audiences” on  Wednesday, March 24 (limited seating). See the full agenda on the Science Talk website!

Get to know Andrea!

What inspired you to engage in or sparked your interest in science communication?

As a new grad student, I felt surrounded by science communication in a way that I hadn't before-- both good and bad, at seminars, conferences, and even in lab meetings. I realized how important developing skills in this area would be, especially since I was interested in eventually becoming a professor. That prompted me to take a science communication class at UW, where I learned new techniques and gained confidence in public speaking, and am now on the team that runs the course for future students!

What advice would give a new science communicator?

Play to your strengths and take every opportunity to improve your weaknesses. For example, I love graphic design, so I always have fun creating new styles for my conference posters; spend time on activities that fulfill your creative side and recharge you. At the same time, I used to get really anxious about public speaking, and the only thing that really solves this is experience!

Who is your favorite science communicator?

I am really enjoying @science.sam on Instagram right now! She has a PhD in molecular genetics and has been an excellent source for coronavirus-related sci-comm.