When Science Speaks: Recent Episodes

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In this week's episode, we delve into the crucial art of communication in the practice of medicine with Erika Ramsdale. As a geriatric oncologist and the writer of a poignant, powern Modern Love submission published in the The New York Times' "Modern Love" column, Dr. Ramsdale shares her unique perspective on effectively communicating with cancer patients. Discover how storytelling serves as a powerful tool to balance the raw emotion and hard facts involved in patient care.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Power of Communication in Oncology

   • Understanding the dynamic interplay between facts and feelings in patient interactions.

   • Insights from Modern Love

   • How Dr. Ramsdale's personal experiences and emotional awareness enhance her medical practice, exemplified through her Modern Love essay titled "My dog had trust issues. So did I. Enter Kevin".

   • Navigating Uncertainty

   • The importance of addressing emotional responses and fostering trust in the physician-patient relationship, particularly when delivering complex medical information.

   • The Role of Storytelling

   • Exploring storytelling as a method to convey difficult truths while connecting deeply with patients. Dr. Ramsdale reveals how sharing personal narratives can break down barriers and enhance understanding.

   • Building Relationships Through Vulnerability

   • Reflecting on how showing vulnerability can lead to stronger connections and more effective communication, ultimately improving patient care.

   • Coping with Misinformation in the Digital Age

   • Strategies for communicating effectively amidst the challenges of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in science.

Featured Keywords:

• Emotion: The significance of recognizing and addressing emotions when communicating with cancer patients.
• Facts: Balancing factual information with compassionate communication to enhance patient understanding.
• Communication: Effective methods for conveying complex medical information in an accessible manner.
• Cancer: Insights specific to the oncology field and the unique challenges of communicating cancer diagnoses and treatment options.
• Storytelling: Leveraging personal stories to enrich patient interactions and create a supportive environment.

Guest Bio: Erica Ramsdale, M.D. is a dedicated geriatric oncologist, NIH-funded researcher. Her moving essay, "My dog had trust issues. So did I. Enter Kevin", was published in The New York Times' Modern Love column. Dr. Ramsdale's work emphasizes the intersection of emotional intelligence and effective communication in the medical field, particularly concerning the challenges faced by older adults with cancer.

Listen Now: Join us for this powerful conversation about the vital role of emotional and narrative elements in medical communication. Tune in to learn how to better support cancer patients through understanding, empathy, and storytelling.

Resources - "My Dog Had Trust Issue. So Did I." Link to Erika Ramsdale, M.D.'s Modern Love column in The New York Times:

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Mastering High-Stakes Scientific Presentations with Dr. Tae Seok Moon

This episode features Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D., Full Professor at the J. Craig Venter Institute.

Dr. Moon talks about preparing and delivering impactful scientific presentations and shares insights on his current research, which is focused on solving global issues through synthetic biology.

He also discusses his initiative, the Synthetic Biology Young Speaker Series (SYNBYSS), which supports young researchers in presenting their work globally. Additionally, Dr. Moon shares his journey of overcoming language barriers in science communication and offers practical tips for making scientific talks engaging and memorable for diverse audiences.

00:00 Introduction: Preparing for a Big Presentation 00:21 Guest Introduction: Dr. Tae Seok Moon 01:17 Dr. Moon's Research Focus 02:54 The Synthetic Biology Young Speaker Series 05:17 Challenges and Innovations in Virtual Conferences 10:55 Science Communication Strategies 19:30 Dr. Moon's Personal Communication Journey 27:08 The Importance of Humanizing Scientists 32:13 Conclusion and Farewell

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Episode Summary: In this episode of When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer interviews Joana Magalhães, Ph.D. about her innovative approaches to science communication and community engagement.

As a senior researcher at Science For Change in Barcelona, Johana shares her journey from tissue engineering to filmmaking and how these experiences have shaped her philosophy of making science relatable and impactful in society.

Mark and Joana discuss the importance of citizen involvement in research, the role of lived experience, and how connecting with communities can enhance scientific understanding and policy-making. Johana also highlights exciting projects, such as the European Competence Center for Science Communication, aimed at empowering scientists to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The challenge of engaging the public in scientific discourse
• Johana’s multidisciplinary background and its influence on her work
• The significance of citizen science and participatory research
• The impact of lived experience on shaping scientific inquiry
• Initiatives in Spain aimed at integrating science into policy-making
• Strategies for scientists to improve their communication skills

Resources Mentioned:

• 11 Keys to Translating Complexity (Free infographic)
• Science For Change
• European Competence Center for Science Communication

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Episode Summary: This insightful episode features Emmanuel Tsekleves, Ph.D., a full professor at Lancaster University and research director in Lancashire, England. Emmanuel shares his personal journey from Ph.D. graduate to full professor by age 40 and offers invaluable advice on how Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, and early-career academics can successfully navigate the complex academic job market. From avoiding common application mistakes to the importance of securing funding, this conversation is packed with practical tips for aspiring academics.

Key Takeaways: * Start Early & Learn from Mistakes: Dr. Tsekleves highlights the importance of mentors and learning from early mistakes in his academic journey. He emphasizes that mistakes can be powerful learning tools but suggests it’s even better to learn from others’ experiences. * Transitioning from Postdoc to Assistant Professor: Many postdocs fall into the trap of discussing future research plans rather than focusing on securing funding. Emmanuel explains how this common pitfall can hinder postdocs’ chances of securing tenure-track positions. * Application Quality vs. Quantity: Sending out many generic applications will likely yield poor results. Emmanuel stresses the importance of focusing on a single application, conducting thorough research on the institution, and aligning your application materials with their specific needs. * Speak to the Postholder: Before submitting an application, Emmanuel suggests reaching out to the academic contact listed in the job ad. This helps you gain insider information, shows genuine interest, and gives you visibility with those making hiring decisions. * Show How You Add Value: Instead of listing your qualifications, demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the needs of the institution. Show how you can contribute to their teaching programs, research groups, and overall mission.

Actionable Tips: 1. Avoid Common Pitfalls: Postdocs need to shift their mindset from talking about research to discussing the funding they can attract. Learn to demonstrate value by focusing on what you bring to the institution. 2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Tailor each application specifically to the institution and role, showing how your research and teaching expertise fit their culture and objectives. 3. Engage with the Hiring Institution: Reach out to the postholder before submitting your application. It gives you a chance to learn more about the role and make a strong impression. 4. Research and Personalize Your Applications: Whether you’re applying for a postdoc or a tenure-track position, be sure to thoroughly research the department and align your cover letter, research statement, and teaching statement with their current projects.

About Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves: Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves is a professor at Lancaster University, where he also serves as research director. His work includes mentoring early and mid-career academics, helping them publish high-quality research, secure funding, and navigate the academic job market. He offers a variety of resources, including training programs and his popular newsletter, Academic Insider.

Connect with Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves:

• LinkedIn: Emmanuel Tsekleves
• Twitter/X: @EmmanuelTsekleves
• Instagram: @EmmanuelTsekleves

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Bridging the Communication Gap for Scientists and Engineers: Insights from “Speak Like a CEO” Thought Leader Oliver Aust

In this episode of When Science Speaks, I sit down with Oliver Aust, one of the world’s preeminent experts on leadership communications. Oliver has helped hundreds of founders and CEOs become top 1% communicators, including many leaders with a scientific or engineering background.

Oliver shares actionable tips and insights in his books, LinkedIn and newsletter, as well as on his popular podcast, Speak Like a CEO. Those interested in working with Oliver can join the Speak Like a CEO Academy (links to Oliver’s offerings in the Resources section below).

During the episode, Oliver highlights common communication challenges and offers strategies for improvement, such as using clear structures, storytelling, and simplifying language. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience and dealing with linguistic nuances for non-native English speakers.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Clear Communication

00:21 Challenges for Scientists and Engineers

00:39 Career Transition Beyond Academia

00:54 Exploring Communication Improvement Options

01:00 Guest Introduction: Oliver Aust

01:57 Common Communication Blind Spots

03:28 Transforming Leadership Communication

04:41 Practical Hacks for Effective Communication

06:18 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

10:33 Overcoming Language Barriers

16:44 Final Thoughts and Actionable Tips

19:08 Conclusion

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Oliver’s LinkedIN profile

Oliver’s books: Available on this page

• Message Machine: How Communications Will Make You an Unstoppable Founder
• Unignorable: Build Your Personal Brand and Boost Your Business in 30 Days
• Mastering Communications: How CEOs and Executives Can Build a Great Reputation in the Digital Age
• How to Speak Like a CEO: How successful leaders communicate

Speak Like a CEO:

• Podcast
• Newsletter
• Academy

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In this episode of 'When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer talks with Bill Mahoney, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Student and Postdoctoral Affairs at the University of Washington.

The discussion centers around the importance of mentorship in academic and professional development.

Dr. Mahoney shares valuable insights on how to choose the right mentor, manage mentoring relationships, and recognize the signs of both beneficial and detrimental mentorship dynamics.

Bill also emphasizes the significance of having multiple mentors and leveraging networks to seek career opportunities beyond academia. Additionally, the episode explores the concept of the 'hidden curriculum' and ways to navigate unseen challenges in higher education.

00:00 The Importance of Mentorship

00:21 Choosing the Right Mentor

01:00 Managing Mentoring Relationships

03:54 Avoiding Pitfalls in Mentorship

06:08 Navigating the Hidden Curriculum

11:55 Career Development Beyond Academia

15:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of When Science Speaks, Mark talks with Gerrit McGowan, a lifelong entrepreneur and former competitive whitewater kayaker.    Gerrit shares valuable insights on overcoming networking dread, gaining buy-in from stakeholders, and creating value for customers.   Learn about his journey from competitive kayaking to founding a venture-backed marketing tech company used by global brands like Coca-Cola and JetBlue Airways. Discover essential principles for entrepreneurs such as curiosity, authenticity, reciprocity, and empathy, and hear inspiring stories about building successful enterprises and navigating the unpredictable world of startups, drawing fascinating parallels to the lessons learned from whitewater kayaking.   00:00 Introduction and Networking Dread 00:55 Introducing Gerrit McGowan 01:55 Key Principles for Entrepreneurial Success 03:42 The Power of Human Connection 07:18 A Story of Persistence and Innovation 14:01 Focus on Value Creation 19:28 Effective Networking Strategies 22:20 Lessons from Whitewater Kayaking 25:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, host Mark Bayer welcomes Dr. Amy Bantham, CEO and founder of Move to Live More, to discuss practical ways to incorporate physical activity into our hectic lives. The episodes touches on: * The biochemical benefits of exercise * Strategies to maintain fitness habits * The updated Physical Activity Guidelines, which include the benefits achieved by even one minute of exercise

Dr. Bantham shares her experiences balancing a demanding career and family responsibilities and provides insights into how public health policies are evolving to promote proactive health measures. She introduces her new book, 'Move to Live More,' a guide for parents and caregivers to help their children stay active and healthy. Here's where you can find the topics covered in this week's episode: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:32 Guest Introduction: Dr. Amy Bantham 01:45 Balancing Health and Busy Lives 04:17 The Science of Physical Activity 09:01 Making Exercise a Habit 13:24 Public Policy and Health Advocacy 16:21 New Book: Move to Live More 19:09 Conclusion and Farewell Resources mentioned in the episode Move to Live More, by Amy Bantham, DrPH

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of "When Science Speaks," host Mark Bayer welcomes Monique Mills, an engineer renowned for her exceptional science communication skills. Monique shares her unique journey and discusses the importance of communication in engineering and career development.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Monique Mills Monique Mills, an accomplished engineer and communicator, joins the show to share her insights on balancing STEM skills and communication.
2. Importance of Science Communication in STEM Careers Discussing the critical role of effective science communication in advancing engineering careers and its impact on professional growth.
3. Monique's Personal Journey Exploring Monique's background, her path to becoming an engineer, and the challenges she faced as the youngest of 13 siblings and the first in her family to attend college.
4. Career Development Tips for Engineers Practical advice on how engineers can enhance their career development through improved communication skills.
5. Role of Communication in Engineering Projects The significance of being able to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
6. Monique's High School Achievement Monique shares her experience of graduating third in her high school class despite missing most of her sophomore year. Her story highlights the influence of perseverance and natural talent.
7. Women Excelling in STEM A discussion on the increasing presence of women in STEM fields, including college enrollment and graduation rates. Monique emphasizes the significance of this trend for future career development.
8. The Translator Role in the Workplace Monique delves into her role as a "translator" in professional settings, bridging the gap between technical expertise and effective communication. She explains the value of having individuals who can navigate both technical and interpersonal dynamics.
9. Challenges and Biases Faced by Women in STEM Addressing the unique challenges women encounter in STEM careers, including communication expectations and gender biases. Monique shares her insights on navigating these obstacles.
10. Respect and Learning in Professional Relationships Monique discusses the importance of mutual respect and continuous learning in the workplace. She provides examples from her career, illustrating how these principles contribute to successful collaboration.
11. Navigating Professional Relationships Monique discusses her experiences working as the youngest, only black woman in authority on job sites, and how she managed professional relationships with respect and collaboration.
12. Navigating Professional Relationships Monique discusses her experiences working as the youngest, only black woman in authority on job sites, and how she managed professional relationships with respect and collaboration.
13. Challenges in the Workplace Addressing the challenges Monique faced, including racial and gender biases, and how she overcame them to gain respect and succeed in her roles.
14. Evolving Career Paths Monique shares her journey from highly technical roles to entrepreneurship, founding a tech startup, and consulting. She emphasizes the importance of combining technical and business skills.
15. Essential Skills for Young Professionals Monique offers advice on the importance of communication, connection, and understanding the business side of technical roles. She stresses the need for young professionals to learn sales and real estate fundamentals.
16. The Importance of Adding Value Monique highlights the need for STEM professionals to understand how their work contributes to a company's profitability and to always be a value add in their roles.

Highlights:

• Monique’s dual expertise in engineering and communication.
• Strategies for young engineers to develop both technical and communication skills.
• The impact of family dynamics and background on career paths.
• Overcoming gender biases in STEM fields.
• Monique's resilience and determination in overcoming workplace challenges.
• The importance of mutual respect and collaboration in professional settings.
• Practical advice for young professionals to develop essential business and communication skills.
• Monique's transition from technical roles to entrepreneurship and consulting.

Quotes:

• "Effective communication is just as important as technical expertise in engineering."
• "Navigating a male-dominated environment as a woman in engineering requires unique skills."
• "Being able to articulate complex ideas clearly is crucial for career advancement in STEM."
• "Respecting what other people bring to the table is crucial for effective collaboration."
• "Learn how to sell, because you're constantly selling yourself, whether it's for a job or convincing someone to help you."
• "Understand where you fit into this engine of how people make money. Be a value-add in every role you take on."

Resources:

• One for the Week Newsletter - Weekly resources for enhancing presentation, writing, and persuasion skills.
• Unpolished MBA Podcast - Listen to Monique Mills discuss her career and insights.

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Episode Summary:

This week, host Mark Bayer sits down with Ginger Lockhart, Ph.D. founder of Quantfish, to delve into the world of startups and career transitions. Ginger shares her journey from tenured professor to successful entrepreneur, offering valuable insights for PhDs considering similar shifts. Discover how to leverage academic skills for startup success and overcome challenges in non-academic job markets.

Key Topics Covered:

• Strategies for effectively communicating research to non-scientists
• Overcoming challenges in academic careers, including debt and work-life balance
• Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship: myths vs. reality
• Recognizing the transferable skills of PhDs in diverse industries
• Practical advice for navigating career transitions and maximizing potential

Throughout the conversation, Ginger shares valuable insights into the emotional complexities of transitioning careers, especially for individuals with caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say "no" in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Despite the challenges, Ginger's entrepreneurial journey has been fueled by her passion for creativity and innovation. She shares her excitement for building Quantfish, an online school dedicated to advanced statistical methodologies for researchers. Through Quantfish, Ginger empowers individuals worldwide with the skills they need to succeed in academia and beyond.

Join us as Ginger reflects on the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship, offering inspiration for anyone navigating life's transitions.

Conclusion: Whether you're a PhD considering a career change or an academic looking to enhance your communication skills, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice from Dr. Ginger Lockhart's personal journey.

Resources Mentioned:

• Quantfish: Expert statistics training for health and social scientists through on-demand workshops from the world's leading methodologists
• Ginger Lockhart, Ph.D.

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• Become a Friend of the Show and have new episodes delivere to your inbox without having to go out and get them yoursel

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This week's episode features Jordan Cutler. Jordan is the author of the widely popular High Growth Engineer Newsletter, reaching over 50,000 subscribers. He's also a respected course instructor and a senior software engineer, known for his expertise in helping engineers excel in their careers.

In this episode, Jordan shares his journey of developing both technical and writing skills, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and vulnerability in personal and professional development.

From overcoming challenges in writing to realizing the value of essential communication and relationship-building skills in engineering, Jordan's insights offer valuable lessons for listeners at all stages of their careers.

Jordan discusses the intersection of engineering and communication, the power of vulnerability, and the endless opportunities for growth in both technical and non-technical domains.

Key Takeaways:

• Jordan's journey from struggling with writing to becoming a successful newsletter author.
• The importance of communication skills and emotional intelligence in the engineering field.
• Overcoming the fear of vulnerability and embracing personal growth.
• How writing enhances various skills and opens doors to new opportunities.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Subscribe to the High Growth Engineer Newsletter

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIN

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In this episode, I sit down with Tulani André, Vice President, Social Media at National Geographic, to discuss the power of storytelling, brand building, and following your passion in career transitions and professional success.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Tulani André is an expert in creating successful social media campaigns and brand presences for major organizations. Tulani shares insights from her diverse career spanning National Geographic, Amazon Prime Video, and Fox Corporation.

[00:01:00] Tulani's Career Journey: Tulani emphasizes the importance of aligning career paths with personal passions rather than specific industries or companies. She shares her experience transitioning between sectors, emphasizing the value of social storytelling and connection.

[00:02:00] Career Transitions: Tulani offers practical advice on preparing for career transitions, stressing the significance of having an exit plan and cultivating positive relationships within organizations.

[00:03:00] The Power of Storytelling: Tulani discusses the importance of storytelling in engaging audiences, particularly for scientists and engineers. She highlights the need for authenticity and a clear understanding of the "why" behind one's work.

[00:04:00] Crafting Impactful Narratives: Tulani advises professionals to take a step back and view their work from a broader perspective, identifying the significance of their contributions within larger ecosystems and societal contexts.

[00:05:00] Key Takeaways: Tulani underscores the value of following one's passions, developing exit strategies, and building positive relationships within organizations to drive career success.

00:10:00] Connecting with Others: Tulani emphasizes the importance of adopting a broader perspective, encouraging professionals to elevate themselves above the minutiae of their work to understand its broader impact. By making connections and leveraging social media, individuals can engage audiences and foster curiosity about niche topics.

[00:11:00] Building Your Personal Brand: Tulani offers practical advice for professionals entering the job market, emphasizing the importance of leveraging writing and speaking opportunities to showcase expertise and thought leadership. By sharing insights and engaging with industry conversations, individuals can amplify their personal brand and attract opportunities.

[00:12:00] Writing and Speaking Opportunities: Tulani encourages professionals to seek out writing and speaking opportunities to showcase their expertise and perspectives. Whether contributing to publications or participating in conferences, these activities can help individuals establish themselves as thought leaders in their field.

[00:13:00] Embracing Exposure and Connection: Tulani shares her approach to speaking engagements, emphasizing the value of exposure and connection over monetary compensation. By seizing opportunities to share insights and engage with audiences, individuals can build meaningful connections and enhance their personal brand.

[00:14:00] Amplifying Industry Conversations: Tulani advises professionals to actively participate in industry discussions by sharing relevant articles and insights on social media. By contributing to ongoing conversations and amplifying important topics, individuals can position themselves as valuable contributors within their field.

[00:15:00] Buidling Your Brand: As professionals navigate their career journeys, Tulani encourages them to embrace opportunities for self-expression and connection. By leveraging writing, speaking, and social media engagement, individuals can build their personal brand and establish themselves as influential voices within their industry.

[00:17:00] Making Authentic Connections: Tulani emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in networking and personal branding. She acknowledges the courage it takes to reach out to others and encourages individuals to find common ground and genuine interests when initiating conversations or collaborations.

[00:18:00] Balancing Reverence and Relevance: Tulani discusses the challenge of maintaining a historic brand's reverence while making it relevant in today's world. She highlights the importance of creating timely and engaging content that resonates with audiences, driving conversations and fostering connections.

[00:19:00] Segmenting Audiences and Tailoring Messaging: Tulani stresses the significance of understanding diverse audience segments and tailoring messaging to meet their unique preferences and interests. By segmenting audiences and crafting personalized content, brands can effectively engage with their followers and build meaningful connections.

[00:20:00] Partnerships and Multi-Platform Engagement: Tulani explores the value of strategic partnerships and multi-platform engagement in reaching diverse audiences. By collaborating with other brands and leveraging various channels, brands can expand their reach and create impactful content that resonates with different audience segments.

[00:21:00] Emotional Connection and Brand Impact: Tulani emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional connections with audiences to drive brand impact. By considering the desired emotional response and crafting authentic messaging, brands can create meaningful experiences that resonate with their followers and drive engagement.

[00:22:00] Goals for Nat Geo's Social Campaigns: Tulani shares her goals for Nat Geo's social campaigns, focusing on increasing relevance, engagement, and visibility. By creating timely and compelling content, Nat Geo aims to captivate audiences and reinforce its position as a leading source of exploration and discovery.

[00:23:00] Crafting Relevant and Engaging Content: Tulani discusses the process of crafting relevant and engaging content that resonates with audiences. By aligning content with current events, trends, and audience interests, brands can capture attention and foster meaningful connections with their followers.

[00:24:00] Reverence Plus Relevance: Tulani highlights the importance of balancing reverence for Nat Geo's legacy with a focus on relevance in today's media landscape. By combining respect for the brand's heritage with innovative approaches to storytelling, Nat Geo aims to captivate audiences and drive meaningful engagement.

[00:25:00] Providing Accessible and Memorable Content: Tulani discusses the importance of providing accessible and memorable content that resonates with audiences. By making complex topics understandable and engaging, Nat Geo aims to inspire curiosity and empower audiences to explore the world around them.

[00:26:00] Goals for 2024: Tulani shares her personal goals for 2024, focusing on fitness and creative expression. By pursuing activities like running a half marathon and writing a romance novel, Tulani aims to challenge herself and find joy in new experiences.

[00:28:00] Wrapping Up: Mark expresses gratitude to Tulani for sharing her insights and highlights the importance of connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling. He commends Nat Geo's efforts to engage with diverse communities and inspire curiosity through compelling content.

[00:29:00] Impactful Social Engagement: Mark reflects on Nat Geo's ability to create impactful social engagement by providing accessible and engaging content. He praises the brand's commitment to fostering connections and driving meaningful conversations about important topics.

[00:30:00] Making Science Accessible: Mark acknowledges the role of organizations like Nat Geo in making science accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conveying complex scientific concepts and driving positive change in society.

[00:31:00] Personal Growth and Development: Mark encourages listeners to pursue personal growth and development by setting goals and challenging themselves. He applauds Tulani for her commitment to fitness and creative expression and encourages listeners to find joy in new experiences.

[00:32:00] Authenticity and Creativity: Mark highlights the importance of authenticity and creativity in personal and professional endeavors. He commends Tulani for her passion and dedication to her goals and encourages listeners to embrace their unique interests and talents.

[00:33:00] Building Meaningful Connections: Mark underscores the value of building meaningful connections and fostering genuine relationships in both personal and professional settings. He encourages listeners to engage with diverse communities and leverage their passions to make a positive impact in the world.

[00:34:00] Conclusion: Mark concludes the episode by thanking Tulani for sharing her insights and encouraging listeners to apply the lessons learned to their own lives. He invites listeners to tune in to future episodes of When Science Speaks for more inspiring conversations with leaders in science, technology, and innovation.

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In this episode, guest, Colin Gray, takes us on a fascinating journey through his unconventional career path, starting with his early passion for astrophysics and membership in the British Astronomical Society at the age of 12.

We delve into his transition from space exploration to cyberspace, exploring the reasons that led him to discover his passion for creation and making a real-world impact.

Colin shares insights into his expertise in e-learning, particularly in the nuances of online learning versus in-person education, and the challenges he faced in capturing attention in the digital realm. Discover the key elements he identified for successful online learning, including goal-based approaches, real-world context, and actionable steps.

Colin recounts his transition from academia to entrepreneurship, offering valuable advice for those considering startups. Learn how he strategically hedged his bets during this shift, utilizing his academic background and a PhD pursuit as safety nets. We discuss the skills he found transferable from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of research, analytical abilities, and effective communication.

The second part of the episode shines a spotlight on Colin's current ventures, The Podcast Host and Alitu. He shares the origins of The Podcast Host, its evolution into a comprehensive resource for podcasters, and the challenges of content creation and monetization. Additionally, we explore Alitu, a tool designed to simplify podcast editing, recording, and hosting.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a podcast enthusiast, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice from Colin Gray's diverse and impactful journey.

Resources mentioned in the episode

The Podcast Host

Alitu

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As the podcast enters its fifth season (220 episodes and counting!), I'm incorporating shorter segments with my commentary on key communication topics - like:

• How to make your presentation engaging and memorable
• The most effective ways to translate complexity so your listeners understand and retain your message
• Shaping your writing so it's crisp and captures your readers attention

The show will still include interviews as always.

Have a topic about writing, presentating, or moving your priorities forward?

Drop a comment at the show's Youtube channel at WhenScienceSpeaks podcast.

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On this episode of When Science Speaks, host by Mark Bayer dives into the world of storytelling with guest Chris Hare, exploring the impact and importance of a high-impact storytelling approach Chris has developed and used with his clients called "Atomic Storytelling."

Episode Highlights:

• The Quest for Effective Storytelling: Mark and Chris kick off the episode discussing the widespread discussion on storytelling and the lack of informed advice. Chris introduces the concept of Atomic Storytelling and its transformative power.
• Chris's Journey with Microsoft: Chris shares a pivotal moment in his career, working on a project for Microsoft and discovering the effectiveness of content derived from successful developers.
• The Pitfalls of Manufacturing Stories: The duo explores the common challenge of manufacturing stories and emphasizes the need for genuine, impactful narratives in business contexts.
• Atomic Storytelling in Action: Chris provides a practical example involving a defibrillator company, illustrating how Atomic Storytelling can create a powerful emotional connection.
• Balancing Emotion and Rationality: Mark and Chris discuss the importance of blending emotional and rational elements in storytelling, especially in B2B contexts.
• Overcoming Storytelling Challenges: Chris addresses the common belief that not everyone is a natural storyteller, emphasizing the learnable nature of storytelling skills.
• The Scientist's Strength in Vision: Chris highlights the strength scientists possess in envisioning the future and emphasizes the importance of sequencing and storytelling to bring others along on the journey.
• Brian Janous's Journey at Microsoft: An intriguing anecdote about Brian Janous's mission to make then-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer understand and appreciate the energy vision at Microsoft, showcasing the persistence required in long-term storytelling.
• Unveiling the Narrative at Amazon: Chris discusses Amazon's narrative of being data-driven and its potential limitations. The story unfolds as he reveals a crucial insight about the third-party seller side and the initial focus on resellers. The pivotal shift occurs when a VP starts meeting with sellers, leading to the discovery that brand owners drive a significant portion of Amazon's business.
• The Human Connection in Storytelling: Emphasizing the importance of understanding data while maintaining a broader perspective. Chris highlights the role of continuous human connection and the value of not relying solely on data-driven insights.
• Embracing Imperfections in Stories: Acknowledging the messiness of stories and the common misconception that a story must be perfect. Sharing a personal coaching session experience that emphasized the power of authenticity and imperfection in storytelling.
• Co-Creation and Feedback: Advocating for involving stakeholders in the storytelling process. Encouraging feedback and collaboration to enhance the narrative and ensure internal alignment within organizations.
• Exploring whether a good story can overcome poor delivery and vice versa. Chris shares a personal experience of overcoming a challenging delivery by grounding the presentation in powerful storytelling.
• The Moth Experience: Recommending listening to storytelling platforms like The Moth and 99 Percent Invisible to understand diverse storytelling styles.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Guest Chris Hare's LinkedIn profile

Chris's podcast, The Storied Future

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In this enlightening podcast episode, Bill Birchard, a seasoned journalist and business writer, delves into the fascinating world of writing and its impact on the brain. Through extensive research, Bill discovered a treasure trove of information on how language can stimulate various regions of the brain, and in turn, enhance reader experience.

Episode Highlights:

• The Discovery of a Goldmine: Bill shares how his late-career exploration led him to a wealth of research on how language affects the brain. He stumbled upon decades of behavioral and imaging experiments that uncovered the neurological responses triggered by different types of language.
• Writing with Impact: The discussion centers around Bill's quest to write with more impact, ultimately resulting in his book. He explains how specific words and phrases, when crafted effectively, can fire up the brain and release dopamine, creating what he calls a "brain buzz."
• Embodied Cognition: Bill explores the concept of embodied cognition, where specific words engage not only the language processing circuit but also parts of the brain associated with physical experiences. This, he argues, leads to a more immersive reading experience.
• The Role of Dopamine: Bill breaks down the neurochemical process in the brain, highlighting dopamine's crucial role in the reward circuit. He explains how this neurotransmitter influences desire, pleasure, and, ultimately, the learning process.
• Principles of Great Writing: The conversation unfolds as Bill discusses eight principles of great writing, each backed by research showcasing its impact on different brain regions and the reward circuit.

Key Takeaways:

• Specificity is Power: Bill emphasizes the neurological underpinnings of the principle that specificity in writing is more powerful than generalities. He explains how our brains engage more deeply when words evoke sensory and motor experiences.
• Abstract Words and Simulation: While specificity reigns supreme, Bill acknowledges that abstract words also play a role in stimulating the brain through associations and simulations.

Conclusion:

Listeners are treated to a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between language, the brain, and the art of writing. Bill Birchard's insights provide a roadmap for writers looking to tap into the neurological responses that make impactful writing truly unforgettable.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Link to purchase BIll's most recent book, Writing for Impact

Bill's website

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Introduction

This week's episode features David Giltner, Ph.D. David is an accomplished figure in the field of technology commercialization, product development, and career design, with over two decades of experience in developing cutting-edge photonics technologies for commercial use.

In 2017, he founded Turning Science to provide training and support for scientists looking to transition into the private sector. David holds a BSS and PhD in physics and boasts seven patents in laser spectroscopy and optical communications.

David's books, "Turning Science Into Things People Need" and "It's a Game, not a Formula," have been instrumental in guiding scientists through their career transitions.

Transitioning from Academia to Industry

We start by discussing David's early career after earning his PhD. David highlights the challenges he faced when transitioning from academia to industry. He emphasizes the lack of guidance on careers outside academia and how he navigated this transition independently. David's decision to work with lasers, a familiar field from his graduate work, led him to industry, where he contributed to the development of semiconductor laser technology. The presence of a highly educated workforce made the transition smoother, yet David admits he grappled with adapting his working habits from academic research to the corporate environment.

Preparing for a Career in the Private Sector

We then cover David's advice for current PhD candidates interested in pursuing careers in the private sector. David stresses two major points: the importance of designing a career path and understanding the industry game. He outlines a five-step approach, highlighting the significance of identifying strengths, defining a target, and emphasizing the art of storytelling. Furthermore, David underscores the necessity of comprehending the industry dynamics to thrive in the corporate world.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in the Private Sector

David discusses common missteps scientists make when transitioning to the private sector and how to avoid them. He outlines three prevalent challenges. First, he observes that many PhD scientists enter the workforce feeling the need to prove themselves as the smartest person in the room, a mindset unsuited for teamwork. Second, he notes the tendency to lose sight of company priorities and get engrossed in curiosity-driven projects, contrary to the results-oriented nature of industry. Last, David highlights the struggle scientists face in making decisive recommendations, as academia's emphasis on certainty clashes with the fast-paced decision-making required in the corporate sector.

David's Books and Themes

We then shift the discussion towards David's books, beginning with "Turning Science Into Things People Need." David explains that the book emerged from his desire to provide guidance to scientists seeking rewarding careers outside academia. He then introduces his second book, "It's a Game, not a Formula," which serves as a playbook for succeeding in industry. David's forthcoming third book promises to delve deeper into the diverse career paths scientists can pursue, including roles as employees, entrepreneurs, or collaborators between academia and industry.

Working Internationally: Cultural Considerations

We delve into the nuances of working with PhDs in industry, especially when it comes to international collaborations. David acknowledges social and communication customs vary globally, which can impact how scientists present themselves in interviews or collaborations. He emphasizes the power of storytelling as a universal tool to convey accomplishments without feeling like one is bragging. David encourages scientists to share experiences through narratives, allowing potential employers or collaborators to visualize their contributions effectively.

Upcoming Goals for 2024

Mark concludes the episode by discussing David's goals for the upcoming year. Besides the release of his third book, David is eager to expand on two new workshops. The first focuses on building a scientific consultancy side gig, offering PhD candidates and postdocs opportunities to leverage their strengths. The second workshop, "Startup Basics for Scientists," aims to demystify entrepreneurship for scientists considering venturing into the world of startups. David emphasizes the importance of understanding both the benefits and challenges of starting a company, highlighting the unique strengths scientists can bring to entrepreneurship.

Resources mentioned in the episode: David's books

Turning Science Into Things People Need

It's a Game, not a Formula

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Overview:

This episode of the show features Nicholas Dirks, Ph.D., President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences.

Discussion Highlights:

• The rapid pace of technological change, from AI to gene editing, outpacing policy-making mechanisms.
• Reflections on historical instances where scientific advancement outpaced understanding and regulation, like the development of nuclear weaponry.
• Notable scientific advancements: AI, structural biology, gene editing, and the need for regulatory frameworks.
• Challenges in building and restoring public trust in societal institutions.
• The importance of incorporating emotion and narrative in science communication to rebuild public trust.
• The changing role of faith-based organizations in supporting and shaping scientific endeavors.
• Dr. Dirks' upcoming book, "City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University," focusing on the need for universities to adapt and change.
• Dr. Dirks' pride in establishing a pioneering Data Science program at UC Berkeley, offering a multidisciplinary approach to computational literacy.
• Introduction of the International Science Reserve, a network of scientists preparing for future global crises.
• The Academy's initiatives in addressing the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• The New York Academy of Sciences
• Books by Nicholas Dirks

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Introduction: Welcome to the When Science Speaks podcast. In this episode, Mark is joined by Aditya Mahara, a seasoned senior product manager in the health tech industry. Aditya shares his insights on transitioning from Nepal to the US, the importance of discomfort in personal growth, and the significance of clear communication in the biomedical field.

Aditya's Transition to the US: Aditya reflects on his journey from Nepal to the US, emphasizing the value of discomfort in his growth process. He shares relatable nuggets applicable to various life transitions, including academic and industry shifts.

The Power of Uncomfortable Moments: Aditya highlights how discomfort has consistently driven his growth, whether adapting to a new country or transitioning between academic and industry environments. He encourages embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Discovering a Passion for Physics: Aditya traces his love for science back to high school, where he defied societal expectations to pursue his passion for physics. He emphasizes the universal nature of physics, transcending cultural boundaries.

The Influence of Teachers: Mark and Aditya discuss the impact of teachers on their respective journeys. Aditya shares his positive experience with professors at Rollins College, underscoring their role in shaping his academic path.

Biomedical Engineering and Effective Communication: The conversation shifts to the unique communication skills of biomedical engineers. Aditya suggests that the interdisciplinary nature of the field fosters strong communicators who can bridge the gap between different stakeholders.

Communication in Academia vs. Industry: Aditya contrasts communication in academia, where expertise tends to be highly specialized, with the business-oriented approach in industry. He emphasizes the need for clear, generalizable communication when multiple disciplines collaborate.

Aditya's 2023 Reflection and Goals: Aditya reflects on his accomplishments in 2023, touching on family, full-time work, and side projects. He shares his experiences with his growing toddler, professional development as a product manager, and the unexpected success of his industry transition support venture.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Connecting with Adidya on LinkedIN

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Early Academic Journey

• Elena's journey from studying physics and computer science to discovering her passion for life sciences and medicine.
• Overcoming challenges in academic pursuits and finding her calling in translational research.

Translating Complex Science for Wider Audiences

• Practical techniques for effective science communication, emphasizing the importance of practice and feedback loops.
• Building community through volunteering and honing skills in event organization and speaker recruitment.

The Multilingual Advantage

• Elena's experience as a trilingual communicator (Hebrew, English, Russian) and the benefits of immersing oneself in a language for effective communication.
• Overcoming initial translation challenges by thinking and generating content directly in the target language.

mAcademia Podcast: Bridging Industry and Academia

• Exploring the journey from basic research to practical applications, and understanding career trajectories for scientists.
• Insights into the collaborative nature of academia and the importance of interdisciplinary ventures.

Pursuing a PhD in genetics to becoming a passionate advocate for science communication and entrepreneurship.

• Emphasizing the importance of building communities and seeking out opportunities, especially for foreign students and scientists.
• Discussing her role as a board member of Science Abroad, a nonprofit organization that supports Israeli scientists living abroad.
• Highlighting the impact of community-building and mutual support in overcoming the challenges faced by international students.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Nest Catalyst, an entrepreneurship program she co-founded to empower Israeli scientists in building companies based on research and science.

mAcademia, a podcast exploring the bridge between the industry and academia to understand how basic scientific findings take shape into products and strategies and following the career paths of researchers who are in academia or outside of it

ScienceAbroad, an Israel-based nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of senior Israeli scientists living abroad. Through its wide-reaching professional and social network

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This week's episode features Amber Mace, Ph.D., CEO of the California Council on Science & Technology (CCST).

We discuss Amber's early career in science policy, her upcoming transition from CCST to the California Academy of Sciences, and the institution's ambitious mission, with a focus on Amber's approach to building strategic partnerships and her enthusiasm for learning and collaboration in her new role.

[00:01:30] Amber's Early Career

• Amber reflects on her early career, which began with teaching scuba diving and water safety at Berkeley. Her deep connection to the ocean and interest in marine ecology laid the foundation for her journey into science policy.

[00:06:00] Environmental Policy and Marine Ecology

• We explore the common thread in Amber's career: a focus on environmental policy and marine ecology. We discuss the pivotal experiences that shaped her passion for bridging the gap between science and policy.

[00:10:15] Transition to Science Policy

• Amber shares insights into her transition from an academic background to science policy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the disconnect between science and policy, and how this inspired her to advocate for better communication.

[00:15:30] Mission and Vision at the California Academy of Sciences

• Amber discusses her upcoming transition in late September from her position as CCST's CEO after a decade of innovative and strategic leadership. CCST Deputy Director Sarah Brady, Ph.D. has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Interim CEO. Amber discusses her new role at the California Academy of Sciences and the Academy's bold mission to reverse biodiversity decline. She emphasizes the critical role of strategic partnerships in achieving this vision.

[00:20:45] Building Strategic Partnerships

• Amber outlines her approach to building strategic partnerships, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors. She highlights the importance of galvanizing support from philanthropy, policy, and the private sector.

[00:25:20] Learning and Collaboration

• Amber expresses her excitement about the learning opportunities and collaborations that await her at the California Academy of Sciences. She looks forward to combining her background in policy with her passion for ecology and conservation.

[00:30:00] Conclusion

• Mark congratulates Amber on her upcoming role and looks forward to future discussions on conservation, biodiversity, and the Academy's mission to regenerate the natural world.

Resources mentioned in the episode

California Council on Science & Technology (CCST)

California Academy of Sciences

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      In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Alaina G. Levine, who defied conventional boundaries and nurtured a diverse tapestry of interests.

From STEM to performing arts, business to communications, Alaina's life is a testament to the power of weaving different threads into a vibrant career. Let's explore her captivating journey and the influences that shaped her unique path.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Curiosity and Multidimensional Interests: Alaina reminisces about her childhood characterized by an insatiable curiosity for a multitude of subjects. Her fascination spanned across science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), performing arts, business, and communications. From early interactions with mathematical puzzles to her community theater experiences, Alaina's interests were diverse and unquenchable.
• Threads of Passion: Throughout her life, four essential threads interwove Alaina's experiences—STEM, performing arts, business, and communications. These passions guided her choices and led to unique opportunities that nurtured her multifaceted interests.
• Influential Figures: Alaina credits her mother, a writer, for igniting her love for literature, books, and writing. Growing up in a family of science, engineering, and mathematics enthusiasts, Alaina inherited a passion for these disciplines. Her mother's support and belief in her zest for life allowed Alaina to explore her interests unabated.
• Nurturing Multiple Passions: Alaina's mother advocated for her to engage in activities that fostered her diverse interests. This support allowed Alaina to immerse herself in performing arts, business ventures, and writing. Her experiences in high school, such as excelling in magazine sales and performing on stage, exemplify her ability to blend different interests.
• Art and Science Convergence: The conversation turns to the intriguing intersection of art and science. This convergence is emblematic of the creativity and innovation inherent in scientific endeavors.
• Academic Choices: Alaina discusses her academic journey, which led her to major in both mathematics and anthropology at the University of Arizona. Her initial aspirations for theoretical astrophysics shifted toward mathematics due to her passion for numbers and equations. Additionally, she saw a meaningful correlation between anthropology and mathematics, exploring how these seemingly disparate fields could intertwine.
• Innovation through Interdisciplinarity: Alaina underscores the significance of interdisciplinary studies and how they foster innovation. By connecting diverse subjects like math and anthropology, individuals can approach complex challenges with a fresh perspective. This approach, Alaina believes, is crucial for addressing grand challenges like climate change and other global issues.

• True Innovation Defined: The episode discusses true innovation, where Alaina outlines the concept of solving problems by interconnecting diverse domains. This approach, akin to systems thinking, allows individuals to navigate uncharted territories and make groundbreaking discoveries.

      * **Embrace Your Authenticity:** Alaina and Mark discuss the importance of embracing authenticity and individuality in STEM careers, allowing joy to be a guiding force.
  

  • Connecting with Emotions: Alaina emphasizes the significance of sharing personal experiences and emotions to foster a sense of community and solve challenges collectively.
  • Joy and Humor in STEM: The conversation explores the misconception that STEM fields are overly serious and highlights the importance of finding joy and humor in scientific pursuits.
  • Overcoming Practical Pressures: Alaina discusses the increasing pressure on college students to choose practical career paths due to financial considerations and offers insights into balancing passion and practicality.
  • Building Your Unicorn Career: Alaina outlines her upcoming book, "Create Your Unicorn Career," guiding listeners through a step-by-step process to build a personalized, fulfilling, and successful STEM career.
  • Recognizing Value: Alaina encourages STEM professionals to recognize their value and skill set, enabling them to confidently explore new opportunities and career paths.
  • Shifting Mindsets: Alaina shares strategies to shift mindsets, overcome fear, and navigate transitions while staying true to oneself and embracing change.
  • Upcoming Webinars: Alaina announces upcoming webinars aimed at helping STEM professionals develop successful career strategies, job search tactics, and unicorn career creation techniques.

  Tune in to this inspiring episode of the When Science Speaks podcast to learn how to create your own unicorn career in STEM and find joy, meaning, and financial success. Stay updated on upcoming webinars and connect with Alaina G. Levine to unlock valuable insights and strategies for your STEM journey.

  Resources mentioned in the episode

Free career consult with Alaina: Anyone is welcome to book a free career consultation with Alaina to answer any questions about how to Create Your Unicorn Career: https://calendly.com/alaina-levine/15min

   **Website:** www.alainalevine.com **Socials**: X, LI, IG: @AlainaGLevine

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Main Topic Time Stamps:

[00:02:28] Music and science connection.

[00:04:23] Journey to PhD. [00:09:49]

Lyme disease treatment exploration. [00:12:38]

Modeling neurologic Lyme disease.

[00:14:06] Lyme disease and animal studies.

[00:19:09] Mountains and their significance.

[00:20:51] Overcoming obstacles and pivoting.

Summary

In this episode featuring Ali Divan, Ph.D., Ali talks about his career journey and why he decided to pursue a Ph.D.

Now the founder and principal of his own firm, Trulitica, Ali specializes in providing technical due diligence services to investors in the life science industry. His aim is to ensure that investors allocate their funds to companies with genuine technology and a significant impact on human health. By carefully examining the milestones and claims made by startups, Ali speaker assesses their technical feasibility and truthfulness. Through his comprehensive technical due diligence, Ali strives to empower investors to make informed decisions and avoid investing in companies solely focused on generating hype and seeking acquisition, rather than creating meaningful contributions to human health.

Ali's ultimate goal is to collaborate with strong founders and innovative technology to make a lasting impact and contribute to successful product launches that foster camaraderie and teamwork within the team.

He expresses his desire to be involved in several product launches where he witnesses the creation of meaningful products for the market. Ali firmly believes that by working alongside determined founders and leveraging cutting-edge technology, he can achieve this objective.

Furthermore, he highlights how successful product launches can cultivate a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the individuals involved. Overall, Ali's aspiration is to contribute to the success of product launches and cultivate a positive work environment.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Trulitica

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  This episode of When Science Speaks features Dr. Katelyn JeteJetelina, Ph.D., an epidemiologist data scientist and senior scientific consultant at a nonpartisan health policy think tank. Dr. JeteJetelina is also the creator of the influential newsletter, *Your Local Epidemiologist*, which aims to translate evolving public health science for evidence-based decision making.

Dr. Jetelina shares her surprising experiences working with policymakers during the pandemic, especially in a challenging landscape where epidemiology and politics intersected.

She expresses her astonishment at how policymakers in Texas, despite the political climate, were receptive to listening to scientists and implementing innovative policies. She also highlights the significant impact of policy interventions in real-time, such as the use of Uber to deliver vaccines and reduce disparities.

Moving on to the role of scientists in advisory positions, Dr. Jetelina acknowledges the challenges of effectively communicating with policymakers. She emphasizes the importance of speaking in plain language and providing the bottom line upfront. Policymakers prefer concise policy briefs that focus on the essential scientific evidence, allowing them to make informed decisions efficiently. Dr. Jetelina also discusses the need for scientists to better understand policymakers' needs and align their communication accordingly.

Regarding science communication in general, Dr. Jetelina shares several go-to principles and tactics she employs. She emphasizes the significance of listening to communities and stakeholders to address their needs effectively. By maintaining a bidirectional relationship with the audience, whether policymakers or the general public, scientists can better insert science and evidence into decision-making processes. Dr. Jetelina further stresses the importance of providing meaningful context, reducing cognitive burden, incorporating storytelling, and offering actionable solutions in scientific communication.

The conversation then delves into the challenges of combating misinformation, which has become increasingly prevalent in the modern information ecosystem. Dr. Jetelina suggests two key approaches: combatting misinformation reactively and proactively. While debunking individual rumors can be time-consuming, teaching the public how to recognize and critically evaluate misinformation is a more effective long-term strategy. She also highlights the need for proactive communication, which involves anticipating public needs and providing timely information. Dr. Jetelina emphasizes the urgency of integrating both reactive and proactive approaches into public health and science communication.

The discussion concludes with a focus on trust and the disturbing trend of harassment faced by scientists communicating evidence-based information. Dr. Jetelina attributes this behavior to the politicization of science and the growing fear among individuals. She emphasizes the importance of addressing emotion and building trust through relatability and transparency.

The episode offers valuable insights for listeners interested in science communication and science policy. Dr. Jetelina encourages individuals to take the leap and start communicating, whether through personal efforts or by finding suitable mouthpieces to convey important scientific findings to the public. She emphasizes the power of practice and the importance of having a proactive approach to science communication during emergencies.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Caitlyn Jetelina, as she shares her experiences, challenges, and strategies in navigating the intersection of science, policy, and public health communication.

Resources mentioned in the epidsode

How to subscribe to the Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter

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      **Introduction**

In this episode of When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer is joined by Dr. Gertrude Nonterah, founder of the Bold PhD..

Gertrude helps PhD students and academics transition into non-academic careers. She shares her expertise on career development, non-academic paths in the biomedical sciences, personal development, and medical communications.

This episode is sponsored by the One for the Week newsletter, which provides valuable resources for boosting effectiveness in various professional settings.

Guest Background

Dr. Gertrude Nonterah is an expert in microbiology and immunology, having earned her PhD from Temple University. She also holds a BS in biology from Penn West Edinboro University and a BS in registered nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Importance of Curiosity in Choosing a Scientific Path

Mark begins the conversation by asking Gertrude about her journey into science. Gertrude explains that while she excelled in various subjects during her school years, her father, a retired scientist, encouraged her to pursue science due to her exceptional language skills and overall competence. Growing up in Ghana, Gertrude's natural curiosity and love for reading further fueled her interest in understanding how things work, which eventually solidified her decision to choose the science track in high school.

Transitioning from Biology to Nursing to a Ph.D.

Gertrude discusses her educational journey, which initially involved pursuing a pre-med major in biology. However, the high cost of medical school led her to explore other options. After a friend recommended an accelerated nursing program, Gertrude decided to pursue nursing as it still allowed her to work in the medical field. Subsequently, she pursued a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology, followed by a postdoctoral research position at the University of California, San Diego.

Embracing a Career in Science Writing

After completing her postdoc, Gertrude realized that the academic path was not for her. She began exploring different avenues and started a freelance writing business. Focusing on healthcare and scientific topics, Gertrude honed her skills and built a portfolio that eventually led her to secure a science writing position at a marketing agency. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in explaining complex scientific concepts, drawing from her experience as a teacher and her entrepreneurial mindset.

Daily Life as a Medical Communicator

Gertrude shares insights into her daily routine as a medical communicator. Her work involves attending meetings with various stakeholders, such as research and development teams, marketing teams, and product teams. She collaborates with these teams to understand research results, create content assets, and support marketing strategies. Gertrude's role also entails content creation, including writing blog posts, designing posters, and developing PowerPoint presentations. She emphasizes the significance of creating engaging content that appeals to a broad audience and communicates complex topics simply.

Different Approaches to Video and Written Content Creation

Gertrude discusses the similarities and differences in her creative process when developing video content versus written content. She emphasizes the importance of hooking the audience in the first few seconds of a video to maintain their attention. By employing relatable visuals and asking thought-provoking questions, she ensures that viewers are captivated. Gertrude also encourages scientists interested in creating video content to make it accessible, engaging, and relatable to their target audience.

The Evolving Landscape of Science Communication

Gertrude highlights the increasing interest in scientific and medical information among the general public, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes that people are seeking accurate and simplified explanations of scientific concepts, especially with the proliferation of misinformation. Gertrude emphasizes the need for medical communicators to address public concerns, build trust, and present information in a way that resonates with different audiences. Additionally, she discusses the importance of scientists taking an active role in public engagement, sharing their research in understandable terms, and fostering thought leadership.

Conclusion

Dr. Gertrude Nonterah's journey from academia to science writing provides valuable insights into science communication. Her emphasis on simplicity, relatability, and engagement in content creation resonates with the evolving landscape of science communication. By effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to the public, medical communicators can bridge the gap between experts and general audiences, fostering trust and understanding.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Gertrude's LinkedIn profile

   The Bold Ph.D. YouTube channel The Bold Career newsletter

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In this episode of the show, Mark interviews Linnea Fletcher, Ph.D., Biotechnology Department Chair, & Director, InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Education Center at Austin Community College.

Dr. Fletcher shares her journey into science, her perspective on the evolving life sciences industry, and the importance of public understanding of biotechnology.

Dr. Fletcher emphasizes the need for early engagement in science education and highlights the increasing complexity and diverse applications of biotech in various industries. She also discusses the importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge and the challenges of communicating accurate information to the general public.

Major topics discussed in the episode:

• Linnea's Background and Early Interest in Science:
• • Linnea shares her early fascination with science and her determination to pursue a career in the field.
  • She recounts her experiences working in different labs and attending lectures during her college years.

• Evolution of the Life Sciences Industry:

  • Linnea discusses how the biotech industry has become increasingly complex and diversified over the years.
  • She highlights the exponential growth of biotech applications, including healthcare and bioindustrial products.
  • The conversation touches on the emergence of sustainable bioproducts and the exploration of life in various environments.

  • Attributes for Success in Life Sciences:

  • Linnea emphasizes the importance of public understanding of biological sciences and biotech, not only for healthcare but also for environmental impact.

  • She encourages continuous learning and interdisciplinary engagement to keep up with advancements in the field.

  • Communication Challenges and Misinformation:

  • Linnea acknowledges the communication challenges between industry leaders and the general public in accurately conveying the impact and safety of biotech advancements.

  • She discusses the difficulty of evaluating the relative risks and benefits of certain technologies and emphasizes the need for an informed population.

  • Envisioning the Bioscience Workforce Summit:

  • Linnea shares details about the upcoming summit in Washington DC [which occurred in June 2023], where industry, educators, and government representatives discussed emerging technologies and the need to collaborate to create a bioscience workforce for the future.

  • The summit aimed to address the current gaps in the bioscience workforce and the increasing demand for skilled professionals.

  • Austin Community College's Role in Biotech Education:

  • Linnea explains how Austin Community College has evolved over the years to become a major force in economic development and workforce education.

  • She highlights the collaboration with industry professionals, the state-of-the-art equipment, and the focus on meeting the needs of local industries.
  • Linnea also mentions the dual credit high school programs and advanced technical certificates offered by the college.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Austin Community College

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In this special episode, I'm going to share valuable insights on crafting impactful stories that captivate listeners and achieve the results you're seeking.

Sponsor Message: This episode of When Science Speaks is sponsored by OneSkin, a company led by PhD scientists committed to revolutionizing skin aging. OneSkin has patented the first peptide (protein building block) that reverses skin aging at the molecular level. Listeners can get a special 15% discount on any OneSkin product. Simply visit oneskin.co, use promo code Science15 at checkout, and take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Episode Highlights:

1. Importance of Storytelling in Science Communication:

   • Craft compelling stories to evoke emotions and engage listeners.
   • Relatable stories can effectively communicate complex topics.

   • Keys to Telling an Impactful Story

   • Shift the spotlight from yourself to the needs and interests of your audience.

   • Identify what matters most to your listeners and address their priorities.

   • Capture their attention by delivering information that impacts their lives.b) Utilize "The Motown Method":

   • Hook your audience in the first 10 seconds with something intriguing or surprising.

   • Don't wait to deliver the key message; engage listeners from the start.c) Reward Your Reader:

   • Understand the brain's desire for new and helpful information.

   • Trigger the reward circuit in the brain by delivering valuable content.
   • Engage readers through curiosity and the release of dopamine.

   • Avoid the Unsung Hero Trap:

   • Remember that the hero of your story is the listener or reader.

   • Keep the focus on what matters to them and their priorities.
   • Identify the overlap between your initiatives and the audience's interests.

   • Non-linear Storytelling:

   • Start with the punchline or key message to pique curiosity.

   • Create open loops that keep listeners engaged and wanting more.
   • Share additional details and context as the story unfolds.

   • Understanding Stakeholder Assessment:

   • Consider how your stakeholder is evaluated by their own stakeholders.

   • Research what matters to decision makers in your professional sphere.
   • Tailor your storytelling to align with their expectations and goals.

Conclusion: Crafting impactful stories requires a deep understanding of your audience, their interests, and the art of storytelling itself. By focusing on the story listener, utilizing The Motown Method, rewarding your readers, avoiding The Unsung Hero trap, and adopting non-linear storytelling, you can captivate your audience and achieve your desired impact. Tune in to future episodes of When Science Speaks for more insights and inspiration.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Special 15% off discount on your OneSkin purchase for When Science Speaks listeners. Visit oneskin.co and use the promo code Science15 at checkout to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

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In this episode of the When Science Speaks podcast, Mark welcomes back Dr. Amelia Burke Garcia, an award-winning digital health communicator and researcher with 20 years of experience.

Amelia is a program director at NORC at the University of Chicago, where she worked on the CDC's Covid-19 response and directed the award-winning "How Right Now/Que Hacer Ahora" campaign. She is also the author of the newly released book, "Communicating through a Pandemic: A Chronicle of Experiences, Lessons Learned, and a Vision for the Future."

In this interview, Amelia shares the major themes of her book and provides insights into effective communication during a pandemic.

Key Themes:

1. Recognizing the Emergence of Pandemics: Amelia emphasizes that the Covid-19 pandemic is not an isolated event but follows a long line of previous pandemics. She highlights the importance of understanding outbreak, epidemic, and pandemic response as an active part of the public health system. It is crucial to be prepared for future pandemics to effectively manage and mitigate their impact.
2. Individualized Experiences and Context: While the pandemic affected the world as a whole, Amelia acknowledges that each individual's experience was unique. Factors such as location, occupation, socioeconomic status, race, access to information, and trusted sources influenced people's experiences. Understanding these contextual differences is crucial for effective communication and addressing health disparities.
3. Lessons Learned and the Need for Improvement: Amelia believes the pandemic has provided valuable lessons. It has shed light on health disparities and communication challenges. Moving forward, there is a need to invest in public health infrastructure, improve communication strategies, and prioritize health equity. The goal is to address the issues highlighted during the pandemic and better prepare for future crises.

Insights on Communication during the Pandemic:

1. Challenges of Messaging: Amelia explores the evolution of messaging throughout the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced in communicating effectively. She discusses the example of mask-wearing recommendations, which shifted based on factors such as supply shortages, vaccine availability, and emerging variants. The rapid changes in recommendations posed challenges in conveying consistent messages to the public.
2. Importance of Expectations Management: The podcast delves into the lack of expectations management during the pandemic. Mark suggests that transparency regarding the rapidly evolving nature of the virus and the corresponding changes in guidelines would have been beneficial. Addressing uncertainties and openly acknowledging the need for adjustments in recommendations could have helped manage public expectations.
3. Transparency and Scientific Learning: Amelia emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, especially when scientific knowledge evolves rapidly. In a pandemic, where the virus spreads quickly, messaging should adapt to new evidence and discoveries. Communicators should be transparent about the changing nature of information, acknowledging that adjustments may be necessary based on emerging scientific knowledge.
4. Combating Misinformation: The discussion touches upon the challenge of combating misinformation and disinformation during the pandemic. Amelia acknowledges the presence of misleading information and the need for trusted experts to debunk false claims. In an environment with abundant misinformation, effective communication becomes even more critical to ensure accurate and reliable information reaches the public.

Resourcres mentioned in the episode

Special discount for When Science Speaks listeners:

OneSkin, led by PhD scientists dedicated to helping people age in a healthy, vibrant way, patented the first protein building block scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level.

Listeners of When Science Speaks receive a special 15% discount off an entire OneSkin order (any products, no minimum purchase). And if you haven’t yet experienced OneSkin products and decide to subscribe, you’ll get a first time subscriber discount plus an additional 15% off your subscription with the special SCIENCE15 code.

Just go to OneSkin.co and use the promo code Science15 a checkout.

Dr. Amelia Burke Garcia's book, "Communicating through a Pandemic: A Chronicle of Experiences, Lessons Learned, and a Vision for the Future"

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This week's episode features Maria James, Ph.D., founder of Pocket of Money LLC and creator of the W.I.S.E. Financial Fitness program.

Dr. James shares her journey from studying biology and public health to becoming "The Money Scientist" and empowering individuals to take control of their finances. With over 14 years of experience in building and managing business and personal finance systems, Maria provides valuable insights and practical tips for increasing financial literacy, saving money, and optimizing cash flow.

She also discusses her signature program, Wise Financial Fitness, which simplifies finance and guides individuals step-by-step toward their financial goals.

Dr. James emphasizes the importance of budgeting, overcoming common money mistakes, and diversifying income streams. Tune in to learn how to achieve financial success and live a world-class lifestyle.

Resources mentioned in the episode

OneSkin - powered by the first peptide scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level. See what the science of OneSkin can do for you: promo code for special 15% discount on OneSkin products for When Science Speaks listeners. Save and Earn More Money Challenge from Maria James, Ph.D., The Money Doctor: ➡️ Elevate your income, savings, and wealth with the free 4-day Save and Earn More Money Challenge May 22nd - 25th. ➡️ Freeing up money in your budget by cutting expenses is necessary. However, there reaches a point where you truly can’t and don’t want to cut anything else. You’re trying to live your best life, which is not all about slashing expenses. ➡️ You should also be focused on earning more money. Both will be part of the free Save and Earn More Money Challenge Pocket of Money, LLC.

Free tools to help you save money and reach your lifestyle goals

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This episode features Anna Clemens, Ph.D., an academic writing coach and the founder of the Researchers' Writing Academy. Anna earned her PhD in material science and has published articles in Scientific American and other popular science magazines. Her mission is to make academia a more diverse and joyful place for researchers from all backgrounds.

We discuss common problems faced by researchers in academic writing, including procrastination, difficulty getting started, and fear of rejection. Anna shares her insights and the process she teaches to help researchers overcome these challenges and improve the quality of their papers. Our conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and familiarizing readers with the topic to enhance the overall effectiveness of academic writing.

Key Points:

1. Bilingualism and First-Generation Scholars:

2. Successful scientist-communicators often possess bilingualism or are the first in their families to attend college.

3. They face the challenge of translating complex subjects for their family members while avoiding condescension.

4. The ability to bridge scientific knowledge and effective communication sets them apart.

5. Common Problems in Writing for Journals:

6. Researchers often struggle with two main issues: getting started and avoiding rejection or publishing low-quality work.

7. Procrastination is common among busy researchers who prioritize other tasks over writing due to the absence of strict deadlines.

8. Younger researchers, such as PhD students, frequently struggle with getting started and find it challenging to focus on writing amid numerous responsibilities.

9. The Researchers' Writing Academy:

10. Anna Clemens and her team work with researchers at all levels, including assistant professors, postdocs, and PhD students.

11. The academy addresses the challenges of getting started and publishing in higher impact factor journals.
12. The emphasis is on teaching a systematic process for writing scientific papers, focusing on developing a concise and compelling story.

13. The process involves considering the reader's perspective, connecting with their existing knowledge, and organizing the information effectively.

14. Benefits of Storytelling in Academic Writing:

15. The narrative structure facilitates understanding and engagement for readers.

16. Storytelling encourages deep thinking and improves the overall quality of the paper.
17. Researchers learn to align their findings with a coherent narrative, guiding readers from background information to motivation and then to the results and discussion.
18. The process of storytelling helps researchers overcome the challenges of writing and enhances the overall impact of their work.

Conclusion: The Researchers' Writing Academy provides a valuable resource for researchers struggling with writing challenges in academia. By teaching a systematic approach and emphasizing storytelling, Anna Clemens, Ph.D. and her team help researchers overcome procrastination, improve the quality of their papers, and enjoy the writing process. By bridging the gap between scientific expertise and effective communication, the The Researchers' Writing Academy aims to elevate the accessibility and impact of scientific literature.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Special discount for When Science Speaks listeners:

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Listeners of when Science Speaks, receive a special 15% discount off an entire one skin order (any products, no minimum purchase). And if you haven't yet experienced OneSkin products and decide to subscribe, you'll get a first time subscriber discount plus an additional 15% off your subscription with the special SCIENCE15 code.

Just go to OneSkin.co and use the promo code Science15 a checkout.

Researchers' Writing Academy

Free writing training course

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This episode of the "When Science Speaks" podcast features Ricky Patel, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Point Science Analytics, a startup that simplifies biotech information for investors and consultants. Point Science Analytics aims to filter and curate for investors and consultants in biotech, energy, and new space industries all the information they need to make informed decisions, revolutionizing due diligence in these industries.

During the interview, I refer to Ricky as a "purple unicorn" due to his ability to communicate complex scientific information to a general audience and also thrive in a science-focused environment. We discuss how being bilingual and being the first in his family to go to college helped Ricky become an effective communicator.

Key points discussed in the episode:

• Ricky realized the need for a scalable platform when working with multiple clients who required due diligence reports on biotech companies.
• The AI platform Ricky is developing with Point Science Analytics scrapes company websites, LinkedIn, Crunchbase, media releases, etc., and curates the information into one document for the user to access easily.
• Ricky emphasizes the importance of discipline and the ability to work alone without motivation, a skill honed during a Ph.D.
• Other transferrable skills from the Ph.D. include analytical reasoning, information extraction, and research skills.
• Ricky plans to expand the platform to include the energy and new space industries, which are expected to be worth trillions of dollars by 2030.
• The platform aims to give investors and consultants all the information they need to make informed decisions without having to hire a Ph.D. analyst.

Ricky earned his PhD in clinical neuroscience from King's College London, and his experience in academia includes working on ALS and dementia. He left academia due to life events that led him to focus on mental health and childhood traumas.

Resources mentioned in the episode

Ricky Patel, Ph.D.

Point Science Analytics

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This episode features John Besley, Ph.D., a professor at Michigan State University, who is focused on understanding how scientists communicate complex science to the public.

Professor Besley's research includes surveys of thousands of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) members, where he examines their goals for communication and the tactics they use to achieve them.

Professor Besley emphasizes that scientists need to identify their audience-specific behavioral goals and build strategies to achieve them. He also reminds scientists to communicate in a way that makes them perceived as smart, caring, and high in integrity rather than giving into the temptation of flaming people on social media.

Professor Besley highlights the importance of scientists communicating their work to have a real-world impact. Surveys show that scientists want to increase literacy, correct misinformation, and encourage people to take actions like wearing masks, planting pollinators, and buying electric vehicles. However, it's important to communicate in a targeted and specific way to address people's perceptions of social norms, risks and benefits, and self-efficacy.

Professor Besley advises anticipating obstacles and addressing them proactively in the message. Our discussion also touches on how to approach emotionally charged issues by focusing on evaluative beliefs rather than discrete emotions. Scientists should strive to ensure that decision-making processes are transparent, inclusive, and enable everyone to have a voice.

We discuss the importance of understanding the process behind scientific research and communication to combat rejectionism and misinformation, highlighting the need to address specific integrity issues, such as motive and competence, to build trust with audiences. We also delve into the different types of behaviors, such as non-behavioral trust, that are crucial to consider when communicating science.

Resources mentioned in the article

Strategic Science Communication by John C. Besley, Ph.D.

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of space exploration with our special guest, Mat Kaplan.

Mat is a seasoned radio host who recently stepped away from the mic after two decades and a thousand episodes of the Planetary Society's acclaimed podcast, Planet Radio. In this interview, Mat shares his passion for science and space, his approach to presenting complex information to the public, and his secrets to conducting engaging interviews with renowned scientists, engineers, astronauts, and authors.

Main Discussion:

• Learn about the Planetary Society, a professional home for space enthusiasts for over 22 years, and its programs and initiatives.
• Explore the origins of the Planetary Society, founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Lou Friedman, with the mission to empower the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration.
• Discover how the Planetary Society has evolved over the years, with tens of thousands of members, and a new generation of talented staff dedicated to their vision of knowing our cosmos and our place within it.
• Hear about the Planetary Society's contributions to space missions, including allowing the public to share in them by putting their names on plaques or CDs, and their efforts to shepherd missions through Congress by forming a caucus for planetary science and working with the Executive Branch.
• Learn about the Planetary Society's new initiatives, such as its online member community and book club, and its passion for sharing the beauty and joy of space and science with everyone on Earth.

Key Points:

• Mat Kaplan's inspiring body of work with Planet Mat Kaplan: Radio
• How Mat combined his twin passions for radio and space exploration
• Mat's approach to presenting complicated information in an accessible and fascinating way
• The importance of doing thorough research and homework before interviews
• The art of listening and being prepared to change directions during interviews
• Showing appreciation for the work of the guests and sharing their fascination
• Mat's passion and energy for the topic and how it engages listeners
• Elements of a good question, including finding unique nuggets of information
• Utilizing the internet to access resources and enhance interviews

Events:

• Find out about the Planetary Defense Conference in Vienna and the asteroid Hunters IMAX, and how the Planetary Society is involved in these exciting initiatives.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode The Planetary Society - Member Community - Book Club - Planet Radio Podcast

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Overview

In this episode of When Science Speaks, Mark Bayer introduces Dr. Natalia Bielczyk, a career advisor, neuroscientist, author, and blogger, as they discuss how to find a dream career and the changing job market for PhDs. 

Dr. Bielczyk shares her personal experience of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship and provides valuable advice to PhD graduates who struggle with their career path.

From identifying natural abilities to finding a large organization with growth opportunities, Dr. Bielczyk provides actionable steps to success.

The podcast wraps up with a discussion of luck in career development and the importance of authentic connections.

Timestamps of Major Topics

[00:00:09] When Science Speaks" with Dr. Natalia Bielczyk [00:03:39] Challenges faced by PHDs outside academia [00:07:14] Navigating Money and Career Paths as a PhD Graduate [00:10:40] Ontology of Value Tests for Career Advancement [00:14:33] Career paths for PhDs after the AI revolution [00:18:09] The Role of Luck in Career Development

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Natalia's website: https://nataliabielczyk.com/ Ontology of Value: https://ontologyofvalue.com/ Natalia's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OntologyofValue

Key Quotes

[00:07:53] PhD graduates typically have a lot of general competence.

00:10:56] You have to focus on yourself and building a skill set that's more than publication records

[00:17:59] You have to be very open and vocal about what your strengths are. Offer your help to other people and that's how you build your personal brand. It will not help happen overnight. But this is exactly what your professional future will be. You have to be known for who you are.

[00:09:51] Statistics don't lie - your chances of staying in academia are so slim, that would be just very risky.

[00:17:29] I think after all, you really have to focus on yourself and what you're good at and how to communicate it on social media, in person, but also in this meso scale level, so through communities. So you have to really, more than ever, be a good networker and establish your values, establish your core competencies, and and just vocalize them.

[[00:16:11] Then I would probably choose a large organization, and I would make sure that on my career path, I open myself doors to manage people because this is something, obviously, you can build a bot to manage, but that's not the gist. That's not the core of management. That's not how it works because people really want to work with people.

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In this episode of When Science Speaks, host Mark Bayer sat down with veteran journalist and author Bill Birchard to talk about his latest book, Writing For Impact, 8 Secrets From Science that will fire up your readers' brains. The book delves into the science of how the brain processes language and how writers can use this knowledge to engage their readers.

Here are three tips from the episode on how to write for impact:

1. Use vivid language: Research shows that using vivid language can create more impactful writing. As Birchard explains, "The brain loves specific sensory stimulation. The more sensory information the writer provides, the more the scene comes alive."

2. Write in a conversational tone: Writing in a conversational tone can make readers feel like they are having a conversation with the author. This can make the writing more enjoyable to read and can help to build a connection between the writer and reader.

3. Use storytelling: Using storytelling in writing can be a powerful tool for engaging readers. As Birchard says, "Stories stick in our brains because they're more vivid and more memorable than facts and data."

Writing for Impact provides a fascinating look into the science of writing and how writers can use it to create more engaging content. If you're interested in improving your writing skills, be sure to check out this episode of When Science Speaks.

Main topics in the interview and when you'll find them in the audio recording

[00:03:38] The Science of Effective Writing

[00:07:01] Measuring Brain Response to Reading

[00:10:29] Simplifying Writing for Reader Engagement

[00:13:54] Writing Strategies and Chatbot Algorithms

[00:17:09] Universalizing the Podcast Message

Key quotes from the episode

[00:16:50] What's the 1 sentence that captures what you're going to say in your book? In my book, of course, I'll just emphasize here, what's the message of my book? It's reward your reader. 3 words, reward your reader.

[00:10:03] In the book, I've isolated 8 strategies that are supported by science that drive the reward circuit.

[00:02:48] Turns out there's a mountain of research when it comes to how the brain processes language.

[00:10:32] The research shows that people desire, they learn from, and they act done, things are expressed simply.

[00:08:15] So When I talk about the brain consumes words, the way it consumes just about everything else, that's the reward circuit that I'm talking about.

[00:13:02] Keep it insightful. Keep the "ah-ha's" flowing because that's what you wanna aspire to as a writer.

[00:07:46] If what you read is activating the motor circuit in the brain, and that in turn is activating the reward circuit in the brain, then you can make inferences as to what's engaging readers and what's a better way to write.

[00:03:24] And when you start looking at that, you start to see, at least as a writer, you start to see that the brain reacts in different ways to all those four kinds of writing.

[00:12:20] Readers aren't reading your writing because they like your style. They're reading your writing because they like the reward they get from your writing.

[00:09:32] And in reading, you're gonna not only start reading, you're gonna keep reading and presumably be persuaded to act on what you're reading.

[00:14:20] The arrival of Chat GPT does not mean that people are going to stop learning how to write. You could say that instead, the chat GPT is just going to raise the level of writing.

[00:11:15] The period never comes soon enough. Bring closure to thoughts in a small way as you possibly can readers are gonna comprehend that quicker and they're gonna be more engaged.

[00:06:13] And my undergraduate degree was in biology. I never happened to use that, but having written my whole life, I've often wondered what happens in the brain?

[00:12:04] Keep it simple. And there's another great phrasing you came up within the book.

[00:01:44] His newest book, which we're gonna talk about in just a moment. It's called Writing For Impact, 8 Secrets From Science that will fire up your readers' brains.

[00:04:55] Words and meaning are processed very much the same way as stimuli of other kinds.

[00:15:29] Can you get the software to say, okay, we started with clarity and we wanna leap to being engaging, can these strategies then be incorporated in the software?

[00:08:45] It's the reward circuit in the brain that's doing that.

[00:14:57] How do you raise your writing from clear and educational, informative writing to engaging and rewarding writing. And I believe the strategies in my book help you do that.

[00:15:09] You might say you could make the argument and guess I'm making the argument that you are with Chat GPT gonna start at a higher level, and then you're gonna go up up a level.

[00:05:04] The brain is looking at whether that word is worthy or not worthy. The same way it's looking at whether something or to drink is worthy or not worthy or eat or establishing a friendship.

[00:02:18] We're gonna have a link in the show notes so you can preorder Bill's book, which will be released on April 4, 2023, and also a link to an offer on Bill's website, where you can get an accompanying workbook for free by pre- ordering the book.

Resources mentioned in the book

Link to Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Readers’ Brains by Bill Birchard

Bill's website where you can get a free workbook if you pre-order the book:

Link to the episode transcript

Link to the special 15% discount for When Science Speaks readers at OneSkin (enter SCIENCE15 at checkout)

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This episode of the show features Victoria (Tory) Wobber, Ph.D., President of Victoria Wobber Coaching and Consulitng , a Harvard-trained evolutionary biologist and former data scientist and people manager at Facebook and Google.

In this episode, we discuss an array of career development issues, including:

• Did Tory have mentors, teachers or family members during her early years in school who influenced or nurtured her interest in science

• What sparked Tory's interest in evolutionary biology and how Tory describes the field to someone unfamiliar with it

• With Tory going to work as a data scientist at Facebook after earning her Ph.D., why Tory believes a Ph.D. program is good training for work in data science, including knowledge, skills, and attributes helpful for being successful in data science

• What it was like to work at Facebook back in the early twenty teens?

• Working at Google after Facebook, what Tory liked about the high-tech culture and what was lacking from her perspective

• Now empowering tech leaders and Ph.Ds to capitalize on their unique skills to propel their careers to the next level. details about Tory's consulting business, including how she helps her clients and the types of clients she's worked with so listeners can get a sense of whether they may be a good fit to work with Tory

Resources mentioned in the episode

Victoria Wobber Coaching and Consulting

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This werek's episode features best-selling author, Wharton Business School professor, and world-reknown business advisor Jonah Berger, Ph.D.

We discuss Prof. Berger's latest book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way and specific topics in the book such as:

• How the focus of Dr. Berger's latest book, Magic Words, (to be releaseed Tuesday, March 7, 2023) relates to his most recent book, The Catalyst

• Why and how asking for advice actually can have a positive impact on how the asker is viewed by the advice-giver

• Effective strategies for asking better questions

• Why it’s not enough to just listen - we need to signal to the person speaking that we are actually paying attention in ways that don’t seem forced or formulaic

• The persuasive benefits of using concrete, specific language, and also when it’s better to be abstract

• Storytelling and guidance on how to develop and deliver a high-impact story

Resources mentioned in the episode - other books by Jonah Berger, Ph.D.

Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way

The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone's Mind

Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Human Behavior

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This week's episode features Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ONE SKIN, an innovative skincare company that addresses skin health at the molecular level, targeting the root causes of aging so skin functions, feels, and looks younger.

Listeners get a special offer when they go to OneSkin.co:

Enter SCIENCE15 to get a 15% discount on your ONE SKIN purchase. On this week's show, we discuss a range of issues related to entrepreneurship and the science of skin care, including:

What initially sparked Alessandra's interest in science:

03:19 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: On all the news, when I was seeing the news, they were cloning Dolly, the sheep. They were cloning the first mammal, animal. And that I thought to myself, Oh my God, maybe I can one day clone my family and they will always be around. I will not be, I don't need to be afraid of losing one day my dad. I can bring back my grandfather. And that sparked me the idea of going into science and this whole knowledge of not liking to see losing others for diseases was what started bringing me. Maybe one day I can find the cure of a disease. Maybe one day I can work with something that will help me not lose my family. That was the first when I was still very young that we were made me science and as I was studying all my biology teachers, I was always very interested in cell biology. And that's why I decided in college to continue researching and studying biology.

Alessandra's career journey, including when she decided she wanted to be an entrepreneur:

06:08 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: When I went to college, I had this notion that I wanted to do science, but it was still very obscure how I will get there, if I would really be able to bring something into reality and get some of the science. In college, I was already focused on research that was translational. When I started college, I was already completely passionate about the idea of working with stem cells and the potential of stem cells to differentiate into any cell type of your body and be able to regenerate different tissues. So when I was in college, I looked for an internship in a lab that was researching stem cells. I knew that I wanted to translate. I didn't know how would be the path that one day I would start the company, that was not clear. I knew that I needed to learn how to do science, so I would need to do a master and a PhD.

Even when I finished my PhD, I had not a clear idea. I still went for a postdoc in Portugal where I continue learning and learning different biomaterials to use different ways of associating with stem cells to promote wound healing. And at that point, when I was already in my postdoc that I was doing research for ready eight years in total, if I count when I started my internship, my master, my PhD, I started to get a little bit frustrated. I was doing a lot of good research. I was learning a lot and I was being involved in different projects that was all very challenging, was teaching me a lot, but I was not seeing the next phase. What I would do next, how I will fulfill that desire of seeing science being translated. So still in Portugal, I tried to start a startup there that was using stem cells, but cell therapy, it's very regulated. It's hard to go to humans.

So I have some, had some colleagues that were veterinarians. So together we start the company that would provide stem cell treatment for dogs, cat and horses. But we didn't know what we were doing. And at the beginning was everything super hard to get to the path of what was a startup and how you get funds and how you create this product. So basically we started the idea, but that never went very far, but I was already okay, I want to translate.

And then eventually my friends from Brazil that also did PhD in the same lab that me, Carolina had just moved to San Francisco to join an accelerator program where they were also wanting to translate some of the research into a product or into a company. And it was interesting because then she was starting this year, I was starting that company in Portugal, getting a little bit frustrated. And then after the program, they decided they would be focusing this new company on skin research.

And then eventually she called me and she said to me, Alessandra, I'm here in San Francisco. I have some ideas on understanding skin aging and validating efficacy of product. And I cannot think of anyone better than you to come to join this project. We had no guarantee of what we were doing or where we would go, but there was a new opportunity there for me. And I just said, okay, I'm packing, I'm moving to the US. Let's start this company. Let's see where we can go.

Alessandra's research and ONE SKIN's scientific advancements in skin care:

13:41 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: I can even make the connection of my PhD and the company, how we started. And it's interesting because when you start a company, you need to be open-minded. Things change. I was doing this research on skin regeneration, building 3D skin models. And the goal really was to promote a better wound healing. But in that process, I learned how to culture skin cells. I learned how to build 3D skin models. When I was on my postdoc also, I was helping on another project that was doing high throughput screening of micro RNAs. So I started learning high throughput screening as well. And when I was learning all those skills, I had no idea that eventually I would use those skills in my own startup. But what I always tell myself and I tell others is it doesn't matter, even if you are like completely happy or unhappy with what you're doing at the moment, if you are lost a little bit of what path you would take, show up every day and try your best and learn what you have to learn because eventually what you learn, you can use later on.

So when I was there in Portugal, a little bit frustrated, still doing research and not seeing how I would translate that to research, I was still showing up at the lab and learning things, new things. And those skills that I was learning there, eventually they were the ones they needed to one skin.

When I came to One Skin, the first idea when Carolina called me was let's build 3D skin models to understand the aging process and validate products that are on the market. So we had already the knowledge of building 3D models, but sometimes we use very young skins because it's easier to build 3D models of skin using young cells. So the goal now was, okay, let's understand the aging process because the products that are aimed to promote rejuvenation, they will be applied on a more mature skin. So we need to see the effect on this skin and what's the difference.

So we started building this platform. One Skin then, just to go back a little bit, One Skin has always has the mission of target root causes of aging to promote skin health. So we are really looking to ways that we can connect the health of your skin with your overall health, promote a younger state of your skin, and that will result in a better appearance as well as you bring a product that's cosmetic, but with the goal that will also help your whole body to be aging better. So we started with this platform.

Alessandra's approach to science communication as a bilingual scientist:

21:13 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: I would say that's still a challenge. It is super hard because especially when you're passionate as I am about the science, I always tend to go into too many details and then when we start to having to communicate this to others, at the beginning I was going very deep on the details and then I was seeing on people's face that they were not understanding what I was saying.

So the first thing I feel to start developing that skill is just talk to people that have no science background. That they understand what you're saying. If they're not understanding, you need to clarify your message. And then it was hard for me because when I simplified the message and I don't give all the details, it feels that I'm not giving all the science that is there. I always had that challenge with me because I wanted to explain more, but at the end, we need first to educate and have the interest of people.

So we need to get simple, even though I don't say all the science, I need to be able to show the difference. For instance, we have developed an algorithm that in the beginning, I would say that measures epigenetic changes inside the cell through methylation profile, and it's able to determine and correlate with the chronological age of the skin, and I say that no one understands. But if I just tell you that we have an algorithm that's able to measure the real biological age of your DNA, and then I can tell you by measuring the biological age of a product that's really rejuvenating, reducing the biological age of the skin. Now people can understand and get interested about it.

And a lot of that comes from speaking and talking with non-scientists. We have several documents where we write what is the science and now let's cut all this "epigenetic methylation" and let's simplify the message. And we focus a lot on educational content on our Instagram and all on our website. There is a blog section where we talk a lot about science and I started and I still struggle a little bit with that. I'm still in the learning process, but we are always trying the best.

23:38 Mark Bayer: Right. And it is difficult. It's really hard to do. There's so much information and it is an iterative process. So the more you're doing this, the better you're getting at it. And then of course you're seeing the reaction of people. They actually do get what you're talking about rather than when you're talking, using these scientific terms and they're just bewildered because it's the first time they're hearing that. 25:13Mark Bayer: really interesting and so true. Let me ask you, many listeners are interested in entrepreneurship, but they don't really have an idea of what it's all about, whether it's to start a company or work for a startup and understanding that there is no typical day in your work experience, I'm wondering if you could share some of the mainstays of your work schedule, things that you often see on your calendar as things that you need to do just to give listeners a sense about what it is to work for a startup or a startup company.

An insider's description of life as an enterpreneur at a start-up

25:43 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: For both sides, if you're working for a startup or if you're starting your company, you need to know that you will be wearing several hats. But to be very honest, in the very beginning, a lot of the daily basic tasks will be very similar to what you were doing in the academia. You will still be working in a lab doing the research. So the part of research, it's very similar to the academia. What it adds, it adds other layers.

So the research usually in the startup environment is more focused. So you have very clear objectives that you need to respond. You're doing experiments, looking to proof of concept and looking more objectively while when you're in academia, if you do one experiment and something show up, you just start digging and you just go to a completely different project and that's not a problem because you're just reaching and learning. So this is a big difference. But on the beginning, the daily base inside the research lab, it's very similar.

What it changed then, like when you're starting a company, is that you have other tasks as well. Pitching your company all the time to investors. You're also hiring new employees. In the beginning, for the first three years, ONE SKIN was only scientists. We were seven scientists doing research with this platform. When we start moving to create the product and create the brand, then now other pieces start to show up. I needed to start thinking about the communication, the content that we are creating to blogs or even Instagram, talking more to investors. And then eventually when you go to having a product in the market, you have operational sales and marketing and all different things.

Today, as a chief scientific officer at ONE SKIN, I still lead the science that we are researching, the new research, the development of new products that we are doing at the company. I also do a lot of collaboration with the universities that are researching some of our active peptides that we have to other applications beyond the skin. I do a lot of work reviewing documents that share the data that we get in the lab to the marketing side, so it's accurate and being sure that anything that's going out there is very accurate on the science side. I lead with hiring process and also other fun things as well, because we have products, we are deciding which packaging will be for the new products. So we have meetings with the designers.

And for instance, today, some of the things that I will be doing, I'm recording this podcast now. Then I need to analyze some data of a clinical study that we are running. I need to oversee the experiments that was run this week and check some that we'll do next week, need to go over some documents of scientific communication and also using one of the packages and some things that are going for our next product, so it goes a little bit around several things you need just when you're in a startup, multitasking, it will be also very important to be able to wear different hats and being creative because not always you have funds to do everything on the perfect way. So we need to be very creative on how we can be different, how we can even do our research with the resource that we have available.

A special disount offer for listeners of When Science Speaks

30:35 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: We are very excited to launch it. So it's a product that has as an active ingredient the peptide that we discovered and developed here in the lab. And it was specifically designed for the skin of your eye region. So we received skin samples from the eyelid, leftover of plastic surgery. So we were using very specific eyelid skin to be testing and validating this formula to promote a better appearance, a more firm skin for a specific for this eye area. And we're very excited. We optimized the formula using our platform as well. We use our platform to test all the active ingredients that goes together with our peptide and in the final formula to ensure that there is no toxicity. There's no side effects that can be used in sensitive skin. And then we were able to do this specifically using skin from the eye area, which is something very new and unique. And this product is coming up at the end of this month. So we are very excited about it.

31:40 Mark Bayer: All right. So cool. Yeah. Listeners look out for that and also the promotional code that you'll have as well.

Alessandra's advice for listeners thinking about getting involved in startups

32:26 Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D.: Yeah, sure. To make the jump going out of academia and jumping to start a company, you have two options. You can either join an early stage startup, or if you have an idea, or if you have already research coming from your PhD, you can start your own company. What I would say it's what we did a little bit was for starting to find accelerator programs that can help you on the start point. So we joined IndieBio - it's an accelerator program specifically for biotech companies, specific for scientists that want to become entrepreneurs. So this is very helpful because there are mentorships. You meet different founders that are on the same stage as you and you start creating this network. And a lot of times you learn with other founders how to do things, how to get off the ground.

My advice would be to try to find an accelerator program. Try to find people that complement your skills, that are also passionate about what you're looking or trying to solve. And there will be ups and downs. Don't give up on the first down and always remember that you never fail because you're always learning something and what you learn, no one will take from you. So you will use this next. So just do the best and good luck in any journey that anyone decides.

Resources mentioned in the episode Special discount code for When Science Speaks listeners: 15 percent off your purchase of any of the skin treatments at OneSkin.co Use SCIENCE15 at checkout

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This week's episode features Ashley Ruba, Ph.D., developmental psychologist and UX researcher. We discuss a range of career-related, life experience, and transition-from-academia issues, including:

• Growing up, did Ashley have mentors, teachers or family members who influenced or nurtured her interest in science

• As a first generation college student, Ashley's comments on my hypothesis - after 200-plus episodes of the show - that first-generation scientists in their families tend to be highly-skilled science communicators overall

• Ashley's research on how humans communicate and highlights and themes Ashley found from her research

• Common writing challenges Ashley helped her students address and overcome as a writing tutor during grad school

• Writing extensively about her own professional transition from academia to industry - and quickly attracting a large and growing following on social media - Ashley's advice for listeners who may be thinking about leaving academia, either during their program or after graduating, particularly when it comes to navigating the emotional and logistical issues involved in the transition

• Ashley's work as a UX researcher at Meta

• Ashley's recent selection by AAAS as the inaugural representative of psychologists with non-academic careers, a position created to help improve professional development for non-academic careers at national and international levels

• Looking ahead, Ashley's goals for 2023

Resources mentioned in the episode

Connecting with Ashley on LinkedIn

Beyond the Professoriate

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This week's episode of When Science Speaks features academic, entrepreneur and data scientist Fabricio Costa, Ph.D.. We discuss a range of topics, including:

• How Fabricio has navigated his diverse, multinational career path

• As a bilingual scientist (Portuguese native speaker and English speaker) with extensive experience in industry, how Fabricio serves as a "linguistic bridge" between the scientific and technical team and the business development, business intelligence, and related staff who may not have scientific training

• What Fabricio sees are some of the common pitfalls he's observed scientists falling into when they communicate their work to business audiences or the public

• How Fabricio found his way into the data science field and how others with an interest in data science might break into the industry

• Fabricio's current role at the data science company Modak, and how long Modak has been around, its mission and market, and how Fabricio is helping to accelerate the company’s growth

• Information about one of Modak’s areas of focus - “data fabric” - what it is and how it is different than traditional data architecture

• Looking ahead from January of 2023, when AI and Machine Learning are becoming more commonly used and understood, to an extent, by the general public, at least in the U.S., what predictions Fabricio has regarding AI and Machine Learning moving forward

Resources mentioned in the episode

Modak Analytics

Current Openings at Modak

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In this week's episode featuring Dasanj Aberdeen, a digital product leader and innovation consultant, we discuss a range of issues related to creativity, artistry, and how to consisely present complex issues, including:

Dasanj's background as a self-described “immigrant and global citizen” who embodies “a cross-cultural, cross-geographical perspective” and how it informs her work

The benefits of this outlook, and how Dasanj recommends others without a similar personal background or life experience adopt and apply such an approach to their work

How Dasanj manages the challenge of distilling complex problems down to a one-page visual representation - a superpower of hers - and the types of information she typically wants to ensure get onto that page and get left behind

With art a core part of Dasanj's life, the origins of her interest in art and the interplay between her art and leadership in business

As an innovation consultant - and with the term “innovation” thrown around a lot and perhaps over-used in describing new products and services - what innovation means to Dasanj and how she helps her clients craft truly innovative initiatives

As someone whose been in the innovation and technology space for a long time, what recommendations Dasanj has for listeners who may be interested in getting involved in new product development or startups

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In this week's episode, Jordan Harbinger, host of one of the most downloaded podcasts, the Jordan Harbinger Show, and developer of one of the leading self-development programs in the world, shares key insights on relationship-building, the value of social capital, and related topics, such as:

The difference between “networking” and “relationship-building”

What he means by “Digging the Well Before You’re Thirsty”, a principle in his relationship-building system, and how to do it effectively

Relationship-building during COVID and specific ways to authentically connect in the absence of in-person meetings

The takeaways from his article “The Big Mistake People Make About Networking”, how it prevents people from relationship-building before they even start, and how to overcome it

Relationship-building strategies that are proven, powerful, and time-efficient, so they can fit into an already-overstretched life

Resources mentioned in the episode

The Jordan Harbinger Show

Free 6-Minute Networking Course

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On this week's episode, Marc Sedam, Vice President, Technology Opportunities and Venutures at New York University, discusses a range of topics related to tech transfer and commercialization of university research, including:

Some common misperceptions or blind spots that the average person has about tech transfer and the value it adds to society

Elements of his career journey so far, highlighting particularly consequential decision points and how he managed them and the skills that have been really useful in the variety of roles he's had over the years in the tech transfer

With his involvement in tech transfer from multiple vantage points, how he thinks these varied professional perspectives inform his work

The advantages of tech transfer as a professional landing spot - which Marc refers to as a "hub" where people with all sorts of professional backgrounds converge to collaborate - and also as a launching pad to a broad spectrum of other careers

Examples of various tech transfer roles and the breadth of academic backgrounds that are suitable for performing them effectively

For listeners interested in learning more about tech transfer - perhaps to help determine whether it might be a good professional fit - how Marc recommends they explore the field in greater detail to educate themselves

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In this week's episode, Matt Krisiloff, CEO of Conception, a company working to turn pluripotent stem cells into viable human eggs, talks about SciFounders, which he started with partners Lucas Harrington and Alexander Schubert to help technical founders launch companies. Topics discussed include:

• Why Scifounders decided to focus on technical founders

• Why Matt believes it's a good time for scientists in industry to start companies (link to Matt's blog post below) and also, in Matt's experience, what have been the positives and areas for development he's noticed when working with founders coming from academia

• Steps scientists affiliated with a universities who are thinking about starting their first company could take to better inform and position themselves to succeed as a founder

• SciFounder's mentoring program for idea-stage founders and how scientists can benefit from funding and advice through the program

• Why the type of startup founder who might be a good fit for SciFounders is someone who's "able to communicate clearly with the technical team" and the importance of being an effective communicator both with the technical team and also with external stakeholders unfamiliar with the team's technology, such as potential funders, for example

• Some of the critical factors Matt has noticed that successful startups seem to share and fatal flaws that tend to doom startups

• What Matt sees over the horizon, in terms of business opportunities for technical founders, emerging trends, and potential tripwires to for scientist founders to avoid

Resources mentioned in the episode

Matt's blog post, It’s a Good Time for Industry Scientists to Start Startups, November 9, 2022

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This week's episode features Chanelle Case Borden, Ph.D., Associate Director of Training at the National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health. We discuss a range of career development and communication topics, including:

Chanelle's scientific research in Molecular Biologyand what she enjoyed during her Postdoc experience

What led her to decide to move into a Program Manager role at NIH

Aspects of how Chanelle managed her transition into the programming role that she thinks are broadly applicable and could be useful to listeners navigating their own career transitions

Details about Chanelle's current role as Associate Director of Training Programs and what she enjoys about the position

With outreach a big part of Chanelle's current role - she started the NCI Education and Outreach Program (EOP) to enhance STEM experiences for K-12 students in the greater Washington, D.C. area while empowering teachers to provide high-quality science education - information about EOP

Chanelle's involvement in a high-impact, meaningful program linking cancer researchers to cancer patients

Chanelle's advice for listeners who may be interested in opportunities at NIH - either in training or employment

Resources mentioned in the episode

Education and Outreach Program

Cancer Patient-Research Program

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In this week's episode featuring Olivia Bullock, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at George Washington University, we discuss a range of issues related to crafting effective communicaitons, including: 

• Olivia's communication research on the importance of narrative in messaging

• Her work on COVID messaging as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Olivia's career journey from public relations work to a Ph.D. in communication and how her practical experience informs her research and vice versa

• Her perspective on whether scientists should be leaders or "just follow the data

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This week's epidsode features Sarah Habibi, Ph.D., an extraordinary science communicator who uses art and inventive experiments to convey scientific topics in fun, accessible ways. We discuss a range of topics related to science communication, including:

• Sarah's career journey, background in art, and training in eduction and curriculum development - How she incorporated science communication while studying for her Ph.D. and what prompted her to embark on a career in scicomm - Sarah's approach to science communication - how, why, and the way she does it - Her latest science communication projects - Sarah's advice to others trying to figure out how or whether to fit science communication into their professional lives

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This week's epidsode features Sarah Habibi, Ph.D., an extraordinary science communicator who uses art and inventive experiments to convey scientific topics in fun, accessible ways. We discuss a range of topics related to science communication, including:

• Sarah's career journey, background in art, and training in eduction and curriculum development - How she incorporated science communication while studying for her Ph.D. and what prompted her to embark on a career in scicomm - Sarah's approach to science communication - how, why, and the way she does it - Her latest science communication projects - Sarah's advice to others trying to figure out how or whether to fit science communication into their professional lives

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This week's episode features Paula S. White, author of Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style, who helps individuals unleash their natural skills and behaviors to bring their whole selves into their role and leave a legacy impactful to the people they serve.

We discus a range of leadership issues, including:

How using an approach to motivate, encourage, or persuade that relies exclusively on data and quantitative information overlooks a crucial dimension driving how people make decisions and what to include along with facts and data to more effectively make your points.

A story from Paula's corporate career illustrating the perils of managing by data analytics alone

Her book “Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style” that addresses these topics and more

Why, in her book and coaching work, Paula uses music as a metaphor for leadership styles and how she incorporates music into her approach with coaching clients

The key components, in addition to empathy, we should think about when it comes to surfacing and applying our own Emotional Intelligence

How you could identify EQ elements in you own persona and activate them in your interactions with others

One thing Paula recommends listeners could do today to make progress on their own journey to a more keen awareness and regular use of their Emotional Intelligence

Resources mentioned in the episode

Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style

Paula S. White, Side B Consulting

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This week's episode features Paula S. White, author of Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style, who helps individuals unleash their natural skills and behaviors to bring their whole selves into their role and leave a legacy impactful to the people they serve.

We discus a range of leadership issues, including:

How using an approach to motivate, encourage, or persuade that relies exclusively on data and quantitative information overlooks a crucial dimension driving how people make decisions and what to include along with facts and data to more effectively make your points.

A story from Paula's corporate career illustrating the perils of managing by data analytics alone

Her book “Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style” that addresses these topics and more

Why, in her book and coaching work, Paula uses music as a metaphor for leadership styles and how she incorporates music into her approach with coaching clients

The key components, in addition to empathy, we should think about when it comes to surfacing and applying our own Emotional Intelligence

How you could identify EQ elements in you own persona and activate them in your interactions with others

One thing Paula recommends listeners could do today to make progress on their own journey to a more keen awareness and regular use of their Emotional Intelligence

Resources mentioned in the episode

Side B: Remix Your Leadership Style

Paula S. White, Side B Consulting

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Scientists are often encouraged to embrace the power of storytelling in writing or presentations, but how do you know which story to tell?

Do you understand how to connect with your reader?

If you struggle to find a balance between presenting research while also making a connection with your audience, you’re not alone.

Today we’re joined by Trish Hall to talk about her new book, Writing to Persuade, and how you can weave her suggestions into your own work.

Trish Hall’s served almost 5 years as the Op-Ed Editor of The New York TImes—doubling her department's size and creative output. She’s credited with creating one of the cornerstones of the Sunday Times, the ‘Sunday Review’. Trish’s other senior roles at the Times included Assistant Managing Editor and Living/Style Editor. She concluded her tenure with the Times as the Senior Editor.

Trish recently published “Writing to Persuade” (W.W. Norton) and writes and edits Op-Eds for clients who want to get their opinions out into the world

Trish graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.

Connect with Trish Hall * Trish on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Book: Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side * Pew Research on Credibility

Interweaving the power of storytelling with your expertise Are you excited to start writing, but worried your opinion or research may be misconstrued? Do you know how to establish a connection with your audience? Trish has some encouraging words: you have some expertise or story that people want to hear. Don’t be afraid to talk about a personal experience that will draw your readers in and engage them. People desire to have some context for what you’re talking about. So a personal story or experience related to your topic goes a long way.

Remember, as a scientist or engineer, polling consistently shows high degrees of trust in these positions. It’s important to keep your audience in mind when you write. What publication are you writing for? Is the typcial reader liberal or conservative? Make sure you establish similarity with your audience. The best way to do that? Establish a personal connection with storytelling.

Personal connection with your audience as a means of persuasion Scientists tend to focus on the facts and what the research shows. Facts, graphs, and charts are all great tools of persuasion, but developing a personal connection is the strongest. A personal connection is also one of the strongest precursors to change. The ‘Me Too’ movement took off because everyone has a mother, daughter, or sister. Many people had a connection in some way or another to someone who was personally affected by sexual harassment or assault.

Writing to persuade requires authenticity, the ability to be empathetic, and the ability to listen. If you’re looking to share your opinion and persuade your reader to do the same, you have to know their argument. You have to anticipate their questions and rebuttals and address them. Present an argument that is rounded and addresses all issues—and always remember the importance of the human connection.

Make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks to hear more about Trish’s career in journalism and the powerful role of storytelling in persuasive writing the next time you’re addressing an audience outside your specialty..

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * https://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/

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In this special episode, I share my thoughts on how you can quickly strengthen your communication skills - whether in spoken or written form.

I discuss:

• Lessons from tens of thousands of TED talks

• The "3-Rs" and why they're essential if you want your communications to be memorable and move your listeners

• Why the "Give energy, get engagement" dynamic is such a powerful force in effective communication

• Why you shouldn't try to calm down when you're nervous about giving a big presentation and what you should do instead

• What the Latin root of the word "communication" teaches us and how it should inform your communication style

Resources mentioned in the episode

Newsly.me

Special discount code to get a FREE one-month premium subscription to Newsly: SC1SPEAKS

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This week's episode features Melanie Flores, an MIT-trained chemical engineer, theater arts aficionado, and two-time TEDx speaker, who currently applies her multidisciplinary skills to her work as Director of Solutions Consulting at SymTrain, a firm that automates and scales role-play training and coaching.

We discuss a range of issues such as:

• Melanie's fascinating career journey - themes and common qualities in her various roles - The importance of feelings and human emotions in professional environments, even those where technical skills are emphasized - When and from which influences Melanie's interest and aptitude in writing and communication originated - How Melanie unveils the value of emotional intelligence and storytelling through setting an example, not lecturing - Melanie's professional role and why she enjoys it - How Melanie's experience teaching pre-school helped her in the engineering and - more broadly - the business world - Recommendations for engineers and other technically-focused listeners who want to add or enhance communication skills in their own toolkit

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This week's episode features world-reknown fitness trainer and author Ronan Diego de Oliveira.

We discuss a range of topics related to Ronan's approach to developing, describing, and teaching innovative fitness programs, including:

• The science upon which Ronan's 10X fitness program is based, the way he's able to explain scientific concepts with clarity and enthusiasm, and, in his opinion, what makes a good teacher

• The science behind 10X

• The way Ronan explains the science and nutrition in the program and how he decides what to include, what to leave out, and how to express the concepts and elements of the program such as fitness, nutrition and sleep

• Ronan's fitness journey so far and also the philosophy he shares in the online programs and speeches he delivers

• Ronan's recent program called the 10K Challenge, details about the program, and some of the common misperceptions people have about the value of walking vs. running

• With many of us feel pressed for time and exercise often squeezed out of our daily routine, some time-efficient things we can do to improve our overall health?

• Ronan's 1 piece of advice for listeners they could apply right away that could get them on a path to a more healthy future

Resources mentioned in the program

Newsly

Promo code for 1-Month premium Newsly subscription: SC1SPEAKS

Mindvalley

10X Fitness Program

Holobody Program

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This week's episode features world-reknown fitness trainer and author Ronan Diego de Oliveira.

We discuss a range of topics related to Ronan's approach to developing, describing, and teaching innovative fitness programs, including:

• The science upon which Ronan's 10X fitness program is based, the way he's able to explain scientific concepts with clarity and enthusiasm, and, in his opinion, what makes a good teacher

• The science behind 10X

• The way Ronan explains the science and nutrition in the program and how he decides what to include, what to leave out, and how to express the concepts and elements of the program such as fitness, nutrition and sleep

• Ronan's fitness journey so far and also the philosophy he shares in the online programs and speeches he delivers

• Ronan's recent program called the 10K Challenge, details about the program, and some of the common misperceptions people have about the value of walking vs. running

• With many of us feel pressed for time and exercise often squeezed out of our daily routine, some time-efficient things we can do to improve our overall health?

• Ronan's 1 piece of advice for listeners they could apply right away that could get them on a path to a more healthy future

Resources mentioned in the program

Newsly

Promo code for 1-Month premium Newsly subscription: SC1SPEAKS

Mindvalley

10X Fitness Program

Holobody Program

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This episode features part of the team behind an exciting, innovative, and just-launched online resource for bioscientists called Career Cognitive City.

In this week's episode, you'll hear Rachel Rudlaff, Ph.D. and Tito Adhikary, Ph.D., two of the key leaders on the Cognitive City team, share details and plans for this expansive, organic platform, such as:

Who will particularly benefit from Cognitive City When work started on CogCity and what the goals are for this resource How CogCity is different from other resources available online for similar target audiences Some specifics about CogCity's interactive aspects and how this functionality could solve certain issues for the target audience 5 years from now, what Rachel and Tito would like CogCity's contribution to be in terms of serving its target audience

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This episode features part of the team behind an exciting, innovative, and just-launched online resource for bioscientists called Career Cognitive City.

In this week's episode, you'll hear Rachel Rudlaff, Ph.D. and Tito Adhikary, Ph.D., two of the key leaders on the Cognitive City team, share details and plans for this expansive, organic platform, such as:

Who will particularly benefit from Cognitive City When work started on CogCity and what the goals are for this resource How CogCity is different from other resources available online for similar target audiences Some specifics about CogCity's interactive aspects and how this functionality could solve certain issues for the target audience 5 years from now, what Rachel and Tito would like CogCity's contribution to be in terms of serving its target audience

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In this week's episode featuring Thalyana Stathis, Ph.D., Manager, Office of Career & Professional Development, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we discuss an array of topics related to career advancement and effective communication for scientists, including:

• How Thalyana's involvement in ballet and Greek dance during her undergraduate studies at Cornell and also while earning her Ph.D. at Yale provided space for her to gain perspective and relieve stress during her Ph.D. program.

• Thalyana's extensive involvement in Toastmasters in New York City, including what motivated her to join, how Toastmasters helped her sharpen communication skills, and why she encourages researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to participate in Toastmasters.

• Principles Thalyana advises MSKCC researchers to apply in their own editing and presentation process that could also aid listeners.

• Details about Thalyana's career transitions, networking, and helpful lessons she learned along the way.

• Thalyana's current role at MSKCC and the work she and her colleagues do to assist researchers with science communication.

Resources mentined in the espisode

Thalyana Stathis, Ph.D.

Toastmasters' New York City chapter

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

New York Academy of Sciences

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In this week's episode featuring Thalyana Stathis, Ph.D., Manager, Office of Career & Professional Development, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we discuss an array of topics related to career advancement and effective communication for scientists, including:

• How Thalyana's involvement in ballet and Greek dance during her undergraduate studies at Cornell and also while earning her Ph.D. at Yale provided space for her to gain perspective and relieve stress during her Ph.D. program.

• Thalyana's extensive involvement in Toastmasters in New York City, including what motivated her to join, how Toastmasters helped her sharpen communication skills, and why she encourages researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to participate in Toastmasters.

• Principles Thalyana advises MSKCC researchers to apply in their own editing and presentation process that could also aid listeners.

• Details about Thalyana's career transitions, networking, and helpful lessons she learned along the way.

• Thalyana's current role at MSKCC and the work she and her colleagues do to assist researchers with science communication.

Resources mentined in the espisode

Thalyana Stathis, Ph.D.

Toastmasters' New York City chapter

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

New York Academy of Sciences

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This week's episode features biologist, author, and stand-up comedian Adam Ruben, Ph.D.

We discuss issues related to science, comedy, and the importance of communication, including topics such as:

• How Adam developed and uses both his scientific and communication skills

• Whether he thinks all scientists should be able to clearly and crisply translate their work to general audiences without dumbing it down

• As a scientist now working as a molecular biologist and previously during other chapters of Adam's academic and professional life, whether he was ever criticized or penalized for being such an active and exceptional communicator (Spoiler alert: "Yes"; and here's what happened)

• How the field of science communication has changed since Adam first entered it more than 15 years ago

• Why Adam decided to launch a stand-up comedy career/hobby

• Adam's two books, “Pinball Wizards” and “Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go To Grad School” - what led him to write each book, and their major themes for readers

• The best advice Adam ever received about communicating science to non-scientists, and more...

Resources mentioned in the episode

Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go To Grad School

Pinball Wizards

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This week's episode features renowned physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, Ph.D., author most recently of the book "Existential Physics" and creator of the popular YouTube channel, "Science Without the Gobbledygook."

In this week's episode, we discuss a range of fascinating, mind-blowing topics such as:

• “Does the past still exist?”, “Was the universe made for us?”, and why, in Dr. Hossenfelder's words, science is first an inspiration, not merely a profession.

• What led Dr. Hossenfelder to start “Science without the Gobbledygook?”, her popular YouTube channel, which has 514,000 subscribers and counting

• In discussing the many topics in the episodes on her channel - quantum physics, the expansion of the universe, and Einstein’s theories of relativity, to name a few - what Dr. Hossenfelder means when she says she'll make her explanations as simple as possible, “but not any simpler” and whether she considers oversimplification a problem in communicating about science to general audiences

• The approach and principles Dr. Hossenfelder uses as she goes about explaining these topics - in many ways translating them into terms and concepts that are more relatable to the public at large

• Generally speaking, how effective Dr. Hossenfelder thinks government authorities have been in communicating to the public about major science-focused topics such as COVID, climate change, and more recently, monkeypox

• As a physicist deeply exploring and explaining topics as abstract as “Does the Past Still Exist?” (one of her YouTube episodes watched on her channel more than 1.2 million times) how Dr. Hossenfelder thinks about her own future and her own definition of “free will”

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Existential Physics, By Sabine Hossenfelder, Ph.D.

Science Without The Gobbledygook YouTube Channel

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This week's episode of the show features Patrick Mullane, Executive Director of Harvard Business School Online and Executive Education and author of book "The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut's Kid in the Glorious 80s".

We talk about a range of topics related to career development and the power of curiosity and critical thinking as well as what it was like growing up with an inquisitive, inspiring astronaut Dad whose day job involved amazing feats of courage and engineering few are capable of conducting.

Specific areas discussed include:

Patrick's excellent book, “The Father, Son, and the Holy Shuttle”, which gives readers a window into Patrick's life growing up as the son of an astronaut, Mike Mullane, who was chosen in the very first group of space shuttle astronauts, a group that included Sally Ride

How Patrick approached translating the technical language in the book into jargon-free, relatable descriptions and the role animation plays in his writing process The value - from a cognitive and "whole person" standpoint - of having curiosity about what makes things work and trying to deduce how they do operate The key assets Patrick feels have enabled him to be successful in all the diverse industries and professional settings where he's thrived, including academia Patrick's recent return to lead Harvard Business School Online and Executive Education as Executive Director, what he sees as the value proposition of the online and exec ed offerings, and his vision for both of these valuable sources of education

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This week's episode features science writer and science policy veteran Sheeva Azma, a neuroscientist who's also a published author.

In this episode, we discuss a range of communication and policy topics, such as:

Sheeva's professional journey from being a research assistant in neuroscience to a legislative intern in the U.S. Congress

How Sheeva made her own professional transition and some pitfalls to avoid she learned from that personal experience

What surprised Sheeva as she moved from the world of science to a policymaking environment and common misperceptions she encountered among her science colleagues about what it’s actually like to work in Congress

As a professional and published communicator as well as being, during a prior chapter in her career journey, a professional scientist, Sheeva's early interest and experience in science, communication, and public policy

The digital and strategic communications company, Fancy Comma, LLC, that Sheeva founded

Her new book, Amplifying Science Communication with Public Relations, what motivated Sheeva to write the book and the major themes Sheeva wants her readers to take away from the book

The denigration, in some quarters of academic science, of the importance of science communication and Sheeva's comment on this dynamic - in the past, present, and future

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Fancy Comma, LLC

Amplifying Science Communication with Public Relations

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This week's episode features Sonali Majumdar, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Professional Development at Princeton University. We discuss an array of issues related to career development, challenges faced by international students, and science policy, including:

• Sonali's significant and successful transitions in her academic and professional journeys and what surprised her and what she wishes she'd known in hindsight.

• How Sonali applies her philosophy about the Ph.D. skillset in her current leadership role at Princeton

• Two of Sonali's professional passions - science communication and science policy - how she developed them and why she is so energized by them

• Challenges Sonali encountered as an international Ph.D. and some ways she's handled or overcome these challenges, including relating to visa issues

• Sonali's role as Assistant Dean for Professional Development within the GradFUTURES Team at Princeton University and GradFUTURES programming, some of which is available to listeners who don't attend Princeton

• Sonali's thinking about the future for Ph.D.s, particularly amid COVID and the discruptive forces it accelerated and unleashed, and how academic training at the Ph.D. level can help in adjusting to new norms around work and best positioning yourself for success in this “brave new world” of work

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This episode of When Science Speaks features Srikant Iyer, Ph.D., Associate Director of the New York Academy of Sciences. We discuss an array of topics related to career transitions and finding your professional passion, such as:

• The grad school to career transition

• Srikant’s strengths to be a change agent and how these qualities inform how he creates experiences, delivers resources, and crafts programs

• How to create an environment where people feel supported to enable success

• The importance of communication and understanding how language can motivate and also reinforce barriers and biases - The role and value of constructive conflict in growth

• How to foster an environment of psychological safety and also curiousity

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This week's episode features Pedro Resende, Ph.D. Pedro has successfully pivoted several times in his career journey - from his Ph.D. research to 5 years as a Postdoc and Co-Principal Investigator and, most recently, in 2018, to entrepreneur, when Pedro co-founded Chaperone, the first online marketplace of personalized career development for scientists.

On this week's episode, we discuss a range of career-related topics, such as:

Key lessons Pedro has learned as he navigated these pivots

How "Necessity is the mother of reinvention" in Pedro's case - he's reinvented himself in various professional environments again and again - and how Pedro has navigated his fascinating career journey so far

The mission that Chaperone is designed to achieve, the value it’s designed to deliver, and how listeners who want to learn more can get additional information

Pedro's experience as an international student studying and working in the U.S. - far from his native Portugal - including some of the positives as well as challenges he faced and how he overcame obstacles

The thread running through Pedro's career reflecting a favorite saying - “Good news, bad news - who knows?” and how listeners might also be able to shift - or at least incorporate elements of this attitude Pedro has adopted in their own thinking - when things don’t work out the way they’d planned

The “good, the bad, and the ugly” of starting a company and things about the lifestyle, culture, or skillset of the startup world Pedro thinks those on the outside looking in may not be aware of or prepared for

Knowledge, skills, and attributes Pedro thinks are particularly valuable for professional success gleaned from his experiences across academia, in industry, and as an entrepreneur

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How to make effective transitions in your professional life?

Making transitions - from academia to industry, from one job role to another, from Ph.D. to Postdoc - can be challenging to navigate.

This week's episode of When Science Speaks (link in comments) features Katherine Sugarman, M.D., a physician with more than 25 years of patient care and executive pharmaceutical experience in oncology, global regulatory affairs, global medical affairs, and related areas.

During this week's epsiode, we discuss a range of career issues, such as:

• How to approach major decisions that can alter your direction in life

• The first time Katie made a radical change in the course of her life as an undergrad at Harvard University.

• Why change can be so frightening and how to manage fear of the unknown and leaving behind the familar

• How Katie approaches such high-stakes decisions

• The scariest career change Katie has made in her professional trajectory

• Katie's best advice to someone wrestling with a major career choice

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This week's episode of When Science Speaks features Edward Duca, Ph.D. and Amanda Mathieson, M.Sc., science communication experts who are leaders of an innovative program on the island nation of Malta called STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math). Ed is a Science and Innovation Communication Lecturer at the University of Malta, co-runs the science communication STEAM Summer School, is involved in several large EU funded projects, and has created and managed several science communication events through an NGO called the Malta Chamber of Scientists, the largest activity being the national science and arts festival “Science in the City”, which attracting 6% of Malta’s population annually.

Ed has recently been appointed as Rector’s Delegate for STEM Popularisation (Engagement) and EUSEA board member. His aim is to continue developing transdisciplinary research and activities to develop evidence for the effective communication of research that will encourage a scientifically aware society leading towards an informed democracy and active citizenship. He wants to embed a culture of public engagement and research that benefits society.

Amanda Mathieson has an undergraduate degree in Plant Science and a masters in Science Communication, both from the University of Manchester. She has worked in a number of universities around Europe, engaging the public with science through the arts and currently works at BiOrbic, a bioeconomy research centre based in University College Dublin. Her speciality is theatrical STEM escape rooms that explore science through exciting puzzles.

We discuss a range of topics related to the training STEAM provides in communicating science through the arts, with a particular focus on performance skills, including:

The impetus for starting the STEAM program, which has been operating for several years now

Why Ed and Amanda believe performance skills are vital for effectively communicating science, particularly since scientists, journalists, and others involved in scientific careers may not consider themselves “performers” per se

Whether Ed and Amanda think performance skills - however you’d like to define them - can play a role in encouraging the public to follow public health guidance for stopping the spread of the COVID

Whether scientists have a particular affinity or talent when it comes to the arts generally?

What’s surprised Ed and Amanda In working with participants at the STEAM Summer School over the years?

Which areas for development have they noticed participants commonly have when they are just beginning their time at the summer school

Besides registering for and attending STEAM Summer School, what’s one thing listeners could do today to improve their science communication abilities through the arts

Resources mentioned in the episode:

STEAM Summer School

STEAM Summer School's special discount for listeners of When Science Speaks: STEAM is offering an exclusive €100 discount to listeners of When Science Speaks. Just put in the coupon code 'STEAMSPEAKS' when you register. This code will last all the way up until registration closes.

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This week's episode features Sheril Kirshenbaum, a scientist and author working to enhance public understanding of science and improve communication between scientists, policymakers and the public. Sheril currently hosts “Serving Up Science” at PBS Digital Studios and is executive director of Science Debate, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization working to get every candidate on record on science policy.



Sheril co-authored “Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future” with Chris Mooney, which was chosen by Library Journal as one of the Best Sci-Tech Books of 2009 and was named by President Obama's science advisor John Holdren as a top recommended read.

Sheril has been featured in documentary films about science and society and her writing appears in publications such as Bloomberg and The Atlantic as well as in scientific journals including Science and Nature. 

Sheril has been a 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar, a Marshall Memorial Fellow, and a legislative NOAA Sea Grant Knauss Fellow in the U.S. Senate with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).

Sheril holds MSc degrees in marine biology and policy and is currently working toward a PhD in community sustainability. Her research focuses on how we make decisions about science and policy.



During this week's episode, Sheril and I discussed a range of topics related to life as a scientist and science policy, including:

Sheril's experience as the first in her immediate family to go to grad school, some of the challenges she faced, and how she successfully navigated in sometimes unfamiliar territory

Unscientific America, the excellent book Sheril co-authored with Chris Mooney more than 10 years ago highlighting anti-intellectual tendencies of the American public and what Sheril thinks is going wrong and what can be done to reverse this trend

Science Debate, which Sheril founded with colleagues during the 2008 U.S. election in response to the absence of science and technology topics in the presidential debates and in the campaigns, and the changes in the science policy landscape over the past 15 years or so

As a scientist, what surprised Sheril when she began her Knauss Fellowship in Sen. Bill Nelson's office and what recommendations she has for listeners interested in getting into policymaking

Lessons Sheril has learned, as an international speaker about science communication, about presenting scientific information in an engaging, memorable way accessible to general audiences

Sheril's book - The Science of Kissing - which explores everything you always wanted to know about kissing but either haven't asked, couldn't find out, or didn't realize you should understand.

Looking to the rest of 2022 and beyond, how Sheril sees science communication evolving and resonating more with the general public, orr are we in for increased obstacles ahead, in terms of public attitudes towards science

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This week's special double episode features two interviews: my conversation with Jim Papa, who runs the Washington, D.C. office of Global Strategy Group (GSG), where he guides operations and strategy for GSG's public affairs, communications, and research practices, and Jim's interview of me for GSG's podcast, STAFFER. As Partner at GSC, Jim advises CEOs and other C-suite executives grappling with public affairs challenges and opportunities across multiple industries.

Prior to joining GSG, Jim was Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs in the Obama White House from 2009-2012, where played an important role in the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Affordable Care Act, and other landmark laws.

Former Chicago Mayor and current U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel had this to say about Jim: “Papa is someone you want in the trenches with you.”

Prior to serving in the White House, Jim earned a reputation as a top flight communications and political strategist on Capitol Hill. He served as a senior advisor to Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel and Chief of Staff to Rep. Rush Holt, one of only three scientists serving in Congress at that time, among other key senior roles.

Jim is an experienced spokesman and media trainer who has prepared clients for broadcast appearances ranging from "Meet the Press" to "60 Minutes". He has guest lectured at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University.

Jim earned his J.D. from Georgetown Law and an undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

Topics covered in the double episode include:

• Some of the common missteps Jim encounters as he guides and counsels clients and Members of Congress in effective communication and how he addresses and remedies them

Lessons Jim learned from U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) when Jim served as Holt's Chief of Staff, including the role of data and information as a persuasive lever in moving public policy forward.

The communication tools Jim brings to the table when advising clients or directly advocating, including those JIm feels are often overlooked or underutilized.

Examples of particularly powerful communications that moved an audience or listeners when Jim was working at the WHite House

What role - in terms of persuasive power or influence-building - does Jim think the delivery of the message plays in the ability to hit the mark as well as characteristics of the messenger.

A book Jim recommends to listeners interested in improving the way they communicate their research, priorities, or policy issues.

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This week's episode features Donna Gerardi Riordan, a nonprofit leader and innovator with more than three decades of experience bridging the gap between science and policy at the national and state levels.

Donna’s most recent role is as Executive Director of the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS). She previously served in similar roles in California at the California Council on Science & Technology, where she was the co-architect of the first state-level Science & Technology Fellows Program, and at the US National Academy of Sciences, where she founded and directed its Office of Public Understanding of Science.

Donna also has consulted with national and state level organizations on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, she founded Research Northwest, a non-profit organization devoted to generating the best available science for policy decisions.

Donna is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and lives in Seattle.

On this week's episode, Donna shares insights about similarities and differences between working in science policy at the state and federal levels. We discuss topics such as:

• How Donna recommends people interested in science policy approach opportunities at the state and federal level

• Donna's role and responsibilities at the WSAS well as the organization's mission and goals

• What Donna means by the “pull” and “push” modes the WSAS employs in its interactions within the policymaking process in Washington State

• How scientists and engineers can have an impact at the state level and a specific example of how Donna and the WSAS operated within a particular policymaking process

• How scientists can remain objective when it comes to the science while still advising elected officials on policy issues involving scientific topics

• Donna's approach to storytelling as a tool for communicating complex information to policymakers

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On this week's episode, I speak with Martin Zaumanis, Ph.D., a scientist-project manager at Empa, an interdisciplinary research institute in Zurich, Switzerland that conducts cutting-edge materials and technology research.

In Martins’ research, he strives to bring sustainability to the core of road construction - studying asphalt recycling, the use of waste materials in road construction and application warm mix asphalt technologies.

Martins has research experience in four countries. Since 2011, he has authored more than 50 publications. Martins believes implementation of new technologies also depends on their acceptance in society and in the industry, which has led him to communicate his findings actively through videos and at a TED conference.

In 2016, Martins received the International Road Federation award for the best research project of the year. He’s a strong believer in knowing how to communicate your research, which, he says, can mean the difference between being invited to apply for a tenure track position and sending out CVs to random people on LinkedIn, for example.

Martins’ "Peer Recognized" book series holds practical advice for writing impactful research papers, delivering powerful academic presentations, attracting research funding and making your name known.

Martins earned his Ph.D. at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the U.S.

We discuss a range of topics related to Martins work, including:

How Martins first became interested in a scientific career

Whether he embraced the importance of being able to effectively engage general audiences early in his research career or did this realization happen later? How?

How Martin prepared for his TEDx talk

Why none of the slides he used during his TEDx talk had graphs, tables, or data of any kind

How listeners can learn from Martin's approach as they prepare to participate in conferences - both as a featured speaker or panelists and also as a presenter during a poster session

Why, as he writed in his new book “Scientific Presentation Skills”, effective presentations to the public and other general audiences can produce tangible benefits, including for your scientific career

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This week's guest is Michael Port, best-selling author, actor, and co-founder of Heroic Public Speaking. We discuss a range of communidation and career topics, such as: - How to effectively manage transitions in your professional life

• As an author, actor, and professional speaker, the weaknesses Michael has noticed in public health communications about COVID

• How to communicate complexity so even someone without any background in the topic can understand, enjoy, and remember the speech 

• Michael's thoughts on embracing the importance of skilled communication for scientists

• What led Michael to write "The Referable Speaker', its major themes and take-aways, and how it fits in the “Port Pantheon” of best-selling books?

• As an author of 9 best-selling books, what Michael has learned about the writing process that would be useful for other writers aiming to get their research published

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On this week's episode, Gwen Acton, Ph.D. shares insights and stories from her long career in science, communication, and leadership, including:

• How even short, encouraging recognition of excellent job performance can energize and motivate your team 

• Lessons about leadership she employed when she was an undergrad in college and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Pennsylvanian

• As a Biology major in college, in addition to being Editor-in-Chief, how her work in science informed her approach to communication, and how her work in communication informed her approach to science 

How to strengthen your communication skills

Her fascinating research at the Functional Genomics Program, which was related to the Human Genome Project, and what it was like to lead in that environment

Guidance she has for listeners considering a a professional transition from academia into industry

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In this week's episode, Peter Barker, director of Orinoco Communications, a digital communications and content creation agency that combines storytelling and strategy to give research the reach it deserves, discusses key topics of storytelling, including: How developing communications in the visual, aural, and text media are similar similar and different How his perspective and experience in one medium informs how he approaches the others

Favorite stories from his own experience crafting projects for companies such as the BBC, National Geographic, and the Discovery Channel.

Similarities and differences in working with clients in the States and in Europe

Whether the "bi-cultural" nature of the firm's clients helps in the translation of research into compelling stories

Tips to becoming better at telling stories that make an impact

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Orinoco Communications

Orinoco's Research Comms Podcast

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In this week's episode, Kumar Garg, Vice President, Partnerships at Schmidt Futures, discusses how to bring your science to life through crisp descriptions, engaging visuals, and related communication techniques. We discuss:

• How Kumar's first job out of college (deputy communication manager on presidential candidate Howard Dean’s campaign in New Hampshire) taught him about the value and principles of strong communications

• Lessons from Kumar's earlier experiences in communications that were particularly useful as he helped shape science and technology policy priorities for the Obama Administration for nearly 8 years in the White House

• Some of the common disconnects, in terms of lack of understanding, different ways of communicating, misperceptions, etc., Kumar noticed as he interacted with scientists at the highest levels

• Effective remedies for bridging communications gaps, whether through recalibrating communications or by other means

• Kumar's current work at Schmidt Futures in the middle of many major science and policy issues, now from a different vantage point

• Advice Kumar has for listeners thinking about a career in science policy but who are unsure where and how to start

• As Kumar worked with scientists during his time in the White House and now at Schmidt Futures, particular skills and attributes he's found certain scientists possess that set them apart - help them be more effective - in the policymaking world

• As Kumar looks towards the future, what emerging trends he sees (or would like to see and is working to advance) in terms of scientists getting involved in policymaking or in the communication of scientific information to general audiences

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On this week's episode, guest Kelly Ramirez, Ph.D., co-founder of the 15,000-member international organization 500 Women Scientists, and I discuss a range of topics related to the group's social activism and priorities including:

The motivation for creating 500 Women Scientists - and the intention behind the name

The organization's mission and vision

500 Women Scientists' decentralized organizational model composed of local, grassroots chapters - or “pods” - acting with a great degree of autonomy from the national organization.

The relationship between the pods and the national office and the strategic thinking that drove adoption of the model

How listeners interested in connecting with a pod or even starting one in their local area, casn learn more

Kelly's recently published opinion piece in the March 4th issue of Nature Microbiology entitled “Reproductive Justice Must Be Considered in the Scientific Community" and the article's main themes

The types of policies academic institutions should implement to support the principles of reproductive justice

As she and the leadership team look towards the future, what 500 Women Scientists’ priorities are for the rest of this year and beyond

Resources mentioned in episode

Web

Twitter

Instagram

Kelly Ramirez's article in Nature Microbiology:

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In this week's episode, Ryan Jenkins, co-author of the new book "Connectable" - which just was named the #7 bestselling book by The Wall Street Journal - discusses how the power of connection is vital for personal happiness and success at work. W

We discuss:

Some key themes and strategies readers can glean from “Connectable”

How Ryan and co-author Steve Van Cohen define connection

Why connection is so important in all dimensions of life

How to connect with your own work - i.e., how to engage with your work so you feel a sense of purpose, a clarity in your role or responsibility.

How you can create authentic feelings of connection with colleagues, and how can leaders can effectively connect with their teams so they can perform at a high level, including some examples

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In this special episode, I talk about: - Why I started the podcast almost 4 years ago

• The similarities between scientists and public policy professionals

• How a Western Union telegram sparked my interest in public policy

• The qualities scientists often possess - due to their work - that are transferable to a successful career in policymaking

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In this week's episode, Jordan Harbinger, host of one of the most downloaded podcasts, the Jordan Harbinger Show, and developer of one of the leading self-development programs in the world, shares key insights on relationship-building, the value of social capital, and related topics, such as:

The difference between “networking” and “relationship-building”

What he means by “Digging the Well Before You’re Thirsty”, a principle in his relationship-building system, and how to do it effectively

Relationship-building during COVID and specific ways to authentically connect in the absence of in-person meetings

The takeaways from his article “The Big Mistake People Make About Networking”, how it prevents people from relationship-building before they even start, and how to overcome it

Relationship-building strategies that are proven, powerful, and time-efficient, so they can fit into an already-overstretched life

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In this week's episode, Elaine Eisenman, Ph.D., a seasoned independent Board member, senior executive, educator, and advisor to high growth companies, joins the show to talk about managing the seismic changes affecting work during the pandemic, productive mindsets she's put to use during the many transition points in her professional journey, and related topics such as:

What drew her to focus on entrepreneurship and organizational psychology

The fascinating transition points in her career journey so far and the lessons she has learned from them - skills and mindsets that were helpful in making successful transitions and also landmines to be vigilant about and avoid, if possible

The book she published with with her co-authors in 2007 called“I Didn’t See It Coming”, which covered topics such as: “Managing the Rank above You”, “The Trouble with Teams”, and “The House of Mirrors, or How to Keep Your Perspective” and a few major takeaways from the book Her book in 2019, co-authored with Susan Stautberg, called “Betrayed: A Survivor's Guide To Lying, Cheating, & Double Dealing”, with more than fifty true stories of betrayal - the purpose being to learn how to successfully handle the trauma, overcome the urge for quick revenge, consider the possibilities of forgiveness, and most importantly, set a positive path into the future. Recommendations Elaine has for listeners who are trying to navigate shifting circumstances in the world of work, either within an organization or outside as a job seeker How Elaine sees the rapidly changing working world changing in the future, both for individual contributors at organizations and for their leaders

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On this week's episode, Alexandra Debow and Weilyn Chong, active, international entrepreneurs also pursuing their undergraduate studies, discuss a range of topics related to starting and nurturing new ventures, including:

• Why they're so passionate about entrepreneurship - Skills and attributes they think are crucial for successful entrepreneurs - How they would recommend those interested in entreprepreneurship develop or sharpen these skills - Some of the hurdles they've experienced as Gen Z female entrepreneurs, and how their work with the The Entrepre女ers Network and The Entrepre女ers Podcast aim to help female entrepreneurs overcome these and related obstacles - Their cross-cultural environments - both personally and professionally - and advice they have for those who don’t have such a global perspective - in terms of how to increase mutual understanding across borders on a personal level and also how to succeed in enterprises that have cross-cultural workforces - How they see COVID affecting entrepreneurship, particularly for entrepreneurs working across borders
• Goals they have for 2022

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In this week's episode, Wändi Bruine de Bruin, Ph.D., Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychology, and Behavioral Science at the University of Southern California, discusses messaging about climate change, her role as the lead author of a recent study from USC and the United Nations Foundation aimed at improving the public’s understanding of climate change, and related topics, including: - How scientists can become more attuned to how the general public perceives its use of scientific language - Whether she feels cultural norms of science and scientific inquiry historically discouraged plain-language communication

• If she feels these norms are beginning to shift towards rewarding science communication in publications accessible and interesting to general audiences

• If she considers the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant example of the need for stronger science communication

• Would stronger science communication capabilities have made a difference - in the positive direction - in terms of public reaction to health protocols such as the imperative to wear masks, close down or limit public gatherings, and vaccination rates, for example

• How should scientists counter misinformation about scientific findings, such as the impacts of climate change

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In this week's episode, two veteran community builders, Tony Bacigalupo and Jillian Benbow, share their insights and practical tips for connecting with others and creating community, both IRL and online.

We discuss a range of community-related topics, including:

The focus and goals of Tony's and Jillian's new podcast called "The Community Experience", which is part of SPI Media from Pat Flynn As community-building experts, what attracts Tony and Jill to this type of work The show's emphasis on connection and the value of connectedness and why feelings of connection are so important The difference between community and "audience" One thing listeners can do to make the sometimes awkward experience of communicating with a new person - at a conference, before a meeting, at work - less uncomfortable situation, so the next time you're in a place with lots of new faces (maybe even in gallery view), you're better at reaching out Resources mentioned in the episode: SPI Community Experience Podcast SPI Pro

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On this week's When Science Speaks podcast, I talk with Jaime Cohen, founder of The Right Words and an internationally-recognized speaker, communication coach, LinkedIn Learning author, and top LinkedIn creator, whose communication-focused content has amassed millions of views.

We discuss how to strengthen communication skills to achieve your goals and related topics such as:

Whether someone can be articulate but not a good communicator

Common blindspots leaders experience when they communicate within the organizations they lead and how to avoid these pitfalls

Keys listeners should remember when they want to relate information or, more generally, communicate with others, via storytelling

Why video is such a powerful communication medium and what Jaime has learned about video over the years during her extensive experience using video

As a LinkedIn Learning author (Jamie's course is "Connecting with Your Audience Using Video" and just went live on LinkedIn), how Jaime describes the course and the value it delivers

With all the communication "punch" packed by video, the popularity of Clubhouse - an audio-only platform - has exploded, and with Jaime's large following there what Jaime thinks attracts people to Clubhouse

How Jaime developed her special expertise of helping clients navigate tough conversations such as salary negotiations while most prefer to avoid difficult interactions

Jaime's advice for handling such difficult types of interactions

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In this week's episode, Matt Yako, M.Ed., CEO and Founder of Inner Circle Career Coaching LLC shares his insights on a variety of topics related to finding your dream job, staying plugged into the job market even while you're in your current position, and more, including:

• How Matt made a major career change while simultaneously finishing his Masters degree and starting a family and strategies he found helpful as he moved through this challenging period in his life

With his own experience starting Inner Circle Carer Coaching, how Matt would you suggest listeners pursue interests - or even potential career opportunities - beyond their immediate speciality while still fulfilling their research responsibilities

Details about Inner Circle Career Coaching and how he helps his clients

A common career mistake he often sees, and what job seekers should be doing instead

How COVID has impacted job negotiations, in terms of the importance of factors such as work-from-home arrangements

One thing listeners could do right away to make themselves a stronger job candidate, even if they’re not currently looking for a job

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This week's episode features Melanie Kitzan, Ph.D., J.D., Associate General Counsel at Alpine Immune Sciences. We discuss issues related to similarities and differences in the way lawyers approach their work compared to scientists, how Melanie operates effectively across scientific and legal cultures, and related topics such as:

How Melanie incorporates both the data aspects of decision making that are part of her responsibilities and also emotion, which is a key element of argument and negotiation

An example of when the tension between these two dimensions was particularly striking to her

A major challenge facing many scientists is how to translate the complexity of their work into accessible, engaging terms while maintaining accuracy without “dumbing it down” and how Melanie achieves this feat - making the complex both comprehensible to non-experts and also compelling

The value of relationship-building in her professional life and the keys to developing productive professional relationships, in her view

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On this week's episode (link in comments), Holly Falk-Krzesinski, Ph.D. shares her mindset and approach to career advancement, including topics such as:

• How she moved forward from being the first in her family to graduate college (and grad school), to her college experience and extended internship in industry, and then grad school where she earned her PhD

• What Holly thinks were the key attributes or attitudes she had during this journey that made her successful and the greatest challenges she overcame

• The career transitions Holly made from Postdoc to Non-tenure Faculty to Research Development Professional and then to broader initiatives such as founding a national organization for research development professionals, serving as Editor-in-Chief at AWIS Magazine - Association for Women in Science - and further stops down the road to her current position at Elsevier

• How Holly was able to navigate the often difficult maneuver of transitions so successfully 

• What Holly means by "service leadership", the term she uses to describe her leadership style, and why she thinks it's effective and fulfilling

• How Holly views the interrelation between the set of critical-thinking and scientific discovery skills in Ph.D. training and her work at the bench during her PhD., and how she puts these same skills she learned in academia into the various roles throughout your career to date

• What Holly calls her "Rocket Fuel for Success"

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In this week's episode, John Fraser, President of Burnside Development & Associates, discusses academic technology transfer commercialization and start-up formation and financing as well as related topics such as: - The economic impact of academic-licensed products and misconceptions - and even complete blind spots - many people have about university-based research
- Common qualities or expertise successful founders have, and those traits that John's seen again and again that tend to doom a startup
- For university-based researchers listening interested in entrepreneurship and launching or joining a startup, the types of training and experiences they should out
- For university-based scientists either making the transition to industry or getting active in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, some of the mindset shifts necessary to be successful in the business environment
- What researchers in universities should know BEFORE they decide to make the leap to translational research and commercialization activities
- Key strategic and tactical steps that should be taken - and which missteps avoided - when a university decides to make commercialization activities more prominent on its campus

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This week's episode features Dr. Vicky Sherwood, an expert medical writer producing a wide range of communications materials supporting scientific publications and events. She's also a Ph.D. in molecular virology, a consultant with her own firm helping STEM researchers with resources to make informed decisions about their professional futures, and the famous "Biomed Badass" - a freelance blogger writing about career development for STEM researchers. We discuss a range of topics such as: Vicky's professional journey from a Postdoctoral Fellow and Lecturer to an Expert Scientific Writer at a major multinational pharmaceutical company Lessons Vicky learned along the way that could be instructive for listeners Vicky's current role - her focus and responsibilities The transition to industry, and how she was able to navigate it successfully Vicky's popular online course for those interested in taking a professional journey similar to hers Things she wishes she'd known during her time in academia before she set out on her career path to industry What listeners contemplating such a path can do now to better prepare themselves for the trip

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This week's episode features Dr. Nadine Bongaerts-Duportet, whose professional passion is discovering the possibilities of engineering life at the smallest scale and designing cells with new functions. We discuss a range of topics related to genetic engineering and synthetic biology, science communication, and related topics such as:

How Nadine developed her expertise in both navigating the complexities of synthetic biology and also communicating about them in engaging terms accessible to general audiences

How Nadine communicates with the public or other non-expert stakeholders about the often emotional topic of synthetic biology without “freaking out” her listeners

Her research on tuberculosis and antibiotic resistance

The startup she joined after getting her Ph.D. - its mission and her role

How Nadine thinks the French government (she's based in Paris) has handled the severe challenges associated with the pandemic and her assessment of the French public’s level of compliance with government-imposed public health mandates

Information about the organization Hello Tomorrow, which is focused on deep tech

The projects Nadine is working on and what pieces of work she is particularly excited about

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On this episode of When Science Speaks, Liane Clamen, MD, an ophthalmologist and the Founder and CEO of Adaptilens, discusses her invention, an intraocular lens (or IOL) that imitates the human lens so patients will have near, intermediate, and distance vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as other topics such as:

• Her professional journey from majoring in English and American Literature as an undergrad at Harvard College to graduating from Harvard Medical School.

• Whether she feels being an English major in medical school posed any special challenges, and, alternatively, was it an advantage compared to classmates' academic training that didn't include writing and communication backgrounds?

• Liane's recent designation by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center as a 2021 winner in the MLSC’s Massachusetts Next Generation Initiative (MassNextGen), a competitive program to support women entrepreneurs in early-stage life sciences companies.

• How, as an inventor, Liane can imagine novel ways of achieving improved results and, as an entrepreneur, how she's able to actually implement them.

• Why she's drawn to ophthalmology?

• Advice Liane has for those who may be thinking about joining or launching a startup, including whether there are any particular resources she suggests

• What’s next for her company, Adaptilens, and whether Liane has any non-work related goals for 2022

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Seema Yasmin, M.D. is a medical doctor, poet, professor, and professional debunker.

She's Director of the Stanford Center for Health Communication and a clinical assistant professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine. Yasmin teaches science journalism and global health storytelling and studies the spread of microbes and misinfodemics.

Seema is the author of the new book, Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall for Them.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics related to how to combat misinformation, make professional transitions, tell high-impact stories, and other issues such as:

What Seema has found to be a useful approach and attitude to help her move through phases of her professional life

Her new book “Viral BS” and Seema's realization that to improve public health, she had to train as an expert storyteller, “combining narrative with medicine to make people care”

As a medical doctor and communications expert, how Seema developed talent in both the scientific and storytelling domains and how scientists unaccustomed to communicating with general audiences can sharpen their storytelling skills

What Seema means by using medical knowledge about fighting viruses to inform communication strategies for combatting misinformation, including what is meant by the "pre-bunk" approach she mentions in the book

The importance of empathy in countering misinformation and why Seema uses this approach and whether she thinks empathy, generally speaking, is used enough in our efforts to short circuit viral BS

Seema's comment in the book that “Whatever you think of facts, facts alone are not enough" to persuade", the writings of Aristotle more than 2,000 years ago about the need for emotion and credible, respected speakers to move audiences - not only facts - and why Seema thinks it sometimes seems we have to learn the same lessons over and over when we seek to persuade

In general terms, how Seema sees the interplay between politics and disease-fighting - including her own experiences outside the U.S.

Looking ahead - with the disparities in vaccination rates and the rise of the Delta variant of SARS CoV2 - whether Seema thinks there are any lessons from campaigns to respond to misinformation during the earlier waves of the virus that we should be - and maybe already are - applying now and whether there's anything we should be doing now to respond at this moment in the pandemic that would be more effective than what were were doing during our earlier attempts to quell the spread of the virus

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In this week's episode, Rebecca Zucker, an experienced and respected coach working with C-suite executives and other senior leaders across the globe at clients such as Amazon, Clorox, Dropbox, Google, among many others, discusses key career challenges, including:

Her own early career path and how she pivoted towards her true passion

The mission and focus of Next Step Partners, the leadership consulting firm at which Rebecca is a partner

An area of Rebecca's expertise - how to cope with feeling overwhelmed - and some of the signals that might surface suggesting you're experiencing overwhelm

Key strategies that might help listeners overcome and break out of circumstances that are overwhelming

“Impostor Syndrome”, which stalks many high-performers, and similarities between overwhelm and Imposter Syndrome that could indicate ways of combatting overwhelm also may be an antidote to Imposter Syndrome

Other "anti-overwhelm" strategies that could be effective, particularly with the new workplace norms being cobbled together right now to deal with COVID

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Dr. Joe Shrand is a psychiatrist who works with adults as well as children and adolescents. After a career in theater, he went to Medical School and is now Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.

Joe is an Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Chief Medical Officer at Riverside Community Care in Dedham, Massachusetts, Founder and President of Drug Story Theater, as well as an author of several thought-provoking and innovative books, including “Outsmarting Anger“, a valuable resource with seven innovative, yet remarkably uncomplicated, strategies to help turn powerful anger impulses into positive, success-oriented actions.

On this episode, we discuss a range of topics related to anger management and respect, including:

– What motivated Joe to transition from theater to medicine?

– The mission and activities of the non-profit Joe founded, Drug Story Theater.

– The roots of our anger reflex and Joe’s innovative book “Outsmarting Anger”

– How to quickly get control of your anger

– Using respect to counteract anger

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On this week's episode, David Rosen, CEO of Acrelic Group, Adviser and Mentor at Signal Lake (VC), TechLaunch (Accelerator), and several tech hardware and software companies, discusses the leadership pillars he's developed over the course of his career and related performance-optimizing strategies. Highlights include:

The qualities and skills David believes make an effective leader

Why can it be challenging for some scientists and engineers to effectively communicate with investors, for example, or policymakers, and how Acrelic helps them overcome these challenges

With historic challenges across all sectors in society due to COVID, what leaders - whether in corporate America, government, or the non-profit world - should be doing right now to help their organizations navigate these challenging times

Thinking about the knowledge, skills, and abilities of effective leaders - and as a longtime mentor - how David helps his mentees develop and use these skills to advance their companies and their own professional careers

The mission and operations of Notiphy, where David is an investor and co-Founder.

Details about the Boston Chapter of the Private Directors Assocation, which David established

As an experienced leader in the world of entrepreneurship and startups, what lessons David has learned that could help someone just beginning as an entrepreneur or thinking about starting a company

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On this special episode of When Science Speaks, award-winning executive coach, leading author and international keynote speaker Dorie Clark shares insights from her just-released book, The Long Game.

• Dorie discuss ways to get "unstuck" professionally, sharing her own experiences and describing how she's built a successful, high-impact career - and you can, too. Topics discussed include:

• The theme of reinvention throughout Dorie's own professional journey and some of the factors that made her own transition points successful

• Strategies and techniques Dorie has found helpful in distilling her message without losing accuracy or the interest of the audience

• Dorie's thoughts about the role of emotion - particularly when speaking about business and data-heavy topics - an environment in which many listeners find themselves

• What led Dorie to write The Long Game and the main themes and lessons readers of the book will take away from it

• How The Long Game fits in the pantheon of Dorie Clark classics along with Stand Out, Entrepreneurial You, and the others

• The types of reader personas Dorie was thinking about as she was writing - i.e., who she was writing this book for.

• How Dorie's readers and listeners abroad - in Europe, for example - respond to and think about her themes - the fluidity of a professional career, the ability to reinvent and change course - in an educational system and professional environment that can be more rigid than in the U.S.

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This week's episode features Lisa Fain, JD, CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence and founder of Vista Coaching, the coaching division of the Center. We discuss a range of issues associated with mentorship, including:

Lisa's professional journey, with its theme of creating inclusive, productive workplaces

The common pitfalls or missed opportunities she often sees mentees experience

What mentees should look for in a mentor

Key success factors for strong, productive mentoring relationships and how mentee attitudes and behavior contribute to positive mentoring relationships

How scientists outside academia where mentorship may be less formalized should go about seeking mentors

Similarities and differences between mentors and career coaches

Lisa's thoughts on the statement: With COVID shaking up the way people work, it seems having a mentor would be even more important, as workers navigate new norms

How to professionally and efficiently end a mentoring relationship

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This week's episode features an interview with Tyler Parsons, Ph.D., a medical scientist with strong communication and leadership skills. Tyler has presented and won research awards at university, state, national, and international conferences and is passionate about translating complex discoveries at the bench into understandable, tangible science to reach a broader audience for the ultimate goal of clinical application and improving patient outcomes.

Tyler also has a personal connection to his current research, a topic we explore during the episode. Additional topics discussed this week include:

The unusual career journey Tyler has charted so far, starting with his interest in being a lawyer focused on intellectual property, and how he found his way from his focus on a legal career to being a Postdoc at Washington University School of Medicine

First in his family to graduate college (not including his siblings), and then to earn a Ph.D, Tyler responds to my hypothesis that strong science communicators often are part of the first generation in their family to graduate college

Challenges Tyler has experienced in sharing his research with general audiences, even as a seasoned and skilled science communicator

Tyler's experience in speaking to, and entertaining, audiences as he was growing up

Tyler's experience in public policy, including as a leader in student government activities.

The key success factors - and pitfalls to avoid - Tyler has encountered during his science policy activities

Tyler's recent powerful and inspiring LinkedIn post that connected the two of us and the story behind it

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Kaan Mika, Ph.D. is a computational biologist who takes vivid, creative, and fascinating pictures of the natural world on his Instagram, slice_of_science, while also highlighting the inspiring work of other scientists.

This week's episode focuses on Kaan's photography, research, and approach, including:

How Kaan’s Instagram account reflects his goal to “show that scientists are people like any other, accessible.”

What attracted Kaan to his field of research

Whether he originally was a scientist first and then a photographer, or a photographer who then developed a passion for science

What makes a fascinating photo he wants to post on @slice_of_science

Why Kaan decided to get onto Instagram and whether Kaan thinks Instagram activity among scientists will eventually catch up to scientists' activity on Twitter

How science influences his photography, and whether Kaan's perspective as a photographer influences his scientific work

The backstory of one of Kaan's favorite photos - how he was able to capture it and what surprised him

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Douglass and Lisa-Marie Hatcher are the co-founders of communicate4IMPACT, a business storytelling training firm focused on helping businesspeople take what they do naturally (tell stories) and apply it to what they're professional lives.

On this week's episode, we explore a range of topics related to the power and structure of effective storytelling, including:

What storytelling has to do with science, and what science has to do with storytelling

Whether there is room for storytelling in the world of data and analytics - where and how?

What makes a good story—the elements and structure all good stories have

Common missteps people make in telling stories

When you should recognize you may be veering off course in telling a story, and how to get back on track

Whether some people are naturally better at telling stories than others, and how Douglass and Lisa-Marie help everyone—regardless of innate ability (if it exists) become a strong storyteller

Douglass's and Lisa-Marie's book Win With Decency- the focus of the book and how it can help readers advance their careers

Resources mentioned in the episode

Win with Decency

Communicate4Impact

Douglass Hatcher

Lisa-Marie Hatcher

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What's curiosity have to do with leadership?

This week's episode of "When Science Speaks" features Erin Sullivan, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Healthcare Management at Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School and Lecturer, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Erin shares her insights on health care, leadership, and "translation" skills gained from her role as an experienced leader in research and education and strategic thinker who empowers teams to achieve results in complex environments.

We discuss these topics and more, including:

Erin's latest research work on leadership in the health care space

Elements her research suggest need to be active to provide exemplary primary care to patients

What makes an effective leader in the science and medical fields

Whether scientists should be leaders or just follow the data

Some of the pitfalls that scientists and medical professionals experience when they’re in leadership positions within their respective organizations

How to handle the thorny dynamic arising when promotions happen because someone is good at what they do technically, but more than such technical expertise is needed to be successful in leading a department, for example.

Thinking about physicians, how organizations should respond when their high-performers in this technical world turn down leadership opportunities

The need for, and value of, “translators” - what Erin means by that, and how to develop those translation skills

Erin's recommendations on one thing listeners can do to build their translation skills

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This week's episode features Kimberly Arcand, Ph.D., Visualization Scientist and Emerging Technology Lead at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.

We discuss a range of topics related to effective storytelling about the abstract topics of space and the cosmos.

You'll hear about:

What makes a story compelling and how Kim goes about crafting hers

What Kim means by the ethics of storytelling and speaking to audiences with intention

Some of the favorite stories Kim tells about her work to general audiences

Why it's important to make talks a "two-way street" - more of a dialogue than simply a presentation that's received by the audience with little interaction

What Kim means by the “little presents” she gets from interacting with her audience

How Kim encourages audience questions and makes her listeners feel comfortable asking them

How Kim makes the abstract topics that are the focus of her work not merely understandable but also engaging and relatable to non-experts

Resources from the episode:

TED talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kTMr5LqIBQ

Books

https://www.amazon.com/sk=kimberly+arcand&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

https://www.kimarcand.com/media

https://chandra.si.edu/photo/2020/sonify/

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On this week's episode, Adriana Vela, a multiple award-winning market and technology trends expert, strategist, entrepreneur, and certified business and leadership coach, shares her insights about disruptive change and how to handle it.

For three decades, Adriana has been an ardent observer of the effects of disruptive change and paradigm shifts, studying behavior trends in both Fortune 100 companies and start-up ventures.

She has launched dozens of products, driven technology industry standards, led million-dollar initiatives, and defined new markets.

During this historic period of change, we discuss emerging paradigm shifts and behavior trends and other topics, including:

• How Adriana made transitions and thrived as an IT developer, in a corporate role, and within a research environment, and how others can learn to adapt and succeed throughout their own career journeys

• Blindspots Adriana experienced when working with research scientists in industry, and some of the “shining examples” of talented scientists who were both experts in their fields and also successful in business

• Some of the signals Adriana looks for to get clarity on emerging trends and which new developments may be just over the horizon

• How Adriana thinks the ongoing pandemic will affect science and business moving forward

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On this week's episode, Dr. Katherine Himes, Director of the University of Idaho's McClure Center for Public Policy Research, shares her expertise in science diplomacy, international development, public policy, and more.

We discuss a range of science communication and public policy issues, including:

How Katherine made the transition from neuroscience Ph.D. in Minnesota to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, DC.

What she means by "muddy boots science policy", a term she coined while at AID, and the importance of getting out into the community to really understand it BEFORE starting to stitch together a policy affecting those stakeholders

Katherine's work in a fascinating entrepreneurial office at AID - what it was like and, more generally, what entrepreneurship looks like in the federal government

The McClure Center - its mission, focus, and the work the Center develops and undertakes

The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program - how it was developed, what the program is up to these days, and Katherine's hopes for the future of the program

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As a PhD scientist and inventor, Brad has an extraordinary ability to effectively translate complex scientific topics into engaging language accessible to general audiences.

On this week's episode we discuss:

How Brad developed this unusual dual ability and how his experience with the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) sharpened his science "explainer" skills.

How Brad uses that “translator” skill in his role as CEO and as an investor

Why it's so challenging for many scientists to distill and clearly communicate their research in ways that resonate with non-experts

What advice Brad has for listeners who want to sharpen their communication skills

Brad's longstanding leadership in the biotech space for more than 30 years and his perspectives on how the industry has evolved since the early days when he was starting out in the industry

What advice Brad has for listeners who may be conducting research in an academic setting right now but are interested in a career in biotech

How can scientists, experts, and others who want to set the record straight can counter the flood of falsehood and deception around COVID

If you could give one piece of advice to his younger self starting out in his career after getting the PhD, what would it be

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On this week's episode, Jordan Birnbaum, VP and Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP, shares nuggets of practical, powerful wisdom for leading high-performing teams.

Drawing from his unique career journey - from securities trader, to senior VP in the middle of an IPO at Juno Online Services, to owner and CEO of a multi-million-dollar media production and live event studio on Hollywood Boulevard - Jordan delivers high-impact, actionable advice during this week's interview, including:

• How to interpret and understand motivations in human behavior within organizations

• Applying a "What's-in-it-for-me" and "What's-in-it-for-us" leadership model to maximize organizational performance

• Why to focus on 3 employee needs - autonomy, mastery, and relatedness - to be an effective leader

• The role of persuasion and how to use authentic, honest strategies for moving your team forward

As organizational and workplace structures are reconfigured in response to the pandemic, you won't want to miss Jordan's fascinating and widely applicable insights.

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In this week's episode, Iain MacLeod Ph.D., co-founder, CEO and Chief Science Officer of Aldatu Biosciences, joins Mark in discussing a range of issues related to virology and public health - and why we can't "vaccinate our way out of the pandemic".

Topics include:

How Iain became interested in pathology and virology

What motivated Iain to get his law degree and how it informs his work and professional perspective

What led Iain to co-found Aldatu Biosciences and his priority projects there right now

Iain's February 2021 article in StatNews in which he makes a point that may startle - and likely disappoint - readers, writing: “We can’t vaccinate our way out of this pandemic. And the myopic focus on achieving herd immunity through mass vaccination may even make it tougher for America — and the world — to defeat Covid-19.”

The need to strengthen the U.S. public health infrastructure and how Iain would prioritize the improvements

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On this week's episode, serial successful entrepreneur, mentor, and author Kris Kelso discusses key leadership topics and his new book, “Overcoming The Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence” (https://overcomingtheimpostor.com).

Certified as a leadership coach, Kris has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and leadership teams. He is also a contributing writer for publications including Fast Company, Authority Magazine, and The Nashville Business Journal.

Kris has founded multiple companies and served on the boards of directors of several non-profit organizations.

His reading List for Entrepreneurs can be found at https://www.kriskelso.com/entrepreneurs-reading-list/

On this episode, you'll learn about Kris's high-impact work and insights, such as:

• The similarity - in neurological terms - of brain activity triggered by anxiety and brain activity resulting from excitement and how to use this proximity as a way to manage Impostor Syndrome.

• Whether Impostor Syndrome can be overcome or whether it merely must be managed

• Why Chris thinks Impostor Syndrome isn’t discussed more and why there aren’t more resources for how to cope with, and overcome, it

• How being part of supportive communities, such as those organized by UNH's Graduate School (e.g., Winter Writing Retreat, writing accountability group), can help reveal that others are struggling with similar problems, a realization that can be helpful in overcoming Impostor Syndrome

• Imposter Syndrome through the intersectionality lens, i.e., how experiencing and addressing Impostor Syndrome can differ when our multiple and intersecting identities are considered, such as whether Impostor Syndrome should be addressed differently in cases of a white male, a black female, or an international graduate student - similarities, differences, and what educators need to keep in mind

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This week's episode features Russ Harrison, Director of Government Relations for IEEE-USA, the American component of the world’s largest technical professional society, IEEE, with nearly 170,000 individual members across the United States. IEEE-USA supports the career growth and public policy interests of its members, who are technical professionals.

Our conversation covered a range of advocacy and policy issues, including:

• Common misperceptions about policymaking Russ hears from audiences during his frequent talks with IEEE-USA members, their questions, and how he responds to them

• Areas Russ believes technical professionals - in general - need to further develop to be successful as advocates for their policy priorities

• Which assets technical professionals have in interactions with policymakers and their staffs - including some that perhaps engineers, for example, don’t even realize they have

• How advocacy has been affected by COVID

• Central principles of Russ's own advocacy approach, and how his approach has developed over the years

• IEEE-USA’s priorities for shaping policy and how Russ sees policy and regulation developing in the future

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This week's episode features, Roshni Rao, PhD, inaugural Director of PHutures, the new resource for PhDs and Postdocs at the Johns Hopkins University, discussing professional development, life design and connections.

Topics include:

The PHutures initiative at Johns Hopkins - its mission and Roshni's goals for the program

What it was like and how she was able to address and overcome the challenges associated with all the major, on-the-fly changes required by the pandemic

The kinds of programming PHutures offers

As a leader who earned her PhD in the U.S. and did her Postdoc in Washington, DC, how her perspective on the international PhD and Postdoc experience is influenced by her own first-hand experience.

How being a non-U.S. citizen studying and training in the U.S. at the PhD and Postdoc levels ties to career exploration and also how Roshni is addressing - as director of PHutures - some of these specific challenges, like navigating visas

As someone now in a leadership role at one of the most prestigious U.S. universities, does imposter syndrome still manifest itself and how Roshni helps PhD students and Postdocs cope with - and hopefully conquer - imposter syndrome

What Roshni means by “relationship building” when she emphasizes its importance to her students and trainees and how she “teaches” it, if you will, along with examples or illustrations she uses to help her program participants internalize it

How relationship-building has benefited her career and whether she always was adept at building professional relationships

One thing that listeners could do today to initiate or strengthen a beneficial professional relationship?

Looking over the horizon, how she sees demand across PhD and Postdoc programs in the U.S. developing for the types of transferable skills that PHutures offers

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In this week's episode, I'm joined by Palesa Mothapo, Ph.D., Head of Postdoctoral Research Support in Stellenbosch University’s Division for Research Development located in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s Western Cape province, for an informative and interesting discussion of topics including:

• How Palesa first developed her interest in Zoology and then later, decided to focus on invasive species

• In her role at Stellenbosch University, where she helps postdocs making the transition from academia to industry, the types of skill development strategies and resources she draws upon in working with her trainees

• Which knowledge, skills, or abilities postdocs typically already possess that Palesa finds are most relevant to a transition to industry, and which are often most in need of further development

• How Palesa goes about helping trainees learn to effectively communicate complex scientific topics to general audiences and her own approach to translating and distilling her research work so it’s engaging and accessible to non-experts

• What it was like for Palesa to serve as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2018 and how she feels the experience may have influenced her perspective and work

• Palesa's plans and goals for 2021

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In Dr. Kahnweiler's second appearance on the show, the "Champion of Introverts" discusses her new book, "Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces", and a range of related topics, including:

• The benefits and risks for introverts of remote work and how to avoid “Creative Paralysis”

• Finding the right balance of connection and downtime for introverts, who tend to need time alone to recharge, and the role of co-working spaces as a way to strike that balance

• How the “Introvert Revolution”, as Dr. Kahnweiler calls it, has shaped attitudes of employers over time with respect to introverts

• Should introverts mention that personality trait during a job interview with a potential employer?

• How and whether extroverts should strive to also tap into characteristics of introverts - to be an ambivert, as she mentions in your book ?

• How Dr. Kahnweiler sees the environment for introverts post-pandemic, in terms of the prevalence of introvert-friendly polices, more commonly accepted communication channels, and related issues

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Jovana Milosavljevic-Ardeljan, Ph.D. is a scholar from Serbia who came to the U.S. in 2014 to pursue a master’s degree in Linguistics and stayed for her Ph.D. in Education specializing in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies.

In this episode, we discuss a range of science communication and mentoring topics affecting Ph.D.s, including:

• Why Science communication skills and their importance tends to be downplayed in Ph.D. programs
• The consequences of underdeveloped communication skills in various settings, from employment to mentoring relationships
• How Jovana's experience teaching English as a second language in her home country of Serbia informs her current work at University of New Hampshire
• Themes and learnings for healthy, productive mentor-mentee relationships covered during the 3-part series on mentor-mentee relationships she developed and delivers
• The Northeast U.S. and Canada regional competition of Three-Minute Thesis (3-MT)
• One thing listeners can do right after listening to the show that would improve their communication skills

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In this special episode, executive coach, team effectiveness consultant, author, and podcast host Guy Bloom explains his "Living Brave" approach, talks about his new book "Living Brave Leadership" and related performance topics such as:

What's "Living Brave" leadership and how can it strengthen your own leadership muscles?

How Guy went from a 4-time martial arts Hall of Famer to a winner of the UK’s Training Journal Magaine’s Best Leadership Program

How Guy enables leaders, teams and organizations to lead without the need of positional power.

What Guy means by “Living Brave Leadership”, the term he coined to describe his leadership approach

The types of services Guy delivers through his consulting firm

What Guy means about “Beating the Drum” within an organization until the organization resonates.

How can scientists - typically trained to follow the data - be effective leaders?

How does someone get the courage - particularly experts who know the facts and have the evidence - to speak up?

What’s one thing listeners can do after the interview to start on the journey to “Living Brave”?

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In a first father-daughter interview on the podcast, Bill and Emma Dauster discuss important science communication and policy issues, including:

– Approaches that Bill, a longtime public policy expert, has found scientists employ that are particularly effective in getting their message across to politicians and common missteps to avoid

– Notable differences between persuading a scientific advisor compared to a politician that a research project is important and/or deserving of funding

– How Emma’s science background as a PhD student in Neuroscience and Behavior informs her views on politics

– When Bill was working in the Senate and the White House, which qualities and skills did effective scientist-staffers he supervised or worked with seem to possess

– The best entry points for scientists who want to get into the policy arena, including at the local, state, or federal level and Legislative Branch compared to Executive Branch

– The importance of diversity in research

– Scientists are trained to “follow the data”, but public policies are shaped by, and embedded with, political considerations like the “equity” of a proposal, not just how efficient it may be, or the power of certain group in society to bend a policy to its benefit, for example. How these factors can challenge scientists interested in policymaking, as it’s not just “all about the data”

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This week's episode features Mike Simonds, the Chief Operating Officer of Unum, a leading provider of disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental and vision benefits through the workplace that serves 39 million people worldwide covering 182,000
businesses in the U.S. and the U.K. that offer benefits provided by Unum.

We discuss a range of workplace culture and skills issues, including:

Unum's strong Multicultural Leadership Development Program

The leadership qualities Unum seeks to cultivate in participants in its talent development programs

The importance of storytelling in presenting data and understanding data doesn't "speak for itself"

The types of skills and attributes Unum considers to be key when recruiting potential new hires

The future of work evolving or transforming as a result of changes in response to COVID?

Mike's career advice for listeners who may be interested in data science outside of academia but don't know where to begin

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This episode features Jenny Ro, Ph.D., who's had a fascinating career journey so far.

While a college student, Jenny worked with four companies, including Proctor & Gamble, and commercialized her own invention without a patent.

During our conversation, Jenny describes being mentored by “Super Connectors” and learning how to build human relationships to solve problems. Jenny's goal is to enable everyone to do that.

We discussed a range of topics relating to innovation, mentoring, and the importance of effective communication, such as:

• Jenny's story about her biologist days and how Ohio State football helped her conduct her field research

• How she perfected her "story" as she made her way through the fields of Ohio looking for wild birds

• What led Jenny to start her company CuriousReactor and what her plans are for the future of the company

• How the company can benefit scientists, who often may be introverts

• Jenny's belief that the tech transfer system is broken and what should be done to fix it

• Jenny's thoughts on when an idea is worth patenting and when it’s not worth it, as much can be done without a patent

• Why Jenny believes that COVID is accelerating connections

• Why Jenny thinks the peer review process will be affected in the longer term, after we move beyond the current COVID circumstances

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Today's episode features Mary Foley Phillips, PhD.

Mary’s mission is to empower women to take control of their destinies and make decisions according to their values, with the ultimate goal of growing the pipeline of strong women business leaders, women sitting on governance and scientific advisory boards, and women business mentors.

We discussed a range of topics, including:

• Mary's leadership in her 500 Women Scientists chapter and her motivation for creating monthly pub talks on scientific topics.

• What surprised her about the pub talks

• Why she thinks scientists are attracted to participate in these events and how she thinks participation has affected the way these scientists talk about their research to general audiences

• The reaction from patrons at the pub during the talks and whether they ask questions or engage at all

• As a leader in Research Development for many years, putting together teams to go after grants, for example, what common features Mary found across successful grant winners

• The lessons Mary feels she learned as a start-up founder, and what would she would do differently - if anything - were she to start another company in the future

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Richard Nugent is passionate about helping others make the most of their innovations. His expertise is Intellectual Property Strategy, Competitive Intelligence, IP Training, and related services.

On this episode of When Science Speaks, we discuss a range of issues related to translating science into the commercial realm, including;

• Richard's methodology for working with PhDs and researchers to help them translate their ideas and innovations into commercial products

• Some of the common challenges he finds that can trip up scientists as they work to make the journey through translational science

• Some examples of both successful translation to the marketplace and unsuccessful attempts

• Certain attributes Richard has found during his long experience of working with scientists and their IP that are solid indicators a particular scientist or team is more likely to be successful - or not

• The kind of training Richard recommends for scientists interested in translational science to help them improve the likelihood of success

• Some of the blindspots inventors aren’t even aware of as they’re getting started in translational science

• One piece of advice Richard would give inventors interested in translational science

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In this episode, I discuss the roots and applications of effective, authentic persuasion with New York Times best-selling author Jonah Berger, PhD, including topics such as:

How Jonah got interested in persuasion and decision-making What fascinates him about these topics

In The Catalyst, Jonah writes about “Reactance”, which he describes as the negative feeling experienced when told what to do, often triggering resistance and rejection of whatever it is. How should policy makers address Reactance if the goal is to encourage widespread mask-wearing and vaccination, now that we have vaccines approved as safe and effective in the U.S.

Jonah writes about another powerful force affecting people’s decision-making process- “Endowment” - which he defines as the increased value people place on things they’ve been doing or owning for a while, like a home, for example. How can those who want to authentically and honestly persuade take Endowment into account in their persuasion efforts.

The role of emotion, not just data, is so important in persuasion. What Jonah says to those who aren’t comfortable invoking emotion or the type of training that expressly teaches not to invoke emotion?

Where can listeners go to learn more about your work? Any plans yet for your next book?

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In this week's 2-part episode, Mark talks with Jessica Li, who has a range of experience in VC, content development, and growth marketing.

Mark and Jessica discuss a range of topics, including:

Jessica's approach to interviewing guests when she develops content and how it informed her approach when potential portfolio companies wer pitching to her and her former colleagues at Sonoma Capital

What makes a good interview, in Jessica's view

In translating their science to the market, what do many founders get wrong (including the recognition that "translation" is even required)?

In addition to being an investor and entrepreneur with a strong background in quantitative skills, Jessica also is a frequent writer for general audiences. The combination of these two abilities at such a high-caliber is unusual. How did her dual talents develop, and does she see any connections to her approach to writing and how she tackles challenges requiring expertise in quantitative principles?

In addition to her mentoring of founders mentioned in the introduction, Jessica also is Head of Content at Elpha, an online forum for women in tech. Are there specific obstacles that women in tech encounter that are not experienced by their male counterparts? How can men in the industry support their female colleagues who may be faced with these challenges?

Jessica has achieved quite a lot in her career journey so far, which still is in its early stages. What qualities have helped spur Jessica's successes so far?

What advice does Jessica have for listeners who may be scientists or engineers thinking about entrepreneurship as a career choice?

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Mike Grandinetti and Dr. Ikhlaq Sidhu first appeared on the show in November 2020 to discuss their plans and the then upcoming launch of the Global Venture Catalyst (GVC) platform and community.

The GVC initiative is aligned with a number of COVID-19 innovation-focused podcasts that I collaborated on with Mike in the Spring and Summer of 2020 to highlight how a number of institutions, from Mass General Hospital to Georgia Tech to Rutgers to the Smith College Picker School of Engineering were breaking down silos and bringing together previously disparate groups to create critically needed ICU-class mechanical ventilators, incubation boxes, and face shields to overcome supply chain bottlenecks and life threatening shortages of this critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In this promised follow-up episode, Iklaq and Mike provide an update on the key take-ways of the GVC event, which operated on five continents simultaneously between January 9-17, 2021

Here's a quick executive summary of this exciting - and groundbreaking - initiative:

170 students participated with representation from the top 25 research universities globally and the top 20 MBA programs globally

Successful global corporate collaboration with Medtronic, Dassault, Next Era Energy, Applied Material, Celonis, Elkem, Axel Springer, and others

Successful participation of global VC funds and tech accelerators, including LearnLaunch EdTechAccelerator, Blockchain Founders Fund, Amazon LaunchPad, and others

Successful participation of global advanced tech startups

Major learnings

Tested AI algorithms for creating student teams

GVC's project-based team collaborations/spring are the new job interview

GVC is creating the education program of the future by:

• Unlocking latent potential of students

• Providing project - based learning in real life situations (STARTUP ventures and firms)

• Developing a professional profile for tech skills and also for proactive team behaviors (IQ/EQ/collaboration skills)

• Delivering a benefit to all stakeholders

• Helping students unlock potential, learn on real projects, and meet industry leaders and learn about industry players they likely would not have otherwise encountered

• Participating companies get visibility with a sought-after talent pool, targeted recruiting opportunities, and can benefit from the solution of, or progress towards resolving, actual problems

• Nurturing emerging ecosystems, diversity slate, and CSR

GVC major take-aways

1. Global community of innovators across 5 continents came together very quickly

2. Validated huge gap between companies and young, hyper-current skilled students

3. Great tech talent is truly globally dispersed

4. Undergraduate students can make huge contributions

5. The design sprint methodology, infused with the innovation-engineering methodology - is powerful and effective across many “use cases” (AI/ Machine Learning; tech assessment; UI/CX; Minimum Viable Product)

6. It’s remarkable what can be achieved in a 4-day focused sprint to unleash innovation

7. Some students hired to be interns, for example:

8. Czech student with strong hired as intern by Boston EdTech company led by MIT CSEE grad)

9. US MechEng student with career goal to work in auto industry to be hired as intern by a European company building next gen EV lithium ion batteries

Going Forward Plans

Build a platform and a community

Continue to grow global community

Provide additional opportunities for students to realize their professional goals and ambitions through a range of programs, including:

• Short term consulting projects - funded by scholarships/ stipends / etc.)

• Fellowships to contribute to building GVC community

• Create additional opportunities for companies to hire the very best students (both EQ/IQ) to support access to critical talent (including racially and ethnically diverse talent) and innovation activation goals through a range of programs

• Leverage hybrid faculty, students

• Launch more sprints, short-term consulting projects

• Provide developing countries and regions with opportunities to help advance their students educational STEM skills by transcending limited local resources and expertise and integrating these participants them into a larger global digital ecosystem

Relevant Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

https://www.globalventurecatalyst.org/

https://www.globalventurecatalyst.org/blog

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/markdanielbayer_entrepreneurship-startups-education-activity-6728332715592040449-rK5U/

https://whensciencespeaks.com/podcast/caring-for-covid-19-patients-creating-ventilator-design-challenge-with-rich-boyer-md-phd/ https://whensciencespeaks.com/podcast/georgia-techs-inventive-responses-to-ppe-shortage-with-chris-saldana-phd/

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On this episode of "When Science Speaks", Chiara Bertipaglia, PhD shares her perspectives on a range of issues related to making the transition from researcher to the field of professional development, including:

The work she does at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute

What led her to decide she wanted to focus on professional development and community building

How she managed that transition and whether she had supportive mentors to support her along the way

Her training work in transferable skills, which is so important, particularly during this turbulent time, and how she views the dynamic of the increasing need for natural and social science PhDs and trainees to learn skills such as business concepts for scientists

The challenges she experienced as she continued her training (Chiara earned her PhD in Germany), how she embarked on her career in the U.S., and overcome obstacles

Chiara's advice to listeners who may be facing some of the same, or similar, trials and tribulations she experienced

Thinking about her training curriculum, where she typically finds the biggest areas in need of improvement

The one thing listeners can do today to be better communicators of their science to general audiences

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In this episode, Mark and his guest, Jaishree Singh, discuss a range of issues related to impact investing, including:

How Jaishree got involved in this dynamic, meaningful field, and what sort of knowledge, skills, and abilities enable her to be effective in her work

The evolution of impact investing, including how it got started and the major industry players in the field

How Jaishree overcomes the challenges of communicating data to general audiences and how she goes about doing it in a way that’s relatable and engaging

With Jaishree's public health background and communications expertise, how how she believes information about COVID-19 should be better communicated

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Note for listeners: This week's episode with Jeremy Marcus, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, was recorded in September 2020, prior to the riot at the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

This week's episode features Jeremy Marcus, who's served for 7 years as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director in the office of U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA). Previously, Jeremy served as Legislative Director for former Congressman Russ Carnahan, Democrat of Missouri.

On this week's episode, Mark and Jeremy discuss topics including:

How Jeremy views the role of science and academic research in the policymaking process

How Jeremy and his colleagues rely on outside experts

Strategies or activities Jeremy considers effective and beneficial for staffers who work cooperatively with outside scientific advisors

Unproductive or unhelpful behaviors from outside experts Jeremy has observed and pitfalls for PhDs and other experts to avoid

For scientists and other subject matter experts who want to help shape policy from the inside, some of the potential entry points into policymaking - either at the federal, state, or local level - that Jeremy considers likely to be more successful than others

How the policymaking process has been affected by COVID-19, and what accommodations that are being made Jeremy could see continuing even after the need for social distancing has passed

What Jeremy likes most about his job

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Nathaniel Brooks Horwitz has had a set of rare experiences - particularly for someone still in the early stages of his career journey. His passion is to develop new medicines.

A Principal at RA Capital, a leading biotech venture capital firm in Boston, board member at Synthego Corporation, Quench Bio, GentiBio and others, Nathaniel was previously founding CEO of Nivien Therapeutics.

On today's episode, Mark and Nathaniel discuss a range of topics, including:

• How Nathaniel proceeded from research at Harvard University through founding his own company, dealing with the crosscurrents he described in his Washington Post op-ed, and then moving to his current role after graduating from Harvard in 2018

• What fuels Nathaniel's passion for medicine development

• How Nathaniel made the transition from labs at Harvard to the startup scene, including what prepared him for it, what surprised him, and what obstacles he confronted

• How Nathaniel balanced the need to remain accurate with the demands from investors, for example, looking for clear descriptions of the progress of his work

• The lessons Nathaniel feels he learned as a result of his experience with his start-up

• How Nathaniel's experience as a founding CEO informs his work now when he listens to pitches from entrepreneurs or participates in Board meetings

• What Nathaniel considers the key success factors - the essential skills and qualities - for being a successful entrepreneur

• How Nathaniel recommends listeners interested in entrepreneurship develop those skills and qualities

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In today's episode, management consultant, professor, angel investor, columnist, and book author Peter Cohan joins Mark to discuss a range of interesting topics, including:

How he developed his dual interests in art and engineering and whether he sees them as disparate or complementary interests

Whether the experience of having a business in his family contributed to his interest in business and ultimately his career choice

As a longtime advisor to business leaders - and a lecturer in business strategy - some of the key leadership traits Peter sees in his clients who are effective leaders and also teaches to his students, as well as common leadership blindspots

Keys to resilience that listeners should keep in mind these days, which also were featured in Peter's column in Inc. Magazine.

As a highly-visible writer, commentator, and communicator for many years while also having academic training in technical fields - engineering and computer science - what advice Peter has for engineers who want to strengthen their ability to communicate with non-engineers, particularly when it comes to writing for general audiences

Peter's recommendations for books, training, or conferences that could provide useful information or insights for listeners wanting to learn more about the start-up ecosystem

- Note:Peter is the author of the just-released book, "Goliath Strikes Back - How Traditional Retailers Are Winning Back Customers From E-Commerce Startups", http://bit.ly/PeterCohanGoliathStrikesBackBook

1. How has COVID-19 has impacted his teaching and how it could affect it in the future.

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Today's livestream with Dr. Amelia Burke-Garcia, an award-winning digital health communicator and researcher with nearly 20 years of experience, and Dr. Amy Leader, an Associate Professor in the Division of Population Science, Department of Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University, focuses on Dr. Burke-Garcia's and Dr. Leader's just-released article in the Journal Vaccine about the messages and motivations of social media influencers who are hesitant or refuse vaccination. The livestream is happening just as the U.S. federal government is rolling out vaccines against the COVID-19 virus that's caused the deaths of more than 300,000 Americans and rising.

Topics discussed include:

What led Drs. Burke-Garcia and Leader to initiate this research

Research results that surprised them

Whether their research findings make them more or less concerned - on a human level, not as an academic - about the chances for success of future public health efforts involving vaccinations?

The lessons policymakers, health professionals and others responsible for the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine should draw from their research

Thoughts on why anti-vaccine messages receive more attention across social media than positive messages

Their reactions to the comment of one of your interviewees in their study who said: "There was never any framing of vaccinations in a negative light growing up. It was just something you did." Why messages and attitudes about vaccinations have changed

The distinctly different way respondents viewed individual decisions about vaccination that affect their families compared to how these decisions impact communities, with implications for mask-wearing during the pandemic

The power of storytelling to persuade

Looking at the current campaign to inoculate against COVID-19 and knowing what they do about vaccine hesitant or refusing social media influencers, what recommendations they would give to those developing and implementing the COVID-19 vaccination program

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On this week's episode of When Science Speaks (link in comments), I talk with Stephen Fantone, CEO and Founder of Optikos and the Optical Society (OSA) President for 2020. We discuss a range of topics, including:

• The projects to battle COVID-19 that OSA and its members have been working on, such as decontamination and sterilization of PPE

• OSA initiatives focused on contributing to efforts to respond to climate change

• How OSA helps its members interested in science policy get their voices heard on issues they care about and contribute their scientific knowledge and expertise to help inform relevant public policies

• OSA's pivot to digital meetings and lessons learned

• OSA's plans for the future

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This week's episode features Nic DiPalma, founder and CEO of SpacetimeLabs, a creative agency for science.

SpacetimeLabs develops advanced communications for science and research to connect with the public through art, design, and creativity.

Nic also is Principal and Executive Creative Director at Nic DiPalma Creative, which is a design consulting group focused on accelerating client creativity and building a culture for developing innovative ideas through web design, motion graphics, design systems, and training.

On today's episode, we discuss:

SpacetimeLabs' focus, which is particularly important these days, as communicating with the public science - including the need for self-quarantines and business closures - has been a challenge.

Nic's career journey, and some of the key science communication lessons that stand out for him along the way 

Nic's view on the importance of immersive experiences as a way both to communicate about science and also to build buy-in from listeners who may not accept scientific evidence supporting topics like climate change. 

As an expert science communicator, where Nic sees shortcomings or room for improvement in the way that scientific topics and issues are described to general audiences

How Nic's philosophy, approach, and expertise gained through his career so far be applied to improve communication about COVID-19

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 In this episode, Mark and his guest, Prashant Natajaran, Director of Data Sciences and Analytics at Unum, discuss a range of topics, including:

What makes the U.S. unique and why Prashant is optimistic about the future despite the challenges

As an engineer, Prashant's perspectives on how to be a skilled communicator

Prashant's advice on how to become a strong communicator

How to prevent AI from reinforcing racism and biases in society

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In this episode, Ihklaq Sidhu, PhD and Mike Grandinetti share information about "Global Venture Catalyst", a new hands-on, entrepreneurial education initiative they're launching to provide 500 engineers, technical students, and business school students around the world a transformative experience to work in diverse teams to develop new hight-impact projects.

Today's topics include:

Details about the Global Venture Catalyst, such as what participants can expect to experience or achieve

What Ikhlaq's and Mike's goals are in creating this innovative program and what would make it successful

Why they decided to create this offering

What makes it different from other programs out there

How students can apply and where should they go for additional information

The themes of Ihklaq's book, "Innovation Engineering”, and what he was hoping to accomplish by writing it

How Ihklaq and Mike see the pandemic shaping engineering and entrepreneurship going forward, even after normal activities resume

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Harvey Seifter is Director and Principal Investigator at Art of Science Learning and the Founder and Managing Director at Creating Futures That Work.

In this week's episode, Mark and Harvey discuss a range of topics related to how the arts can spark creativity in science education and the development of an innovative 21st Century STEM workforce, including:

• The investigative nature of science and the arts and the potential of ABL to foster passion for exploration and discovery in young learners.
• What first led Harvey to the hypothesis that incorporating arts-based learning could spark interest in science, spur innovation, and encourage collaboration in adults
• What Harvey's work found in terms of how the integration of ABL into science education can spur greater interest in the study of science and inspire students to want to learn more about, and potential pursue, careers in STEM fields
• Whether his work includes in its scope what may be happening neurologically to trigger this behavior, and if he has any theories at this point
• Details about the symposia and roundtables he's held at places like the Smithsonian, Illinois Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology
• What fascinates him about his work
• What are the implications, in his view, of the connection between ABL and innovation
• Is art - which appeals to perhaps a different dimension than fact - an example of connection with students through emotion

Resources mentioned in the episode

artofsciencelearning.org

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In this episode, Mark and his guests, Mary Woolley, President and CEO of Research!America, and Jenny Luray, Research!America's Vice President of Strategy and Communications, discuss a range of topics related to the health and economic benefits of medical research and how scientists can get involved in developing and influencing public policy, including:

• The recent Day ONE Project policy concept paper, “Modernizing the Relationship between Scientists and the Public”, which Mary and Jenny wrote with Sarah Ackerman, PhD, a Science Policy Fellow at Research!America
• Why it’s taken such a catastrophic event as COVID-19 for sustained encounters between scientists and the public, particularly since so much of scientific research is publicly-funded and scientific breakthroughs have such a major societal impact
• How this overall lack of familiarity has impacted the level of adherence, generally, to public health measures for containing the spread of the virus that are grounded in scientific evidence such as wearing a mask and social distancing
• Public Engagement (PE) training for STEM PhDs proposed in the Day ONE Project policy concept paper that would include instruction in effective communications with general audiences and policymakers and related skill-building
• The hunger for, and interest in, such training from STEM PhDs -- and Mark's own first-hand experience providing courses, workshops, and talks in these areas to grad students, PhDs, and Postdocs underscoring such interest
• How training in these skills are also more broadly transferable to all types of jobs outside academia
• Research!America’s work and priorities and how the response to COVID-19 is an historic example of the value of public-private partnerships -- whether it’s about PPE, vaccine development, or other critical needs to respond to the pandemic.
• How the pandemic could influence the conversation around federally-funded R&D

Resources Accompany the Episode

During a Highly Partisan Time in Our Nation, Survey Shows Broad Bi-partisan Support for a Stronger Focus on Science

Press release: https://www.researchamerica.org/bipartisan-support

Survey results: https://www.researchamerica.org/sites/default/files/ReleaseDeckAugSurvey100820-5.pdf

Civic Engagement Microgrants: https://www.researchamerica.org/civic-engagement-2021-microgrant-initiative

Day One Project: https://www.dayoneproject.org/

Modernizing the Relationship between Scientists and the Public:

https://www.dayoneproject.org/post/modernizing-the-relationship-between-scientists-and-the-public

Vote Science Strong: www.VoteScienceStrong.com

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David Doyle is the author of a new book, "Ask What You Can Do", a valuable resource for anyone thinking about entering public service, particularly local government and especially if you’re a scientist, engineer, or technologist coming from the private sector.

David is a passionate believer in the power of data and technology to help us understand and solve the world’s biggest challenges. He’s fascinated by issues at the intersection of technology, data and public policy and generates new knowledge that he shares through public speaking, teaching, and writing.

In this episode of the show, Mark and David discuss a range of topics, including:

• The career growth and networking benefits of working in government
• How gaining public and private sector experience can position you in the key role of translator between government and corporate decision-makers
• Why David believes local government may be entering a prolonged phase of technological transformation.
• How David thinks the leadership responsibilities performed by local governments during the pandemic will impact the pace of technology adoption in local government and also the level of interest of technologists in entering public service
• The types of scientific and technology training that is particularly needed within local government and where in public service he sees exciting and meaningful career development opportunities for scientists and engineers

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David Michaels, PhD is an epidemiologist and professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health. He was Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health from 2009-2017, the longest serving head of OSHA in its history, and was Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety and Health from 1998-2001, charged with protecting workers, residents and the environment around US nuclear weapons facilities.

Under David’s leadership, OSHA strengthened exposure standards for silica and beryllium, and issued new rules on safety while greatly increasing the agency’s focus on the healthcare industry. He also issued OSHA's first compliance guide and recommended practices for employers for preventing and addressing retaliation against whistleblowers who raise safety concerns.

David’s current work is on the relationship between safety and health management systems, operational excellence and sustainability, a topic on which he lectures frequently, and on improving the protection of workers exposed to COVID-19 as the economy reopens.

David is a leader in efforts to protect the integrity of the science underpinning public health and environmental protections, and is author of numerous articles in leading scientific publications, as well as "Doubt is Their Product" (Oxford University Press, 2008) and “The Triumph of Doubt: Dark Money and the Science of Deception" (Oxford University Press, 2020). David’s article co-authored with Gregory R. Wagner, MD entitled “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Worker Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic” was just published by the Journal of the American Medical Society - otherwise known as JAMA.

On today's episode, Mark and David discuss a range of issues related to misinformation about COVID-19, David's new book "The Triumph of Doubt", and other topics including:

David's work with the National Academy of Sciences on the equitable dIstribution of a COVID-19 vaccine whenever it’s deemed safe and effective

What David means by the “science of deception”, a term he uses in his latest book, and whether there are ways to inoculate against its spread

The idea that historically science is supposed to be apolitical - has that notion ever reflected reality if we understand politics to be about power within a society and the ability to shape community behavior

Thinking about the current proliferation and consumption of misinformation and disinformation, particularly around topics grounded in science such as global warming and vaccine safety and efficacy, are we seeing something that's a difference in scale or in kind - meaning have we seen this type of dynamic before, but now it’s supercharged by social media, for example, or is the current environment something new and different, and perhaps more dangerous

Are there particular topics that lend themselves to distortions, and are there specific antidotes that have proven effective in waking up the public, if you will, to the mirage concocted by scientists-for-hire

As a trained scientist, former Professor at the City of New York Medical School, and an expert in epidemiology and biostatistics, among other related topics, David Michaels is a “quant jock”, if you will. As a political appointee and head of OSHA, he also is adept at navigating the policymaking terrain, where data are only one factor to be considered in formulating policy. Does a reliance on data and evidence - sometimes to the exclusion of other factors such as emotional arguments and appeals to shared values - hamstring scientists involved in policymaking who aren’t trained or accustomed to these powerful forces in the policy ecosystem, and what can scientists and the institutions that train them do to address this issue

When David was leading OSHA and interacting with policymakers in Congress, what sort of arguments in support of OSHA policies did he find particularly persuasive

Given the existential threat to human health posed by this environment of manufactured doubt, what can listeners do in an effort to turn the tide

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On this week's episode, Mark's guest is Steve Dickman, CEO of CBT Advisors, a strategic consultancy supporting the biotech industry.

Topics discussed during the episode include:

• How Steve made the transition from working at Science and at Nature - where he founded and ran the first Nature news bureau in Germany, among other responsibilities - to thriving in the ecosystem of VCs, Private Equity, and startups
• The obstacles Steve faced as he shifted his professional focus and how he overcame them
• How Steve develops and delivers persuasive, impactful stories for his clients, with examples from the startup environment of stories he felt were particularly compelling
• Steve's advice for listeners thinking about trying to break into the startup ecosystem, and, for those already working within it, what qualities and approach Steve has found to be hallmarks or similarities of successful entrepreneurs
• Common blindspots or areas for further development that Steve and his team frequently see in the field
• How Steve and his firm provide feedback, particularly when a business plan, for example, may be way off the mark
• During this period of historic uncertainty and flux, what challenges and opportunities Steve sees on the horizon, and his career advice for scientists and engineers looking to start or shift careers

Useful resources

• The works of statistician, data visualizer, and artist Edward Tufte on communicating data using graphics. Described by The New York Times as the 'Leonardo da Vinci of data,' and Bloomberg as the 'Galileo of graphics', Tufte taught data analysis and policy making at Princeton and Yale for 32 years and authored five books
• Michael Gilman’s blog post on choosing your VCs https://lifescivc.com/2015/04/five-questions-to-ask-your-investors-before-you-take-their-money/
• Gilman's blog post on risk reduction in biotech startups: https://lifescivc.com/2014/05/risk-a-users-guide-for-drug-developers/ and why it’s good to be virtual https://lifescivc.com/2016/01/the-virtues-of-virtual-and-why-were-devirtualizing/.
• Jeff Bussgang's book on how VCs operate reviewed by Steve Dickman: https://bostonbiotechwatch.com/2010/04/26/vc-from-both-sides-mastering-the-vc-game-by-jeffrey-bussgang/
• How data science is influencing life science VC investing, https://a16z.com/2020/01/13/bio-newsletter-january-next-decade/ and https://a16z.com/2020/01/08/komodo-health/
• Steve Dickman's post on Vijay Pande https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedickman/2016/02/02/can-biology-even-drug-discovery-be-clouded-its-early-but-andreesen-horowitz-vc-thinks-so/#4c16d6955a16 and his portfolio company Benchling https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedickman/2017/11/08/lab-notebook-software-bypassed-by-biologists-poses-tough-challenge-for-software-developers/#55c1c5ed1804
• Steve Dickman's post describing Baillie Gifford: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedickman/2017/04/12/the-long-game-in-life-sciences-181-billion-fund-baillie-gifford-invests-big-in-private-companies/#1907f7334d89
• Books recommended for listeners interested in biotech and the startup ecosystem:
  • Invisible Frontiers by Stephen Hall
  • Making PCR by Paul Rabinow
  • Hackers by Steven Levy (re the original hackers at MIT, one of whom, Tom Knight, is a co-founder and executive at Ginkgo, a synthetic biology unicorn)
  • Bad Blood
  • Lake Success by Gary Shteyngart (recent novel, topical for those interested in the money business)
  • Market Wizards by Jack Schwager (how individuals make money in all sorts of markets – a classic – deeply relevant)

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In this week's episode, Jen Jortner Cassidy, Senior Customer Success Manager at LinkedIN, shares her passion for lifelong learning and how listeners can reap the benefits of learning as an enduring aspect in their lives as well as related topics, including:

The benefits of the process of learning in addition to the result of actually having a new skill in your toolbox

How she defines “learning” - meaning how much exposure or practice in a new area is considered a new learning, from her perspective

What she's learning about mindfulness

How she thinks the continued need to learn remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic will impact learning now and in the future

Her views on in-person learning vs. virtual learning

One fun thing listeners could learn to do today

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On this episode, Mark discusses a range of translational research issues with the Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Harvard Innovation Labs, including:

What led Mike to focus on life science virtually from the start of his professional career.

From Mike's perspective, what do all successful startups have in common, and what are the big mistakes Mike has seen that doom startups

With his years of experience building and advising companies, what’s Mike's proudest professional achievement

Mike's focus has been on complex, pioneering technologies. How does he effectively communicate to general audiences - investors and the media, for example - about the value and importance of new products he's developing

Translational research and commercialization have been buzzwords for quite a while, and many academics are interested in applying research done in the lab in a commercial context. This isn’t an easy undertaking, and many fail. As someone who’s been an academic and a successful entrepreneur, what advice does Mike have for his former colleagues in the academy who want to start businesses based on their research

The latest news from the Harvard Innovation Labs

Mike's professional heroes - those he most admires

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In this week's episode, Mark and Marc discuss innovation in the life sciences industry, including the recent launch of Orange Grove's portfolio company, Asalyxa Bio. Topics include:

Remdesivir and Marc's view on this experimental medicine for combatting effects of COVID-19

Why Marc decided to focus his professional life on funding innovations in health care and what led him to concentrate there

With Marc's expertise in analyzing and putting together deals, what role the ability for founders and executives to craft compelling, accessible narratives about the value of their products plays in their ultimate success

Examples when Marc felt a particularly engaging pitch propelled a medicine forward to success while perhaps a medicine that was at least as innovative if not more stumbled and failed because of ineffective messaging about its benefits

With global teams racing to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, how Marc sees the deal or investment community responding

As an entrepreneur and health care investor, what Marc considers the most important thing entrepreneurs should be doing right now to position themselves for success despite the economic turbulence

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Particle physicist and postdoctoral research associate Yangyang Cheng, PhD explores the universe and also shares her unique perspectives on her native country of China and the U.S. political landscape across media, including in the Op-Ed pages of The New York Times, on BBC News, and in SupChina, a New York-based, China-focused news, information, and business services platform.

In this episode, Mark and Yangyang discuss a variety of science, political, and communication topics, including:

How Yangyang developed her dual scientific and communication skills and how she sees connections and similarities in the way she does physics and the way she approaches her writing and public speaking

Growing up in China and coming to the U.S. after graduating from university, Yangyang's experiences doing physics in China as a female physicist

Yangyang's fascinating research as a particle physicist

Her interests about American politics

The techniques and principles that guide her communications to general audiences

Her op-ed pieces in the Sunday New York Times and the kinds of reactions she has received from them

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In this inspiring and enlightening interview, Mark and Tracie Delgado, PhD discuss Tracie's professional journey, her fascinating research, and how she's able to effectively translate her work into engaging, accessible descriptions. Specifically:

Tracie's early years growing up in East LA and how that experience has shaped her research and fueled her passion for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in science
What it was like when Tracie arrived at UCLA to begin her studies, the types of challenges she faced, and how she was able to overcome them
Her message for listeners who may relate to her background and experience some of these same challenges
Tracie's leadership in an organization called the Society for Advancement for Chicanos and Native Americans, or SACNAS, and the organization's mission and activities
How listeners can learn more about SACNAS and get involved in the organization
Details about Tracie's fascinating research - studying how viruses, in particular the herpesvirus - can cause cancer Tracie's keys to effective communication and her recommendations for other scientists, engineers, or professionals in technical fields who want to become better communicators
Tracie's Facebook page on COVID-19, which she started in her spare time to respond to the questions people in her life were asking her, and now serves as a resource for those far beyond her immediate circle of family and friends

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Fabricio F. Costa, PhD is a science and technology expert, seasoned business strategist, and serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in top academic labs and companies including Harvard University, Northwestern University, Google, Apple, and others.

On this episode of When Science Speaks, Mark and Fabricio discuss a range of topics, including:

How Fabrizio developed his interest both in startups and also in his field of speciality, life sciences

As a consultant, the common red flags Fabricio sees when he's advising companies that can cause organizational underperformance

When Fabrico served as CEO of DataGenno, what it was like to be selected to present at a ceremony at the White House and what he learned from the experience

Fabricio's perspectives on the importance of science communication

As a native of Brazil who has spent many years in the U.S. working and studying, Fabricio shared lessons he's learned and insights he's gained as part of his cross-cultural engagements

Fabricio's various career transitions - going from PhD program to postdoc to starting companies - and the kinds of activities he participated in while in school and as a trainee to help position himself after graduation for his career choice

How Brazil - and Fabricio's own family - have suffered from the spread of COVID-19

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In this episode, Mark talks with Chris Garabedian, Chairman and CEO of Xontogeny, which he founded in 2016 to support multiple promising technologies from early development through clinical proof of concept.

In 2017, Chris joined Perceptive Advisors to develop their Venture Fund strategy and launched the Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Fund in 2018 to support early stage companies seeded and incubated at Xontogeny and other ventures.

Chris has a broad base of experience and a track record of success over his decades long experience in the biopharma industry. He served as the President and CEO of Sarepta Therapeutics from 2011 to 2015, overseeing the turnaround of a company that is now a commercial stage leader in the genetic technology space after leading the development of the company’s Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy program. Prior to Sarepta, Chris led Corporate Strategy for Celgene from 2007 to 2010. Prior to Celgene, Chris served in a number of global commercial and corporate development leadership roles at Gilead from 1997 to 2005.

Chris serves on a number of Boards of life sciences companies and speaks at industry conferences on a wide range of important issues. Chris is also on the Board of Directors of MassBio and serves as a Senior Advisor for the Boston Consulting Group.

Chris earned his B.S. in Marketing from the University of Maryland.

Mark and Chris discussed a range of topics, including:

What led Chris to found Xontongeny - what was missing in the marketplace that Xontongeny delivers

What Chris finds effective founders have in common that increases the likelihood they’ll succeed?

The kinds of red flags that stand out that may lead Chris and his team to decide to take a pass on investing in a startup

How Chris thinks the pandemic will shape program development moving forward

The skill sets or expertise founders should have beforethey walk in the door to speak to an accelerator or other potential funders

Some of the key services Xontongeny offers its scientific founders that are particularly important to helping them move successfully through the program development lifecycle, hopefully to approval

For scientists and entrepreneurs interested in translating their science to a viable commercial product, how should they begin to prepare and what should their mindset be as they think about working with a company like Xontongeny

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Vinit Nijhawan is Managing Director of MassVentures, the first public venture capital fund in the U.S., funding early stage, high growth Massachusetts companies for more than 40 years.

In this episode, Mark and Vinit discuss a range of topics related to innovation and entrepreneurship, including:

The skills that have been central contributors to Vinit's success

Capabilities startup founders often need to further develop to advance their companies and their own professional careers

The flagship conference - MALSI+ 2020 - to be held virtually on August 20, 2020 by the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC), connecting scientific innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators

The success stories that have come out of the MALSI conference in the past

The lessons Vinit has you learned that could help someone just starting out as an entrepreneur or thinking about starting a company

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Dr. Brad Spellberg is a polymath. He’s simultaneously a Chief Medical Officer, of a major medical center, Professor of Medicine, medical researcher, practicing clinician, founder-entrepreneur, and author of multiple books. He brings a uniquely holistic perspective to his public policy recommendations on the future of the US healthcare system

Chief Medical Officer at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center. He is also Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. He received his BA in Molecular Cell Biology-Immunology from UC Berkeley, and MD at UCLA, where he served as the UCLA AOA Chapter Co-President and won the prestigious Stafford Warren award for the topic academic performance in his graduating class. Dr. Spellberg completed his Residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Harbor-UCLA Med Center.

As CMO, Dr. Spellberg has transformed the quality and efficiency of care delivered at LAC+USC Medical Center, the largest public hospital in the US west of the Mississippi. As CMO, he has 18 non-clinical direct reports and another 18 Chiefs of Clinical Services reporting to him. He has improved many aspects of hospital operations, from HR, to patient flow, to personnel, to UR, Social Services, medical documentation and billing, clinical care, etc. He has markedly increased inpatient billing, helped increase primary care empanelment and managed care revenue, successfully recruited multiple physician leaders, and has established new clinical programs (e.g., LGBTQ clinic, bariatrics surgery).

Dr. Spellberg may be the only CMO in the US who not only continues to be actively clinically, staffing both Internal Medicine ward teams and Infectious Diseases consulting service, but also maintains an active NIH-funded basic science laboratory. Dr. Spellberg has also co-founded 3 biotechnology start up companies, which have resulted in 3 molecules that are in active clinical development (phase I-III clinical trials). He is also a national policy expert with respect to antibiotic resistance, having testified before Congress, been interviewed on multiple television programs, in the documentary movie Resistance, and written an award winning book, Rising Plague.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating insights and key recommendations in Dr. Spellberg’s latest book,” Broken, Bankrupt and Dying” where he discusses the precarious state of the US Health care system, the underlying reasons that have led to this dysfunction and key recommendations to improve the system to deliver a level of healthcare that American citizens deserve.

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In this episode, Mark and Ester Caffarel-Salvador, PhD discuss her research on transdermal patches, career transitions, mentoring, and other issues, including: Ester's experience with the Impact mentoring program, issues she finds mentees are particularly concerned about, and how she advises them to handle them How speaking 7 languages may help Ester when she's communicating about her research and helping other scientists improve their own communication skills

Similarities and differences between mentoring scientists in Spain and the U.S.

Ester's professional experience in many different environments - such as big pharma, startups, hedge funds, and consulting - and key skills for being successful in each of them

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Today's guest is Bill Shute, a highly experienced government relations executive, strategic advisor, podcast creator/host, graphic designer, and author.

During his 30 years of leadership, Bill has demonstrated how to be effective across a range of key activities, including strategic planning, contract capture, employee management, public speaking, and advocacy.

Bill is currently Executive Director of the Washington Center for the LBJ School of Public Affairs, where he both manages a graduate student fellowship program in the District of Columbia and creates a beachhead policy hub for LBJ School faculty to engage with federal policy makers.

At the LBJ’s Washington Center, Bill also serves as Inaugural Professor in the Center’s Master's program, teaching institutions, processes, and negotiations in the federal arena to the Center’s Master’s degree students.

For almost 18 years, Bill served as Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations for the entire University of Texas System, a wide-ranging executive-level leadership role. Bill previously had worked in senior government relations roles at several companies, including for 11 and a half years as Executive Director of Federal Relations for Southwestern Bell.

Bill earned his B.A. with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from the University of Houston Bates College of Law.

On this episode of the show, Mark and Bill discuss a range of policy and communications topics, including:

Bill's podcast, 80-proof Politics, on which Mark was a guest. What led Bill to launch 80-Proof Politics and what’s the focus of the show

The essence of politics and how it differs from partisan politics. As Executive Director of the prestigious LBJ School of Policy Policy’s Washington, DC Center, Bill talks about the Center, its mission, and its goalst

The effective qualities, techniques, or strategies federal policymakers used when Bill was accompanying them during visits with policymakers and helping them shape their messaging

Bill's favorite stories about his many years of advocacy leadership for the UT System with - of course - names withheld to protect the innocent, as needed.

The qualities that made President Lyndon Johnson one of the most persuasive communicators we’ve ever had in the White House

The one thing listener can do today to improve their skills in communicating their work to non-experts, whether that’s U.S. Representatives and Senators, their grandma, or 8-year-old cousin

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Frank and Emilia Metzel lead a company called Life Science Animation in Krakow, Poland that explains science with animated videos, helping get the message across, spark interest of potential investors or educate the general public.

As many life science companies struggle to explain their science to non-scientists, Life Science Animation aims to help by producing custom-made, easy to understand and engaging 2-minute animated videos for websites, conference presentations and social media.

Before serving as CEO, Frank was founder and CEO of Alpen Animation among other roles in sales and marketing.

Emilia Metzel has more than 10-year’s of experience in motion design and a life-long love for science. Emelia is Creative Director of Life Science Animation. She’s been a motion graphic designer and multimedia specialist, combining her two passions - science and animation - at Life Science Animation and in related roles at previous firms.

In this episode, we discuss a range of issues related to clearly communicating scientific topics using visuals, including:

The qualities of an effective animation and common mistakes to avoid in animation

How cultural beliefs can affect animations

Why it’s such a challenge for some scientists to effectively communicate with general audiences, including investors, policymakers, and the public

What’s Frank's and Emilia's process for translating complex scientific topics into anination

Advice for scientists who may be interested in a career in the science animation field

Their favorite scientists and artists

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In this special livestream, Steph Guerra, PhD and Dan Pomeroy, PhD discuss "Science Policy for PhD-Trained Scientists", the Harvard Medical School Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCI) study they produced with Jason Heustis, PhD.

Steph and Dan discuss a variety of science policy and career development issues, including:

The vision, mission, and goals of SCI - what led to its creation and what it hopes achieve

The main themes of the study that emerged in terms of the traits, knowledge and skills that are key for PhD-trained scientists to have in order to be successful in the policy world

How the research findings compared to the in-real-life experiences of both Steph and Dan, both former AAAS Fellows

How the pandemic has altered the attitudes or interests of PhD-trained scientists when it comes to getting involved in science policy

Some of the barriers they experienced or witnessed when it comes to scientists entering the policy world

How science-based evidence and credible data are viewed and used (or not) by policymakers when policies are being developed

Lessons they wished they had learned BEFORE starting their science policy journey that perhaps would have made the transition or early experiences easier

One thing listeners can do after the livestream to improve their science policy skills, even if it’s just a small, incremental thing

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In this week's episode, John Younger, MD, Vice President for Science and Technology at University City Science Center in Philadelphia, PA, shares his expert perspectives as a physician-scientist and biotech entrepreneur. Drawing upon his unique blend of skills and experience, John discusses:

The main ingredients of a winning pitch from startups to potential investors

Typical moments during pitch meetings that trigger "go or no-go" moments

Whether poor communication can kill an otherwise fundable project or, alternatively, can strong communication save an otherwise flawed project

Scientists are often told they need to be better storytellers - and entrepreneurs may be advised to do the same to humanize their pitch. Is this always good advice?

How scientists should convey information to investors - both before and after they get funding - to accurately provide realistic status updates without freaking out their often non-scientist funders

Are there certain qualities or practices that have helped him successfully make transitions in his career journey

Attributes that make him effective in his current role

What it was like to testify before Congress earlier this year on entrepreneurship

Professional advice he would give to his “younger Younger” self

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Hugo Cabrera is a biotech entrepreneur with a passion for research and development and innovation in the field of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) including cell therapy and tissue engineering.

Hugo is currently Director of Business Development for Techlife, a clinical-stage biotech company, part of the São Lucas Cell Therapy Group. The São Lucas Cell Therapy Group is a 47-year-old privately held company with nationwide operations in the fields of hematology, hemotherapy, oncology, cell therapy, cancer research and cellular technology.

Hugo also serves as Founder of HMCell, which provides contract and consulting services to academic researchers, industry and investors with its focus being the commercialization of cell and gene therapies, and regenerative medicine technologies.

Before entering the biotech field, Hugo held various positions in strategy and marketing as well as supply chain management.

In this episode, Hugo and Mark discuss topics including:

Hugo's compelling personal story - starting in Peru and the U.S. (Maryland and Massachusetts in particular) and his current work in Brazil while also working closely with the biotech ecosystem in Massachusetts.

How Hugo decided to focus on biotech and also his specialty, cell therapy using patients’ own cells to develop therapeutics with a focus on cartilage implantation.

Hugo's experience as a translator between scientists who are working on biotech and cell therapy and investors who are interested in these therapies. Such a translator role is not easy - Hugo discusses which skills are necessary to do that effectively and how he developed and continues to sharpen them.

Hugo's advice for others who may have a research background as a PhD or a Postdoc who are thinking about career opportunities in venture capital.

This dynamic time in Brazil for government regulation in biotech.

Hugo's activities in “deep tech” - research still being done in university labs that may hold commercialization potential but will need more nurturing as it’s not as mature, or as far down the “translation curve” from lab to commercial application.

Hugo's advice for researchers interested in translating their science for the commercial market.

The situation in Brazil with many Brazilians suffering because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hugo's goals coming out of the pandemic.

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Whether it's finding the cure for leukemia or saving the riches of coral reefs, there is a person behind every new discovery. PassioInventa provides a space where scientists can discuss their research in an accessible way with non-scientists, dispel some of the myths surrounding what science is and is not, and humanize the people behind the lab coats.

As PhD students, Jay Baer, Daniel Chapman, and Blaide Woodburn founded PassioInventa to help scientists share their work through articles, videos, interviews, and more.

In this episode, Jay, Daniel, and Blaide discuss with Mark:

Why they are interested in science communication and science policy

• What those categories and terms mean to them
• Where the gaps are within current science communication and science policy training, and how their newly founded organization, PassionInventa, aims to address them
• Their feelings about scientists getting involved in politics
• What kind of reactions they have received from colleagues, mentors, PIs, about PassionInventa
• What kinds of science communication and science policy tools they would you like to see available and how they would you like to be able to use them - i.e., in-person role-playing workshops, presentations, online courses, conferences
• Where they see the greatest demand for learning science communication skills and where is there still resistance to learning these skills
• How they plan to apply the skills they developed as PhDs
• What advice they have for colleagues listening to this episode who want to get more involved in science policy

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Vikram Mansharamani, PhD is a globally recognized leader whose expertise includes detecting and describing trends before they emerge. He shows people how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities.

Vikram first gained widespread attention with the release of his first book, Boombustology, which provided a framework for spotting bubbles BEFORE they burst. We’re fortunate to have him here as his second book - “Think for Yourself” - is on the verge of release - June 16 is the release date.

Vikram is a thought-leader whose ideas and writings have appeared in Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times and a long list of other publications. Vikram also has been named the #1 Top Voice for Money, Finance and Economics by the entire 500 million-plus LinkedIn Network for both 2015 and 2016, and Worth Magazine profiled him as one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance.

Currently a lecturer at Harvard University where he teaches students to use multiple perspectives in making tough decisions, Vikram also has taught classes at Yale University on business ethics and governance, financial bubbles, and economic inequality.

On the show, Vikram discusses:

• How fluctuations in actual infection and fatality rates from the COVID-19 epidemic may shape attitudes about the economy and financial markets in the Fall and beyond
• How should everyday Americans decipher often conflicting public health directives about COVID-19 when they may lack the ability to make the right decisions on their own
• Whether the public’s faith in experts is going to be degraded as a result of the pandemic, with a backlash against scientists who are calling for more stringent public health precautions than some members of the public are unwilling to accept, for example.
• Does public confidence in scientists and other subject matter experts fluctuate over time. Are there factors that tend to trigger such fluctuations.
• Over the last few decades, there has been an increasing emphasis on standardized testing, which has created the dynamic of “teaching to the test” rather than actively encouraging critical thinking. Does this trend contribute to the dynamic Vikram analyzes in “Think for Yourself”?
• Conformity and social proof are hard-wired into human thinking - perhaps because we don’t have the brainpower to personally experience and understand everything we need to move through life. How should we determine the things to outsource to others and the things we should analyze and decide for ourselves?
• Looking ahead, we’ve heard that post-COVID-19 world won’t be a return to the way things were before, but perhaps a “new normal” will emerge. As an expert in detecting trends before they’re visible, what could this new normal look like - in terms of work, the economy, the financial markets, etc.

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The CoVent-19 Challenge

The CoVent-19 Challenge is the creation of 13 anesthesiologists and advisors from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston-area who have come together to help overcome the ventilator supply crisis during the devastating the COVID-19 pandemic. As experts in mechanical ventilation and frontline workers fighting COVID-19, they seek to develop low-cost, rapidly manufacturable solutions to support heavily burdened modern medical facilities. CoVent’s goal is to close the gap between our actual resources and those in need around the world.

The CoVent-19 Challenge is an open innovation 12-week Grand Challenge for engineers, innovators, designers, and makers. The Challenge launched on the GrabCAD Challenges platform on April 1, 2020. The general admission round resulted in over 213 entries from 43 countries. Seven teams were invited to participate in the invite-only finalist round (details below). The Baxter Academy team is one of the 7 finalists. The invited teams are receiving access to additional resources for completing their ventilator designs and support in creating functional prototypes, including test kits, test lungs, and testing protocols. The prototypes will be evaluated using a test bed to determine which design provides the best combination of performance, safety, reliability, manufacturability, affordability, and simplicity. The final ventilator designs are due to CoVent on June 21st and will then be evaluated by a team of expert medical and technical panelists.

Team Name: fuseproject + Accenture + CIONIC

Team: The overall fuseproject + Accenture + CIONIC team is led by Senior Industrial Engineer Daniel Zarem and a team of 8 designers and creatives from the design consultancy fuseproject, based in San Francisco. Other team members include Dan Semo, Judy Leung, Jayati Sinha, Jaehon Jung, MC Abbott, Eric Oesterle, Qin Li and Harriet Zhou.

Members of the extended team include 3 engineers from Accenture’s Seattle office, Brad Laird, Eric Spaulding and Jonathan Schreven. Two team members from ICONIC include Jeremiah Robison and Tyler Smith.

The three groups are operating as a virtual team from their lockdown locations in San Francisco and Seattle, conducting all of their work, including user interviews, remotely. Much of their work was conducted asynchronously, using remote design collaboration tools like Miro, Interestingly, the core fueproject team approached this global innovation tournament with a different orientation than the other finalists in that they are designers first and foremost. I think you’ll get a clear sense of this mindset if you watch the video and listen to Daniel and the fuseproject’s CEO Yves Behar.

Here is a 6.5 minute video that introduces you to the team and the interim design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trMOjdNOIuI&t=5s

The commercial entity, fuseproject is a San Francisco and New York based design and branding firm established by Yves Behar in 1999. He has also simultaneously served as Chief Creative Officer at Jawbone, where his work helped the company become a leader in wearable and audio consumer electronics. Behar is also the Creative Co-Founder of OUYA, an open sourced gaming platform, and is Co-founder of start-up August, a next generation home entry system. Yves’ has had other collaborations with renowned partners such as Herman Miller, GE, Puma, PayPal, SodaStream, Samsung, Issey Miyake, Prada and many others.

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Mark Bayer: [00:00:39] Hey, everyone. This is Mark Bayer. And thanks so much for tuning in to this week's episode of When Science Speaks. Today's episode is brought to you by Bayer Strategic Consulting in Washington, D.C., which helps scientists and engineers get funding, gain influence and build relationships with the stakeholders who matter most.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:00:58] It is such a great pleasure to have Lorraine Marchand on the show today. Lorraine is a life sciences consultant, speaker and educator. She's held executive roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Covance, Ocular Proteomics, and Cognizant Technology Solutions and currently leads global R&D at IQVIA.

Mark Bayer: [00:01:15] She knows the world of startups firsthand, having founded four companies, and is an expert at showing scientists how to communicate the value of their innovations. Lorraine has helped numerous entrepreneurs successfully commercialize their technologies. I've invited her to be my guest today because of her proven method for successful innovation. It's based on data driven problem solving, followed by solution prototyping. And then, and this is what people very often neglect, it's punctuated by specialization and contingency planning and what she has termed the art of the pivot. "You never fail. You always learn" is one of Lorraine's mantras. And today she's gonna share her insights and best practices. And we're really so fortunate to have her with us to do that. Lorraine holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and the London Business School, Master's from the American University and a Bachelor of Science in Science and Journalism from the University of Maryland. Lorraine, welcome to the show! Thank you so much for setting aside the time in your busy schedule to be with us.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:02:22] Oh, Mark, thank you. It's my pleasure because we're going to be talking about my very favorite topic. So this is an easy one for me to get excited about.

Mark Bayer: [00:02:32] Great. Great. And, you know, you are an expert in storytelling and effective communication in the startup environment. And many of our listeners are very interested in both of those aspects. You know how to put together a strong narrative, tell the story and in results oriented, jargon-free language of their research. And then also interested in startups, potentially entrepreneurship. And you combine both of those things. And so I'm wondering if to start off, you could provide an example of strategic, well crafted communication of scientific information or technical information. One that sort of is well done and one that's maybe not so successful.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:03:14] Mark, I get this question a lot. So thank you for the question. And let's look at a couple examples. First, let me use a simple one everyone can relate to and I'd like to turn things around for just a couple of minutes and ask you a question. OK. Good. Yeah. Mark, what do you like about your smart phone?

Mark Bayer: [00:03:40] Well, I think one of the things is that it actually makes me smarter because I can carry in a small package so much information that, you know, I need at my fingertips and then just things that, you know, come up that I want to know a quick answer to. So it's I know people sort of think of it sometimes as some sort of like peripheral like a peripheral brain. And I kind of see it that way, too, like in a small package. I can just, like, have so much information. And that's not even the phone part, which most people don't even you know, it's a kind of almost an afterthought. It's just I just love the fact that I'm able to get so much information and keep in touch with people, too. I guess mostly, you know, by text now. But it's just a great compact way to carry with you the biggest libraries in history.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:04:36] Mark, with that answer, you told us a little bit about who you are. What do you care about? And the features and benefits of your phone that matter most. Now, let's examine what you didn't say.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:04:52] You didn't open up by saying that you have an iPhone A11 that weighs six point eight four ounces and is six five three inches in size with a six point one inch screen powered by Apple's new A13 bio I.C chip with one hundred and twenty eight gigabytes of storage and dual ultra wide cameras.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:05:17] Did you know none of that? No, not at all.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:05:20] Why not?

Mark Bayer: [00:05:23] It's just that to me sounds like so kind of like just dry and like it's not maybe, you know, like it's not really results oriented. So then the question is so what can you do with that stuff. And that's what I care about.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:05:37] Exactly. The technology description fails to communicate what you love about your phone. What kind of experience it gives you and why you chose it over competing products and how you use it. Let's look at a Lifesciences example. I want you to listen to these two pitches and tell me which one communicates the value and attributes of the technology. Here's number one. My lab has been studying the vitreous proteome for 15 years. We have filed patents on our discovery of 10 biomarkers in the vitreous that we believe are associated with wet macular degeneration known as wet HMD. This eye disease causes bleeding in the retina and can eventually lead to blindness. We've developed an assay that demonstrates changes in the levels of these biomarkers before and after the injection into the retina of drugs used to treat this disease. We plan to develop a diagnostic test to predict response and non response to therapies used to treat this eye disease. OK, Mark. Did you get all that?

Mark Bayer: [00:07:00] I heard it. I heard some words that I recognized and some that I didn't. I know macular degeneration is very, very bad. And then I heard a lot of other things like assays that I don't usually use or completely understand.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:07:15] OK, now let's try this version of the pitch. Eleven million people over age 65, including my mom, have an eye disease called what HMD, which can eventually cause blindness. Doctors have five different drugs to treat that HMD. But the problem is 70 percent of patients don't respond to their treatment. And doctors go through a process of trial and error over many years, trying different drugs to see which one works better. Our solution? We've developed a test used in the doctor's office to help determine whether a patient is responding to their therapy so they can get on the drug that works. I'd like to tell you more about how our technology works and how you can help us get it to the market. Mark, what was different about the two message tracks?

Mark Bayer: [00:08:16] You know, it really told the story, and I think it's so important. I love it, Lorraine, that, you know, a lot of times scientists should say, because we're talking about this and obviously our audience, they're told to tell a story or a narrative. It's not necessarily like a story from beginning to end, but it follows like what you were describing, first of all, very accessible language and and using, you know, vivid types of descriptions that everyone can understand, starting with mom but also on top of that talking about the doctor's office. And I just I was able to follow you step by step the entire way rather than getting diverted by words I didn't understand drifting off when you started talking in the first example of some vitreous something or other that really was way over my head. And so I just enjoyed your description - I wanted to get to the end because I was following you every step of the way. I wanted to hear how the story was going to end.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:09:21] And that is the point. The first example describes the research and the technology. But it wasn't until the last sentence that we learned something about the application of the technology.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:09:34] It is what we call burying our lede. Keep in mind that because of the digital communication world in which we live, the time we now have to capture someone's interest is seven seconds, seven seconds for that investor or strategic partner to decide if they want to tune into our message in the first example. We used our seven seconds to communicate that we've been researching the vitreous proteome for 15 years and have filed patents, 10 biomarkers.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:10:15] Is that enough to keep someone's attention? No. Maybe not. Yeah, right. Right, right. Right. Now, in the second example, we learned that 11 million baby boomers have a potentially blinding eye disease, including Mom. So read skin in the game and most don't respond to drugs on the market. We described a problem. We gave it a name, a number, a face and explained our solution in lay terms. So to sum it up, the way we communicate our scientific advances in a way that's compelling and impactful is to start by describing the problem, the unmet need in human terms, using numbers and details for impact. Number two, we explain the solutions in simple terms, people can understand the new iPhone lets me take amazing photos creating memories every day or what the HMD Test may help doctors determine who will respond to treatment and who won't. So they can get patients on the drug that will work for them. And third, the investor. Now that you understand the problem and I've defined our solution. Let me tell you how and why you should invest in helping us bring this differentiated technology to market.

Mark Bayer: [00:11:47] What am I supposed to do? Like, what do you want me to do? And it was it's so interesting to have to say, Lorraine, because when I was on Capitol Hill, you know, for during a big part of my career, you know, we always needed to know, OK. You've described the problem. Then what? What do you want us to do? You know, it's that call to action that is just so vital. And it was really interesting and crisp the way that you got to that.

Mark Bayer: [00:12:14] Exactly. The call to action? I couldn't have put it better.

Mark Bayer: [00:12:18] Now, let me ask you this question that follows sort of from your example. And this is a question that I get a lot. And I'm really interested. I know it would inform our audience to get your perspective on this, which is, you know, the idea that I want to communicate the real world results of my innovation. But I need to be accurate. And I don't want to overhype it. You know, in working in this community of these these amazing, talented, inspiring researchers who are looking to really push the bounds of what's possible and uncovering these discoveries. And it's so exciting at the same time, this training that at the same time this cohort of folks received, to follow the data. Don't overhype, you know, maybe use the passive voice, you know, and always leave open the possibility that what they're working on is not going to turn out the way that they hope. And it's sort of leading down that trail. How do you balance that tension?

Lorraine Marchand: [00:13:30] Well, Mark, we all appreciate that every opportunity has a challenge. Every pro, a con, and it's no different in the business of science. Well, we need to clearly state the benefits of our technology and communicate a reason to believe. We also need to address risks proactively and provide fair balance. But we don't stop there because there's always risk. We need to present a mitigation, a contingency plan B. So drawing on our example about the wet HMD diagnostic after our opening pitch, we acknowledge that our program has some risks.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:14:18] For example, the samples used to date have been from a sample bank of frozen vitreous. Yet for FDA approval for our test, we need to run a prospective clinical trial to demonstrate that the biomarker changers are consistent and the changes are statistically significant in a large sample size. But we're going to manage this risk, right? So we've got the risk. But now we're going to talk about how we're going to mitigate the risk. We're going to manage this risk in the trial by developing a profile of responders and non responders and then targeting patients subtypes, who we believe will clearly benefit from the test.

Mark Bayer: [00:15:03] Yep - you're demonstrating how thoroughly you've got your mind and your arms around this issue and looking at it from all these different angles. So interesting. And so, so specific and helpful and actionable for listeners. I want to shift a little bit to the next question, which is, you know, we know this term alternative facts. You know, it was born in twenty seventeen. Kellyanne Conway first said those words on Meet the Press, but the virus - it's the latest variant of a mutation of a virus that's been with us for centuries and centuries. But when I talk about that sort of meaning, I'll turn to facts or pre-existing biases, they could be based on incomplete or incorrect data, you know, kind of maybe drawing conclusions from a small data set and kind of applying them more broadly when that's not called for. Do you feel like maybe given your extensive experience, expertise in being in these rooms on both sides and teaching about this? You know, when you first of all, when you're thinking about an alternative fact as a kind of a pre-existing bias that your listener may have, is that, you know, how do you see that as an impediment to innovation? And then how do you recognize that you're in that kind of dynamic, kind of facing that sort of belief system, if you will? And how do you recognize it? And then how do you address it? How do you try to overcome it?

Lorraine Marchand: [00:16:48] Well, Mark, whenever I'm communicating science or technical content to an audience, especially a lay audience, because as you pointed out, even in my teaching, I often have students who are what I might call tourists of health care, medicine, science. I first do what I call a perception audit. And in a perception audit, I identify with the attitudes, knowledge, biases, perceptions of the audience might be. And then I get them into the open. At the beginning, I worked them into the talk.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:17:27] Why? Well, first, by dealing with the perceptions upfront, I reduced distractions during the talk or in the Q&A. Sometimes the perceptions and biases sound unfounded. When you say them out loud, they lose their sting. And secondly, I create through this method empathy with the audience. They feel understood and much more tuned in to my explanation or the facts that I'll present. And I'll give you you an example of a recent example. I was giving a talk a day after the coronavirus story broke. There was a lot of confusion, misinformation and hype at the time. Some of the misinformation was around the origin of the virus. And I knew members of the audience had heard rumors that the virus was manufactured in a lab and might be a terrorist tactic. I opened the talk by pointing to the rumors and speculation given we knew so little about the virus.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:18:39] I said it was completely understandable, but I then went on to reference the data that the Centers for Disease Control had gathered at that point, isolating the virus to the bats sold in the food markets in Wuhan. I explained animal to human transmission of viruses. I reminded everyone of the Saar's outbreak, which is also a coronavirus. I explained how vaccines were developed, why it takes so long, and I could almost see people in the room breathe, relax, nod their heads.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:19:16] And afterwards, many came forward to thank me for that simple lesson in virus transmission because I had actually reduced some of their anxiety around this misinformation and these misperceptions that had been in the rumor mill.

Mark Bayer: [00:19:34] I have to say, Lorraine, that she's I mean, it's so skilled, sophisticated.

Mark Bayer: [00:19:41] I mean, it's what I would expect from a person of your caliber. It's so beautiful to hear and elegant to hear you doing that.

Mark Bayer: [00:19:50] And underlying what you said and even the way you described it is you did all these things with genuineness and authenticity, taking these at face value and suspending any sort of judgment about them. And, you know, getting them out in the open, as you point out, you're taking some of the sting out of these things. So well done! And and brilliant, I have to say. And then, of course, you got this response. And I think, you know, just underlying it, the sort of empathy that you were showing as far as taking these concerns seriously must have gone a long way.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:20:44] Well, I do believe, Mark, that when you display empathy and people feel understood, you have a much better opportunity of having a dialogue of having influence over them and having a more positive outcome.

Mark Bayer: [00:21:02] People need to feel heard. And that can be, you know, that's really a prerequisite that often is ignored. I'm just going to dictate to you or maybe even imply how stupid these things are, how crazy. And perhaps they may be, but you can't, you have to take them seriously to open up that channel, as you pointed out.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:21:32] Exactly. Exactly. Otherwise, you have people sort of challenging you throughout the talk and you just don't have their attention because you haven't been able to settle their mind and recognize and honor the view that they have. Whether it's misguided or not, they still need to be recognized.

Mark Bayer: [00:21:55] Thank you for that example. So, so important. Now, you're a veteran of launching companies. And so what are the essentials that you feel every entrepreneur should know and should be doing and if possible, things that she should be avoiding in starting a company?

Lorraine Marchand: [00:22:17] Sure. So, Mark, the essentials that every entrepreneur needs to know in starting a company. You know, first and foremost, you need to start with feasibility. And the feasibility is an assessment of the risks, the risks of your technology, the financial risks and the market risk. Those are the main large categories.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:22:45] And after an honest assessment of those risks, the entrepreneur needs to make a go or no go decision. And so I think that's sort of the first inflection point is to really understand those risks and determine whether it makes sense to continue with a pursuit of this technology and trying to transition it into a company.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:23:11] That's essential. Secondly.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:23:18] And entrepreneurs, especially scientists, entrepreneurs, oftentimes make this mistake.

Lorraine Marchand: [00:23:25] You have to have a strong management team and that management team has to have a track record of success. So I think the scientist has to keep that principle of staffing to your weaknesses in mind and knowing that while you have the scientific acumen, you likely don't have market investing experience or

Lorraine Marchand: [00:23:51] financial regulatory acumen. And you have to find the best talent to bring into your entity or into your project so that you are getting as much benefit as you can from having a very talented, well-rounded team, and preferably one that has been down this road before and has been successful. That's number two. Number three. And again, I see physician entrepreneurs make this mistake, too. But having experienced this myself, my guidance is to raise as much money as you can. Early on, too many entrepreneurs are afraid of giving away too much equity early on, and they therefore undercapitalize their enterprise and then find they can't raise the money later. And we have so many examples of that happening around the 2008 recession, depression that we had when the markets were very much opened up. You know, going into twenty nine, 09, 2010, a lot of entrepreneurs held back on maximizing that. And then we went into the Valley of Death for several years and we really saw a spike in the number of ventures that just were not able to get the capital to move forward. So you always have to evaluate the pros and the cons. But my guidance is get the capital while you can.

Mark Bayer: [00:25:27] One question about this and really such valuable advice, Lorraine, in the early stages when you are looking, as you point out, you really should be raising as much capital as possible. On the other side, you explain why people can sometimes be hesitant to do that. Are there ways of you know.

Mark Bayer: [00:25:49] So would an idea sort of be to try to raise the capital without sort of the dilution, maybe going after grants or other programs, funding from other federal programs, for example, or other things that don't require equity in exchange?

Lorraine Marchand: [00:26:04] Yes, absolutely. You want to go from the the mildest form of capital or the non dilutive forms of capital up the ladder, if you will. So to the extent that you can apply for a small business innovation grants from the NIH or the SBA or the other federal agencies, that you have high net worth individuals in your circles or if not high net worth individuals, family and friends who are willing to be early angel investors. Those are obviously the first two forms of capital raise that you want to try to achieve because they are non dilutive or at least with the angel investing, mildly dilutive impact on, you know, once you get up and running, if you're successful, then you're going to need to transition to venture capital and the various levels of venture capital. And yes, you can progress on this ladder in a way that is phased and tranched and appropriate for the growth of your enterprise and also feels comfortable to you.

Mark Bayer: [00:27:17] Sure. So I really love how you added that at the end, because that is so important. You know, you've given us so much actionable information and specific information. I'm wondering in the next question if is there anything just thinking about communicating your message to investors now taking that sort of tranche of the communications pie, the audience, you know, segment, that audience segment, let's put it that way. Is there anything that you think either bears re-emphasis from what you talked about previously or maybe something that's a little bit different in degree or kind when you're talking about messaging to investors in particular?

Lorraine Marchand: [00:28:04] Yes. And some of it's going to reinforce some of the messages that we've already discussed. But in terms of talking to investors. Number one, remember that investors are looking for a commercially viable product that the market wants that a buyer will pay for, and they want to see a business plan that minimizes exposure to financial, technical and market risk. Number two, they want to see a solid technology that is solving a real problem based on research with the key stakeholders. I always tell my students we don't do innovation in a vacuum. Sitting in the office, we need to get out and talk to at least one hundred customers or other stakeholders that are going to be impacted by our technology in order to prove its merit and to prove that we have somebody who wants our solution. And importantly, that decision maker or that buyer needs to be willing to spend money to fix the problem. And they need to want to spend money on your solution, at least potentially really, really important. If you ask somebody if you'd like this feature or this app on the iPhone, they'll say, sure, if you ask them the question, are you willing to spend fifty dollars a month for this feature, for this app on your cell phone, you might get a different response. Number three, we talked about securing a management team that has succeeded before. And one of the reasons that I emphasize this is because after the solidness of the technology and the de risking, the second thing that investors look for that's the most important to them is investors like management teams who've had a series of successes. So they're going to look at the talent and the track record of the team for be objective and pragmatic decision. Entrepreneurs need to demonstrate that they're not in love with their technology.

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The CoVent-19 Challenge

The CoVent-19 Challenge is the creation of 13 anesthesiologists and advisors from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston-area who have come together to help overcome the ventilator supply crisis during the devastating the COVID-19 pandemic. As experts in mechanical ventilation and frontline workers fighting COVID-19, they seek to develop low-cost, rapidly manufacturable solutions to support heavily burdened modern medical facilities. CoVent’s goal is to close the gap between our actual resources and those in need around the world.

The CoVent-19 Challenge is an open innovation 12-week Grand Challenge for engineers, innovators, designers, and makers. The Challenge launched on the GrabCAD Challenges platform on April 1, 2020. The general admission round resulted in over 213 entries from 43 countries. Seven teams were invited to participate in the invite-only finalist round (details below). The Baxter Academy team is one of the 7 finalists. The invited teams are receiving access to additional resources for completing their ventilator designs and support in creating functional prototypes, including test kits, test lungs, and testing protocols. The prototypes will be evaluated using a test bed to determine which design provides the best combination of performance, safety, reliability, manufacturability, affordability, and simplicity. The final ventilator designs are due to CoVent on June 21st and will then be evaluated by a team of expert medical and technical panelists.

Team Name: Team Baxter Academy

Product Name: The Baxter Ventilator

About the Team:

The team is based at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science and is composed of teachers, students, and alumni from Baxter Academy who live predominantly in Portland, Maine and across New England.

Members:

Jonathan Amory, Team Leader, Engineering Teacher, Baxter Academy

Emmalyn Armstrong

Ben Bernard

Josef Biberstein

Casey Burhoe

Rowan Connor-McCoy

Norris Dale

Zackary DiCelico

Olivia Fowler

James Heffernan

Travis Libsack

Emily Mickool

Nick Nelsonwood

Amanda Palma

Alexander Willette

Jack Yebba

Toby Roy

Bodhi Wilkins

Caden Theriault

Gordon Fream

The Baxter Ventilator was designed specifically to address a shortage of ventilators during a pandemic. The ventilator provides volume control continuous mandatory ventilation (VC-CMV). The tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory to expiratory time (I/E), positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) can all be set on a touch screen or through manual controls. For the patient's safety, the maximum Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) will not exceed 40 cm of water. To allow for use in field hospitals, the ventilator can use ambient air, high or low pressure oxygen. When evaluated on a Gaumard HAL S3201 simulator, the prototype met the target criteria and produced results similar to industry-standard ventilators. In a pandemic mass production and supply chains for ventilators may be disrupted, while surges in demand for medical device components and market failures may limit availability. The Baxter Ventilator was therefore designed to be built by individuals with limited skills in distributed locations, as well as at scale. A single person can assemble a ventilator a day with an only an Allen set and crescent wrench following Ikea type assembly instructions and videos. Using readily available industrial COTs components costing only $1,500, the ventilators are not dependent on specialized equipment or parts and are cost-effective. The design features tried and true mechanisms for long life cycles in harsh environments. The Baxter Ventilator also provides a robust platform for expanded capabilities. Additional sensors and controls are currently being added to the Baxter ventilator to allow features like pressure control continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV) and pressure-support ventilation (PSV).

Press Release from Baxter Academy

PORTLAND, Maine — Engineers like to solve problems and there is no exception in Baxter Academy's engineering teacher Jon Amory. In March, when Amory saw the critical shortage of medical ventilators facing hospitals as they try to help patients afflicted with COVID-19, he started doing research.

"I drew up some schematics, did some calculations and said this is something that I could produce," Amory said.

Although he was quickly convinced he could build one, he wanted to create an emergency ventilator that even under dire circumstances could be built and used by almost anyone. To do that he decided it needed to be built inexpensively, using over-the-counter parts, and only a few tools. It also had to be simple to build. "Anyone who can put together something from Ikea, has a basic knowledge of putting things together, can build it."

"It's one thing to produce one ventilator in one lab, it's another thing to produce something anyone can build."

Amory knew that he could put the machine together most efficiently by himself bouncing ideas off his colleagues but he wanted to include his students. He reached out to them about the project. It wasn't required and there would be no grade. Dozens of students wanted to help.

Maine teacher and students create working ventilator

Working remotely, through virtual meetings a group of about twenty current and former students began to meet and work on the ventilator, including Junior Dennis Slobodzian who has been working on the controls. The ventilator is built on what looks like an iv stand and is controlled with a touch screen pad. It has a motor that controls a belt that goes up and down.

"Basically my job was to make sure that the motor could move in the correct way that we wanted it to," Slobodzian explained. He needed to work on the device in person but is not leaving his home, so his Amory brought it over to him so he could work on it for a few days.

"I was working from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on that thing making sure that it would work for a demo," Slobodzian said.

"It was definitely a worry that we need to make it the best product that we can to make sure it's reliable so we don't harm anyone and once that sunk in it was definitely something that is kind of crazy to think about what these things can do in the real world," Slobodzian said.

Also working on the controls from his apartment in Cambridge, Mass. is MIT graduate student, Baxter Academy alumni Josef Biberstien. When he heard through the grapevine about Amory's project he said he had to help "because it's the right thing to do."

Biberstein, from Freeport, explained when the patient needs to breathe a piston pushes air into the patient's lungs. When the patient needs to be allowed time to breathe out, the piston is drawn back.

"We designed this so that if it fails it fails benignly. It's designed so that it will fail in a way which it doesn't hurt the patient," Biberstein explained.

Students have started called the emergency ventilator OSV, it stands for open source ventilator because they intend to share the plans with the world.

"We’re going to put together like an Ikea pamphlet on how you’d assemble this thing," teacher Jon Amory says. Sophomore Emily Mickool is part of the documentation group that is working on that Ikea-like assembly pamphlet. She says she doesn't want to see the emergency ventilator have to be used.

Amory started his initial plans and drafts on March 21, by Thursday, April 9, the machine was being tested at the University of New England with a simulation specialist and Dawne- Marie Dunbar, a clinical professor of nursing and the Director of the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center. The emergency ventilator was hooked up to a patient simulator.

"What was very exciting was the data that we got from the patient simulator very much mimicked what we would see if it was on a real ventilator," said Dunbar.

Baxter Academy ventilator tested at UNE

"To take parts that are readily available and basically put them together with three tools and to come up with a prototype that worked as well as it did on our patient simulator we were fascinated," Dunbar explained that UNE is committed to allowing Jon Amory to continue to test his emergency ventilator at their facility.

In less than three weeks, Amory and his students build an emergency ventilator for $1,500 - a medical-grade ventilator costs anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. The machine requires a set of Allen keys and a crescent wrench to put it together. All the parts can be purchased from three different suppliers and all the supplies are in stock.

Amory may have built the emergency ventilator for a worst-case scenario but it has been an amazing learning experience for his students.

"I think where it's really important is to see that they (students) can put their skills to use right away. That when there's a crisis or a challenge that comes up, they can rise to the occasion... implement the skills that they've learned so far and see themselves being relevant to help find solutions to the problem," Amory said.

The emergency ventilator still needs to undergo continuous testing and Amory says his students

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The CoVent-19 Challenge

The CoVent-19 Challenge is the creation of 13 anesthesiologists and advisors from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston-area who have come together to help overcome the ventilator supply crisis during the devastating the COVID-19 pandemic. As experts in mechanical ventilation and frontline workers fighting COVID-19, they seek to develop low-cost, rapidly manufacturable solutions to support heavily burdened modern medical facilities. CoVent’s goal is to close the gap between our actual resources and those in need around the world.

The CoVent-19 Challenge is an open innovation 12-week Grand Challenge for engineers, innovators, designers, and makers. The Challenge launched on the GrabCAD Challenges platform on April 1, 2020. The general admission round resulted in over 213 entries from 43 countries. Seven teams were invited to participate in the invite-only finalist round (details below). The Baxter Academy team is one of the 7 finalists. The invited teams are receiving access to additional resources for completing their ventilator designs and support in creating functional prototypes, including test kits, test lungs, and testing protocols. The prototypes will be evaluated using a test bed to determine which design provides the best combination of performance, safety, reliability, manufacturability, affordability, and simplicity. The final ventilator designs are due to CoVent on June 21st and will then be evaluated by a team of expert medical and technical panelists.

Team Name: SmithVent

Product Name: SmithVent

About the Team: The SmithVent team is a group of 30 Smith College engineering alumni and friends who joined together to collaborate on something meaningful that they could contribute to the COVID-19 amelioration efforts. They are currently operating as a virtual team, conducting all of their work remotely, and much of it asynchronously. While having limited time to contribute, they are making fast progress working together.

Location: United States + Canada + Germany

Co-leads: Susannah Howe, Astrid Landeau

Adrienne Horne, Alex Widstrand, Alyssa Tham, Angelica Vargas, Beatrix Dalton, Chelsea Hinds-Charles, Claire Dudek, Dan Lin, Devin Carroll, Eleanor Claire-higgins Ory, Emily Dixon, Eric Jensen, Farida Sabry, Ha Phuong Le, Kalifa Clarke, Katie Wood, Laura Lilienkamp, Mandira Marambe, Naylani Halpern-Wight, Nick Howe, Nora Paul-Schultz, Phoebe DeGroot, Sangye Kazi, Sarah Chu, Shuying Zhen, Taylor Beall, Vivian Nelson, Yuting Ren

Smith College News Article

In a recent Zoom meeting, members of a Smith engineering design team came dressed in their college finery: blue-and gold-sweatshirts, t-shirts and hard hats sporting the Smith logo.

Team members had gathered from locations spanning the globe to mark a milestone: the successful completion of their design for a mechanical ventilator for use during the coronavirus pandemic.

Less than a week later, they had even more reason to celebrate, as they learned that the SmithVent design is one of seven finalists chosen from among more than 200 entries in the CoVent-19 ventilator challenge. The next round will identify a device for rapid manufacture and use on the front lines of the pandemic.

“This has been the best example of any project I’ve ever been involved with showing that many hands make light work,” said Susannah Howe, director of Smith’s Engineering Design Clinic, who put out the call for a Smith team in early April. “You’ve gone above and beyond what I expected with this amazing work, which we now want to share with the world.” The month-long, open-source CoVent-19 competition was launched by a group of anesthesiology residents at Massachusetts General Hospital in partnership with Ximedica medical device company. When Howe—who is on sabbatical this semester—heard about the challenge at the start of April, she immediately reached out to the Smith engineering community. In less than 48 hours, she had a group of 29—including two Smith staff members and a member of the class of 2020—eager to work on designing a ventilator.

Operating on such a tight deadline and at a distance from each other was challenging, said Astrid Landeau ’15, co-leader and project manager for team SmithVent. “But it wasn’t as difficult as I thought because people were so motivated.”

At the Zoom celebration, Landeau shared slides showing how work on the project was broken down into five-day “sprints” and meticulously documented on Google Drive so that team members could easily pick up tasks where others left off.

“Twenty-five days ago, Sprint 1 started and we pretty much didn’t know what a ventilator was,” Landeau reminded the group. “Our medical research team soared into action, asking those hard questions and figuring out what we needed to do.”

From there, the team reviewed design options, settled on a plan for a pneumatic ventilator, and documented the complex system requirements for their toaster oven-sized device. Their submission also included 34 multiple design improvements that could be taken up in a second round of competition.

“It’s not just our collaboration that’s been amazing,” Landeau said. “It’s also our output.”

SmithVent members brought a variety of skills and experiences to the design challenge.

· Shuying Zhen ’19, who is an engineer with GE Renewable Energy in South Carolina, came with programming and 3D printing skills. “SmithVent was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the community and contribute to a well organized effort to meet the current ventilator shortage,” she said.

· Phoebe DeGroot ’13, a project and technical coordinator for the Center for Research and Robotics at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, championed the team’s complex computer-aided design work.

· Kalifa Clarke ’14, a research and development engineer for a Florida-based medical equipment company, “jumped at the chance” to work on the ventilator project as a way to support frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic.

· Emily Dixon ’15, who teaches math and computer science at the Putney School in Vermont, took on the task of contacting medical researchers to ensure that the team’s design aligned with healthcare needs.

Paying close attention to evolving knowledge about COVID-19 was one of the keys to the team’s success in the first round, Howe said.

“We did a lot of research as a group on the pros and cons of existing ventilators and the needs expressed by the medical community,” she noted. “In COVID situations, it’s not always the case that ventilators have to do all the breathing. But people can also be on them for a long time. We weren’t just trying to make something that works, but something that works for people.”

At the Zoom celebration, team members sent each other virtual sticky notes with messages of gratitude for a challenge well met. Several said they plan to share the SmithVent design with co-workers as a model for how to successfully accomplish a deadline-driven challenge.

For Naylani Halpern-Wright ’15, who is studying for a master’s degree in the Netherlands, being on the team helped her feel connected during a time of unprecedented isolation.

“I have rediscovered what I learned during my Design Clinic experience at Smith: That Smithies are uniquely good at working together and communicating with one another,” she said. “I’m amazed and full of wonder at what we’ve been able to do together.”

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How do you talk about science in a manner that engages the general audience? For so long, scientists have been separated from the public through confusing dogma and research papers that do not translate well to everyday life. Public opinion and policies depend heavily on scientific studies, and people are drawn to those who can relay scientific information to them in an honest, clear, and understandable language. Because when scientists communicate well, the world tends to stop and listen to what they have to say as policies and procedures are affected by new discoveries and ideas.

Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., is a Worldwide Medical Ph.D. Post-doctoral Industry Fellow at Biogen, where she uses digital strategy and science to connect with findings in clinical studies and take charge of digital projects in response to high priority Biogen assets. She is also currently a Science and Media consultant at iQ360 Inc., a PR communications and digital reputation management firm. where she developed and sourced original scientific content for social media posts along with interviews with leading academic scientists.

She previously served as Program Coordinator at Emerson College for the innovative Ask for Evidence public awareness campaign about the need to question the credibility in sourcing and public information related to science. Lauren also taught students and selected faculty at Emerson College about the best ways to incorporate the evidence-based curriculum into their classrooms and manage the artistic design and promotion of Boston subway ads related to the Ask for Evidence campaign. She has also served as a research assistant and lab manager at Harvard University where her work included performing independent research on calorie restriction and surgical stress relevance while managing the daily operations and ordering of the lab. Lauren has authored three publications, two of which she was the first author while at the lab.

Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., received her doctorate in Philosophy and Biological Sciences from Harvard University and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government with a minor in Spanish from Smith College.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., talks about the factors that attributed to her interest in public and science and how these fields interact with each other

Lauren shares her insight on how world facts can change the narrative we have sympathized with on sociological and economic levels

How saying yes when taking on a new path and being willing to build connections allowed Dr. Robertson to move from one field to another

Lauren discusses the different ways to tailor scientific content in a digestible and interesting way

How communication is iterative and is dependent on preparatory work and why it’s a prerequisite for building understanding and trust within a community

The power of science and its ability to change and improve government policy and in shaping public opinion

Lauren shares her tips and strategies for making science relatable and understandable without sacrificing accuracy

Why are scientists having difficulty in communicating to the general audience and why is it important for politics and society

Connect with Lauren Robertson, Ph.D. Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., on LinkedIn

Utilizing Facts for Impactful Scientific Narratives Facts govern our society and help us to connect to others despite having differing opinions on certain issues. We rely on facts in order to address the discrepancies that we see in how information is absorbed and understood by the general public, encompassing socioeconomic backgrounds, cultural standards, and other factors that affect public perception and policy. Whatever platform you decide to utilize, it is imperative for science and politics to find a common ground so that society can benefit from studies and policies that come from these two fields.

Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., aims to equip scientists with the right ventricular to connect with the general public. While scientists may have the research that effectively backs up their claim, giving just the essential and relatable facts is not something they are taught. Dr. Robertson has seen the need for scientists to be able to communicate effectively in an engaging manner so that their findings can help assuage fears, uncertainty, and misunderstanding of scientific findings that impact everyday living.

Saying Yes to Exploration and Building A Community What makes you say yes to opportunity? How do you know if a particular event in your life will push you forward and closer to where you need to be? People are offered different opportunities each day and while it can be overwhelming, choosing to say yes to opportunities can open gateways for you in fields that you wouldn’t have considered entering otherwise. By saying yes, you allow yourself to explore possibilities that can help you determine which future is right for you.

Lauren Robertson, Ph.D. learned for herself the power and opportunities that come with saying “yes”. She explains that while not all doors that have opened for her were meant to make her stay, it has allowed her to learn things that helped her in the fields that she has decided to be a part of. It was through the opportunities that she said yes to that she learned the importance of interaction and communication and how these play a vital role in different aspects of society. She realized that her method of communicating her research finding was ineffective and often confused the individual rather than enlightening them on the subject. She found out that if we are to bridge gaps in society and properly address issues, the way facts and studies are communicated should be given importance.

Learn more about Lauren Robertson, Ph.D., on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Human-centered design thinking has always been a widely applicable field of study and implementation. Design thinking has begun to change how we approach research and data analysis from facilitators to design sprints and creating conversations that promote change and understanding of an issue. Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., utilizes the power of design thinking to track the progress and success of graduates while integrating methods on how to help them thrive in a postdoctoral world.

Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., is the Assistant Dean to the Graduate and Postdoctoral Training and Development at Georgetown University Medical Center. He also serves as the Assistant Professor for the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Director of Academy for Transferable Management Skills at Georgetown University. He previously worked as a Training Specialist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, and as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, where he planned, managed, and executed an independent laboratory research project under the program of the DNA Tumor Virus Section Chief.

Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., received his doctorate in Philosophy and Microbiology with a specialization in virology from the NYU School of Medicine Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences. He is currently working on his Masters of Professional Studies in Design Management and Communications from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, and he received his bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Cornell University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., shares his perspective on the current pandemic as a Ph.D. in microbiology specializing in virology

Making use of qualitative and quantitative measurements of engagement to weave data and narrative together in marketing communications

Caleb gives an overview of the Academy of Transferable Management Skills, A.T.M.S. and how they bridge the needs of stakeholders in career development and graduates

Using design thinking as a tool for improvement and refinement.

Connect with Caleb McKinney, Ph.D. Caleb McKinney, Ph.D. on LinkedIn

Caleb McKinney, Ph.D. at Georgetown University

The Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement of Engagement How do you gauge the impact of your marketing campaign at a university level? What metrics are you using to measure and translate your data about students and their academic careers, and how are you using these data to help them in their plans after graduation? It isn't as simple as pressing a button but with the right questions on demographic, social channels, and defining objectives, the results will be able to provide useful and reliable data that can help address the concerns and needs of graduate students.

Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., uses a human-centered design thinking approach to gauge effectively how graduate students relate to transferable skills and the importance of their desire to pursue postdoctoral outcomes. His data allow him to craft programs that help students grow in their essential professional skills in multiple areas.

Enhancing the Narrative Through Data Points Data have always been incredibly helpful in creating a convincing narrative that allows others to draw inspiration and insight from someone else's experience. It concretizes the possibilities that come after the conclusion of their doctoral studies and gives them an idea of how these options can turn out for them should they choose to pursue them. These data points provide a significant amount of resources to track and measure how the narrative impacts the student's overall development. By providing relatable stories for students and generating a response from them, it becomes possible to create programs that will enable them to use their transferable and marketable skills in broadening their horizons post-graduation.

Weaving a narrative that utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods of measurement has allowed Dr. McKinney to navigate the barrier that separates students from the world beyond postdocs. He is able to connect graduates with an overview of what employers look for and they are able to get a better grasp of how they apply their skills in their field of study to further their career growth.

Learn more about Caleb McKinney, Ph.D.on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Virologist Warner Greene, MD, PhD is studying how the COVID-19 virus enters cells, and will screen a library of FDA-approved drugs to identify those that could be rapidly repurposed as a treatment to stop cellular entry and spread of the virus.

Before the emergence of the pandemic, Dr. Green and his team focused on understanding the interactions between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the cells it infects with the goal of providing new approaches for therapy and prevention. Using a combination of molecular, biochemical, cell biological, and immunological techniques, the lab pursued two main goals. First, to mitigate the inflammation and loss of immune cells that are the hallmark of HIV infection, and second to overcome the persistent obstacles to curing HIV/AIDS by controlling or eradicating the pool of HIV virus that hides in a subset of cells known as the latent reservoir.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gladstone scientists have rapidly pivoted the focus of their research labs to the novel virus, SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, they are leveraging their established tools, unique infrastructure, and diverse expertise in virology to develop improved diagnostics, identify targeted treatment strategies, and invent preventative approaches.

Gladstone scientists were instrumental in converting HIV/AIDS from a uniformly lethal disease into a chronic condition and are now bringing the same urgency and focus to combatting COVID-19 in a comprehensive manner.

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Breast cancer is preventable and yet, many women all over the world still get it. The question now is, how can you prevent and reduce your risks of developing breast cancer? Laura Esserman, MD is determined to change things through the WISDOM (Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk) study.

Laura Esserman, MD is a Professor of Surgery and Radiology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and she is also the Director of the UCSF Breast Care Clinic. Her work in breast cancer spans the spectrum from basic science to public policy issues and the impact of both on the delivery of clinical care.

Dr. Esserman is recognized as a thought leader in cancer screening and overdiagnosis, as well as innovative clinical trial design. She led the creation of the University of California-wide Athena Breast Health Network, a learning system designed to integrate clinical care and research as it follows 150,000 women from screening through treatment and outcomes.

The Athena Network launched the PCORI-funded WISDOM (Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk) study, which tests a personalized approach to breast cancer screening in 100,000 women. Dr. Esserman is also a leader of the innovative I-SPY trial model designed to accelerate the identification and approval of effective new agents for women with high-risk breast cancer.

Dr. Esserman earned her MD and MBA from Stanford University, and her Bachelor's in the History of Science from Harvard University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Laura Esserman, MD talks about her work in personalized medicine

Why personalized medicine is crucial for breast cancer treatment

What is the WISDOM (Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk) study and what does it hope to accomplish?

Dr. Esserman talks about the current protocol for mammograms and why the approach needs to change

The challenges that the WISDOM study has faced so far

How Dr. Esserman and her team have been communicating the value of the WISDOM trial and how they encourage women to enroll in the study

What are the implications of personalized medicine from the patient, government, and public health standpoint?

The lessons that Dr. Esserman has learned in the process of putting together a coalition for successful trials

Connect with Laura Esserman, MD Laura Esserman, MD on LinkedIn

WISDOM Study

The importance of personalized medicine Laura Esserman, MD has built her career around trying to deliver optimal care to everyone, and this includes designing care based on biology, patient preference, and clinical performance. Personalized care revolves around the recognition of the different risk factors for every person and acknowledging the fact that the treatment procedure for diseases varies from person to person. It allows patients to get the care they need based on their own profile, reducing the risks of overtreatment. She is particularly interested in diagnosing and identifying the various risk levels of breast cancer in diagnosed patients, thereby giving them the help they need to feel better and get better.

This is the reason why Dr. Esserman’s work with the WISDOM study is focused on how to right-size breast cancer treatment. She says that there is a wealth of study around breast cancer and treatment options for those who need it and being able to zero-in on the right treatment plan for a patient risk level is crucial to optimal and efficient health care.

The WISDOM (Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk) study and its impact on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment The screening process for breast cancer has pretty much remained the same over the past four decades. Initially, breast cancer was considered a single disease and it was noticed by doctors that late diagnosis often had worse outcomes than those who were diagnosed early. Though screening has been helpful, it hasn’t had the kind of impact that medical professionals were hoping for which is why Dr. Esserman is intent on making the process for diagnosis and treatment better.

The PCORI-funded WISDOM study intends to address this issue and it has zeroed-in on two things: proper screening of how malignant or how advanced the cancer is, and determining which type of breast cancer the patient has. This shifts the idea of treatment from being a uniform approach to a more personalized treatment plan. By retrofitting the process of diagnosis and treatment, WISDOM is able to properly address the needs of women with breast cancer.

Learn more about Laura Esserman, MD and the WISDOM study on this episode of When Science Speaks.

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The biotech industry is dominated by highly educated and skilled professionals with a background in science. This poses an entry barrier for some but not for Danielle Silva. Despite her economics background, she was able to bootstrap her startup in the biotech industry at 22 years old and has been on an impressive upward trajectory ever since.

Danielle Silva is the Assistant Vice President of Capital Advisors Group where she focuses on business development efforts for life science and tech companies in New England and the Mid Atlantic.

Previously, Danielle led Silicon Valley Bank Analytics’ national life science business development. She is one of the founders of Life Science Nation where she helps life science companies raise capital, and she is a board member of The Deal Mak(her)s, an educational and networking group for women involved in deal-making.

She received her BA in Economics and Policy Studies from Syracuse University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Danielle Silva talks about how she built Life Science Nation at 22 and gives an overview of the work they do

How Danielle managed impostor syndrome as a young founder

Danielle talks about the challenges she faced as a woman executive in a biotech startup and how she overcame them

Danielle talks about The Deal Mak(her)s and what they do

Communication strategies and techniques for early-stage founders

Danielle discusses some tips on how to break into the biotech space and how willing members of the community are to help each other

Connect with Danielle Silva The Deal Mak(her)s

Life Science Nation

Danielle Silva on LinkedIn

Managing Impostor Syndrome When shifting into an industry that’s different from the one you’re used to, it’s not uncommon to come down with impostor syndrome at some point. Especially in a highly critical and precise industry such as the science industry, how you get ahead of things and manage yourself internally plays a key role in your potential success.

Danielle Silva realized early on that no one has all the answers and that you don't have to have ready-made answers for every question thrown your way. Based on her own experience, she says that the most important thing was being a problem solver, having the flexibility to adapt, and surrounding herself with a team or network of people with deep expertise in the industry so that you can have a better understanding of the industry. Because the only way for you to feel genuinely that you are a part of something is to engage, to learn, and to embrace everything it has to offer.

Overcoming academic background challenges when joining a new industry One challenge many entrepreneurs face when breaking into a new industry is the issue of perceived inexperience. As a newcomer in the science industry, Danielle knew she had to take the necessary steps to showcase what she has to offer and she was able to address the challenge posed by her coming from a different academic background by building her network within the science industry.

She was able to gain credibility in her new field by staying on top of the information flow in the industry. She was able to prove that she has the necessary skills and expertise to make a mark in the field of science. Danielle not only made a mark, but she also made it possible for other women in the science industry to band together and support each other specifically in the biotech industry.

Learn more about Danielle Silva on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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In this episode, we speak with Rich Boyer, MD, PhD who is a PGY-4 resident anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Rich has a unique background. He has a PhD in biomedical engineering, and an MD degree, both from Vanderbilt University.

While matriculating at Vanderbilt, he worked with the institution to establish their pioneering MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training degree program.

Rich has invaluable industry experience as well. He worked as an R&D engineer at Baxter International, and then served as co-founder of medical device startup Volumetrix, which was awarded NSF Phase I STTR & NIH Phase I/II SBIR grants for the development of wearable hemodynamic monitors.

Anesthesiologists play a variety of critical roles in a hospital setting, in terms of providing anesthesia support for surgery, as well as critical care and pain management, giving them a broad perspective. He’s also a Research Fellow in their Cardiovascular Research Center.

He and his fellow anesthesiologist residents have been doing their intense daily rotations in the ICU as the COVID19 pandemic spiked. Rich first conceived of the challenge while being quarantined after exposure to an infected patient.

A strong team player, he wanted to contribute while in isolation. At first, he thought that he would design a ventilator using his biomedical engineering skills. This evolved into an open call to designers to design medically effective, affordable ventilators. He recruited his fellow residents to join the team, and they launched the CoVent 19 Challenge.

They then assembled a core group of in-kind sponsors to provide a range of tools software, and resources to support the team’s efforts, including MCAD and requirements - driven design software, 3D printing, Biomedical Engineering consulting as well as a 24 hour Slack channel for real-time support from a broad range of medical and biomedical engineering experts.

When not in ICU, he and his core team have been managing this global rapid ventilator design challenge, a strong indication of their selfless character. The team set up as a 501(c)(3) non - profit with the intention to share the designs openly in order to make them available wherever they are needed. Just 30 days from the launch of the Challenge, 213 teams submitted designs from 43 countries around the globe.

On 5 May, 7 teams were chosen as finalists after an exhaustive review by a panel of world class experts. Teams range from faculty and alums at Stanford University and Smith College to a teacher and high school students at the Baxter Academy to a lone inventor in the UK, who recently won the Queen’s Prize for Innovation.

Each one of the teams has a very compelling backstory and all have very inspiring motivations that compelled them to participate.

The teams will now have about 3 weeks to create a working prototype, before a final winning design will be selected and move into production. They are being given a significant amount of on-going support to complete their designs and bring them to life.

Disclosure: Co-host Mike Grandinetti is a member of the Board of Directors of the CoVent19 Challenge

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When shifting from academics to the corporate business world you, need to have a mindset shift that requires you to step out of the Ivory Tower and take a look around to see where else you can provide value. And in order to do that, Abhijit Sanyal says you have to first discover what your value is beyond research and teaching.

Abhijit Sanyal is a Senior Executive with more than 25 years of experience across 300 projects focused on Marketing Strategy, Marketing Science, and Data Science. He is currently a Senior Advisor at Spinnaker Analytics, a firm focused on AI and predictive analytics, and a partner at Sanyal Capital Group, a strategic real estate investment firm.

Abhijit also serves as Faculty and Member of the Data Science and Analytics Advisory Board at Merrimack College. He has been a Founding Member of a media and entertainment startup, Head of the Analytics Function at two boutique healthcare consulting firms, and has also managed teams at IBM and Oliver Wyman Consulting.

Abhijit Sanyal earned his Ph.D. in Marketing and Quantitative Methods at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He earned his MBA in Marketing at the Indian Institute of Management and his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks How Abhijit Sanyal made the switch from academics to management consulting

How Abhijit’s academic background helped mold his approach in translating data into corporate strategy

Abhijit discusses how AI and machine learning has evolved over the years

The skills postgrads and post-docs need in order to successfully transition from academia to the corporate or nonprofit government sector

Abhijit shares the goals and milestones that he would like to achieve in the field of data science and analytics

Connect with Abhijit Sanyal Abhjihit Sanyal on LinkedIn

Transitioning from Academics into Corporate Business World Making the switch from academics into corporate can be daunting but imagine if you have to do it as an immigrant in a country that was currently experiencing a recession. That was how Abhijit Sanyal’s journey in the corporate world started because after several trials for an academic position with no success, it was an interview for a management consulting role in data science and analytics that gave Abhijit the position that would change things for him.

It was a big move but he considered the value he could provide from a professional standpoint to the industry and decided that he was in a better position to create change where it was needed the most. He embraced the transition and focused on providing that additional perspective into the data science and analytics industry that he can provide to further it even more.

The Skills You Need to Make the Switch from Academia into the Corporate World Your journey into data science and analytics will be a lot smoother if you’re coming from a computationally intensive field. Beginning your journey by taking as many statistics, predictive analytics, data science, marketing, and finance courses as you can so the jargon of the field will not overwhelm you is crucial to your success.

Abhijit says you should also build a machine learning and data science portfolio using some opensource software and data sources while also grabbing real-world opportunities to enhance your skills and your understanding of the field. This will help you identify your career trajectory and help you determine the roadmap towards your optimal positioning in the field of data science and analytics.

Learn more about Abhijit Sanyal on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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How do you bridge the gap between students who do not have the necessary experience and network that will help them get hired after college and companies who are counting their losses and are working to avoid hiring the wrong people? Leah Davidson saw this as a dilemma that persists in society and she has made it her mission to connect students looking to gain real-world experience with companies who are willing to host exciting projects.

Leah Davidson is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with a compelling personal story. She's the co-founder of Canduit, a SaaS platform for experiential learning that matches students looking to gain real-world experience with companies hosting exciting projects. Canduit is currently working with about 30 plus universities in North and Latin America, as well as online education programs, high schools, and camps.

Before co-founding Canduit, Leah was the Strategic Partner Manager at DoorDash where she was responsible for strategy and operational roles. While at DoorDash, she founded Project Dash which used DoorDash’s logistics network to minimize food waste and fight hunger.

Leah has served as a United Nations Youth Ambassador which involves various roles for different UN agencies including being a blogger for UNICEF's Voices of Youth Initiative on the Environment and Climate Change. She has also served as a youth expert policymaker for UNESCO on education and sustainable development at a conference hosted in Japan.

Leah earned her Bachelor of Science degree and graduated as summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Economics Management in Global Innovation and minored in English.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Leah Davidson shares how being the first to attend college in her family shaped her time at Wharton and her professional life

How Leah realized the best way to bridge the gap between students looking for experiential learning and companies who wanted to hire the right talent

Leah discusses piloting Canduit’s technology in Santiago, Chile

The real-world problems and use-cases that shaped Canduit’s target market

Leah shares her perspective on the market outlook for experiential and online learning

How Canduit can support and work with PhDs and postdocs

Leah shares her advice on funding and other resources for young startup founders

Skills Leah has found useful in her leadership role

Connect with Leah Davidson Canduit

Leah Davidson on LinkedIn

Greg Lewin on LinkedIn

DoorDash

Enabling Academic and Workplace Connection Finding out what they want to do after years of studying is a struggle for students at any level. And even when they know, getting the job they desire remains elusive to many because they lack the experience and connections necessary to land a job that finds them to be the right fit. On the other hand, employers are working hard to minimize their expenditures for recruitment while at the same time, optimizing their recruitment efforts. They want to make sure they hire the right people but they often lack the tools that can help them find the right talent for the position that they need to fill.

Having been on the student side, Leah Davidson understands the anxiety it creates among her peers, and she learned from her partner, Greg Lewin, that the same woes ail the corporate world. This is why they decided to bridge the gap between students looking to gain experiential learning that they can add to their resume and companies who want to work with the right people for the right job. And so they created Canduit, a SaaS platform that matches students looking to gain real-world experience with companies hosting exciting projects.

More exposure for students in a less confrontational setting Experience and connection are often necessary to help students land their dream job after the years they spent studying and preparing for their chosen career. It would be helpful for them to be exposed to companies with goals and businesses geared towards the path they want to take because this will do two things: concretize their career trajectory and provide them with experiences that they can add to their resume.

Canduit aims to provide students with an opportunity to gain this exposure in a less confrontational setting. They are able to provide students with real-life experience on what it would be like to work in the industry they are aiming for and can help pave the path towards getting hired by even better companies in the future. According to Leah, it’s not always about getting hired by the big names from the get-go, it’s more important to be hired by companies who are a perfect fit for your skills and your ideal career path.

As for companies, Canduit is able to give them a roster of candidates who are capable of fulfilling the needs of their company, people with the right technical know-how and a passion to learn the ropes and get the job done. They allow companies to get a glimpse of who to hire based on accurate work samples, which are the number one predictor on job performance. Doing this also takes away the confrontational process of students and employers trying to sell themselves.

Canduit offers both students and companies an opportunity to work together both online and offline, giving them the space they need to build networks, connections, and answering the need to find the right fit for jobs and experiences.

Learn more about Leah Davidson on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Working in close collaboration at the University of Delaware’sDesign Studio, Co-Directors Whitney Sample &Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Jenni Buckley, PhDhave established a partnership based on mutual admirationand respect. While designers & engineers often bring different world views and personalities to their work which creates a level of tension, Jenni & Whitney can finish one another’s sentences and often do.

Both of them have deep connections in the medical and healthcare fields. Virtually simultaneously, both were being inundated with requests from medical doctors who were very concerned about the lack of PPE as the pandemic began to escalate. These inquiries served as the catalyst for springing Whitney and Jenni into action. After doing their own research, they realized that many other projects were targeting N95 medical grade masks.

They decided to focus on designing a mask that would serve the needs of essential frontline workers at grocery stores & pharmacies, food delivery, Amazon, UPS & FedEx drivers, and first responders. Whitney sought out inspiration from a number of existing populardesigns and then brought his 30 years of experience to bear to improve upon what is currently available. The end goal – a design that has a properlytight yet comfortable fit, where filters can be readily replaced, and which can be produced affordably at scale and easily stored in a convenient form factor – essentially flat-packed like a military ready -to-eat meals eg., “MRE “ The ingenious “HensNest” mask design – in honor of the U. of Delaware mascot the Blue Hens, is best appreciated when you look at the assembly video. It’s a tented structure that makes it far easier to breathe. It accommodates a range of recommended filters. Most importantly, it is scientifically proven to be 4-8X more effective than traditional cloth masks. The implication- many lives will be saved as a result of using his superior design as we re-open the US economy.

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There are certain clinical nuances in medical and/or scientific communication that gets lost in translation when communications professionals without background on the subject are left to relay these messages on their own. This is why Dr. Austin Lee Chiang Medical made it one of his biggest goals to get more clinicians on social media to talk about their work and to help educate the public. But this requires the ability to distill science for public consumption without dumbing down the information. This line between jargon and layman’s term is what science professionals need to tread in order to get their message across the right way.

Dr. Austin Lee Chiang is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Director of the Endoscopic Bariatric Program, and the Chief Medical Social Media Officer at Jefferson Health. He's also the Founding President of the Association for Healthcare Social Media, an advisory board member of the Association for Bariatric Endoscopy, and he is also on committees for the leading national GI societies.

Dr. Chiang is triple board certified in Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He completed an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital before staying on as faculty. Prior to that, he obtained a Master's in Public Health from Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. At about the same time, he trained in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Brigham and Women's Hospital where he completed the fellowship in Geriatric Endoscopy.

Dr. Chiang received his MD and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Columbia University. Before that, he attended Duke University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Biology.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Dr. Austin Lee Chiang talks about why he’s on TikTok and what he hopes to achieve by joining the platform

How Dr. Chiang distills medical information into the limited time in TikTok videos

How Dr. Chiang comes up with topics for his posts on social media

Things Dr. Chiang hopes to achieve as Chief Medical Social Media Officer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

How Dr. Chiang’s colleagues relate with him as the Chief Medical Social Media Officer

Should scientific information be shared on Instagram?

Dr. Chiang gives tips on how clinicians and health organizations can get started with using social media and how to choose which platform to use

Connect with Austin Lee Chiang, MD Sidney Kimmel Medical College

LinkedIn for Austin Lee Chiang, MD

Dr. Austin Lee Chiang on Instagram

Dr. Austin Lee Chiang on Twitter

Dr. Austin Lee Chiang on Tiktok

Health Information Sharing How much of the health information patients receive during when speaking with a medical practitioner actually sticks with them? Dr. Austin Lee Chiang says that not a lot of information is retained by patients because of the huge mental load it gives, and this opens up patients to the risk of misinformation which can easily be spread through social media. Like wildfire, misinformation can spread so fast and this can lead to bigger problems for the public and for the medical society. This is why Dr. Chiang believes that it’s important for health professionals to make themselves visible on social media in order to share information in a manner that can be easily understood yet is still accurate. He himself has been using various social media platforms to reach out to people not only to share his experience as a doctor with those eager to join the medical field but also to share his knowledge with people in a bid to fight the proliferation of misinformation.

Distilling Science for Public Consumption Granted, there’s no hard and fast rule for sharing scientific or medical information in a way the public can understand. For Dr. Chiang, he says that putting yourself in the shoes of patients and the public helps him choose topics to cover in the limited time frame allotted in social media. By trying to see things from the perspective of the audience, he is able to figure out what to share and how to best convey the relevant information in the most comprehensible way possible. However, Dr. Chiang says that although social media is most a lot of humor and fun, health professionals should make sure that they are being thoughtful with how they portray patient interactions and the work that they do to avoid misconceptions and misunderstandings. Optimizing social media advantages is a great tool for health professionals but they should still keep in mind that they are professionals and that what they do is in the service of the public.

Choosing the Topics to Cover on Social Media Dr. Chiang bases the topics he covers on his social media accounts on his expertise, his experience, and some of the common questions he encounters when dealing with patients. He says that sharing useful and helpful information that the public can easily understand is a responsibility that healthcare professionals should take seriously. Accurate representation of data, information, and healthcare tips is more important than just being fun and relatable. By choosing to go for topics that you have a wealth of knowledge on, you can guarantee that what you share will be what is truly needed by your target audience. Learn more about Dr. Austin Lee Chiang on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The Georgia Institute of Technology is a Top 5 ranked national public research university.

More commonly known as Georgia Tech, the school has long been considered one of the US’s premier Institutes of Higher Education focused on educating the next generation of engineers, designers and scientists.

Given its stature, it is only natural that GT has taken on major leadership role in response to COVID19. “The Georgia Tech Community Response to COVID19” https://pwp.gatech.edu/rapid-response/ has been comprehensive.

In this episode, we focus on the dedicated efforts of Chris Saldana, Associate Professor of Manufacturing Engineering, where under his leadership, a wide range of high impact rapid design and prototyping projects are being led. Given the strong sense of urgency, the team is focused on maturing and optimizing readily available “open designs” and tailoring for local needs as required. Chris describes how he and his colleagues and student volunteers have broken down the silos across GT’s six colleges and thirty + separate departments to make things happen. He also shares the collaborative, give-and -take nature of working with medical experts who have been very vocal about their exacting requirements to ensure the designs and the equipment they create is able to protect our front line health care workers.

The team is has worked with its’ key clinical partner Emory University Hospital, and its manufacturing partner Siemens, to rapidly ramp up to produce hundreds of thousands of critically needed facial shields per week. These are being consumed rapidly at many area hospitals and the plan is to achieve volumes of 1 Million plus as needed

https://pwp.gatech.edu/rapid-response/face-shields/ Video of injection molding face shields

https://pwp.gatech.edu/rapid-response/face-shields/ The team’s efforts on this project were recently highlighted in the New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000007046207/coronavirus-innovative-equipment.html The team has also produced “intubation boxes” which are used to protect both patient and health care worker when intubation or extubation, both very high risk medical procedures, are performed. These will be used at area hospitals.

In addition, the team has created a low-cost, highly affordable ventilator that can be distributed to emerging economies of Africa, India and Southeast Asia where extreme affordability is critical. The cost to manufacture these vitally important medical devices is approximately $200 per device.

Lastly, students David Gamero and Zoe Klesmith, working under Chris’ direction, has been inspired by an ingenious South Korean patient testing booth design:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-33i9B8m6E They are creating a design similar to this design derivative that was made for use at Boston’s prestigious Brigham + Women’s Hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhXOmA4sC3s Every single one of GT’s designs highlighted in this podcast are being made freely available for use by anyone who wants to make use of them. See the yellow “contact us” bar at the bottom of the page. https://pwp.gatech.edu/rapid-response/ for more information.

While our front-line health care workers are certainly heroes, let’s not forget to celebrate the heroic efforts of engineers like Chris Saldana and his dedicated colleagues and students, in providing critical equipment in the fight against COVID19. It’s tireless and selfless efforts like this that show American innovation, engineering, manufacturing at its best. Well done Georgia Tech!

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Scientists and policy makers have a couple of things in common: they dedicate themselves to a cause larger than themselves. Getting results that positively impacts other people or a certain issue is what drives these special people to overcome every rejection and test failures that they come across with. Policy-making isn’t the easiest field to enter into but for Mike Stebbins, PhD, it’s an incredibly challenging yet very fulfilling thing to be a part of.

Mike Stebbins is the President of Science Advisors, a science and health consulting firm that he founded in 2018 to provide science, technology, and public policy guidance to private companies, philanthropies, and non-profit organizations. He is currently serving on the board of a number of corporations and non-profit organizations including the National Academy of Sciences board on research, data, and information. Mike was previously vice president of science and technology for the Laura and John Arnold Foundation who is responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities for philanthropic investment in science and technology. Prior to this, he served as the assistant directors for Biotechnology in the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for seven years where he helped develop eight executive orders and other directives addressing issues ranging from the antibiotic resistance crisis to restoring pollinator health. He was also a former director of biology policy for the Federation of American Scientists where he led its Bio-security project. His public policy experience also includes working as a legislative fellow for US Senator Harry Reid, and as a public fellow for the National Human Genome Research Institute. Prior to his arrival in Washington, Mike worked as the senior editor at Nature Genetics.

Mike earned his Ph.D. in genetics while working at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He earned his degree in BS Biology at SUNY Stony Brook.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks How Mike Stebbins got involved in public policy and his advice for scientists who would also like to be involved in policy-making

Areas of science policy-making need skill strengthening and development

Why PhDs and Postdocs need to view the transition into public policy as a new discipline

Why persistence is a valuable asset in policy

Mike’s major lessons from his time at the White House

Employing the Tom Sawyer technique when driving people towards a goal

The similarities of scientists and policy-makers

How to get relationship-building right in the White House in order to get positive policy outcomes and how to make people passionate about executive actions

How scientists can get people to listen to their findings in the realm of policy-making

Mike’s example of how two factions with different opinions can work together

Connect with Mike Stebbins Mike Stebbins on LinkedIn

Mike Stebbins on Twitter

Mike Stebbins on Medium

Scientists in the world of policy-making Public policy is a tedious field of challenges where your rejections and failures become an essential part of getting the policies that you want to get implemented to function the way that you have envisioned in your mind. And the reason why a lot of scientists are coming into policy-making is because of the similarities between doing work in the laboratory and in drafting policy. The desire to get solutions for problems that once resolved could potentially make things better for everyone is the driving force for many of these special people to do their job and to do it extremely well.

Mike Stebbins is a renowned geneticist who got involved in policy-making through his work in the White House and his legislative fellowship under US Senator Harry Reid, and as a public fellow for the National Human Genome Research Institute. His top notch advice for scientists who are rearing to enter the hectic and challenging world of policy-making is to view the field with a different perspective. It’s an entirely new field that relies heavily on building relations in order to get things done and knowing how to make different people come together towards a common cause is critical to the success of a certain policy.

The value of bringing different people together in policy-making Mike Stebbins shares his first-hand experience in seeing how policy-making works through his experience working in the field. He has seen how people come together to get to an agreement that can effectively resolve an issue that would become an executive order that gets results such as when he developed executive orders and directives that addressed issues ranging from antibiotic resistance to restoring pollinator health. The key to getting the results he needed to see? Relationship-building.

Getting people to become enthusiastic and passionate about the project that they are working on and getting them to share their expertise and skills to get to a point where all questions have been answered and resolved is crucial in policy-making. Banding people together for a cause greater than themselves and pushing aside other things that they may have invested in to get a policy off the ground is challenging and ultimately very rewarding. Policy-making is a selfless act bound by the desire to improve things and get things done.

Learn more about Mike Stebbins and what he has learned from his time as a policymaker on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Bayer Strategic Consulting is a training and consulting firm that helps scientists and engineers effectively communicate the value of their work to their most important stakeholders using jargon-free and engaging language that gets results. Get a free consultation today to find out what they can do for you and your work.

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Transcript

April 8, 2020

Mark Bayer

Thanks everyone so much for being here on this special coronavirus edition of "When Science Speaks." This is Mark Bayer. I'm just so glad that you're here and you're joining us. Today's episode is brought to you by Bayer Strategic Consulting, a unique advocacy and training firm in the Washington DC area that helps scientists and engineers communicate effectively with their most important stakeholders - investors, policymakers and the public. And we're just so fortunate, amid these unprecedented times, to have Mike Grandinetti on the show today. Mike has spent his entire 25 year career immersed in innovation and entrepreneurship, solving these major problems as a serial tech entrepreneur, as a board member, as a professor, as a mentor, as a consultant and he's an internationally recognized expert in innovation and entrepreneurship. He's a contributor at Forbes and Money Magazine and the host of the "Disruptive Innovation" podcast. And I wanted Mike to come on the show today to talk about - to shine a light on - some of these programs, these initiatives that are happening in labs and in neighborhoods all across the country and in some parts of the world to try to respond to the lack of the lack of equipment that we're seeing in a lot of these places. And just the innovation that is out there, this pandemic obviously has caused so much pain and suffering and it's also ignited this entrepreneurism and this creativity around scientists and engineers - this is Mike's domain. So I'm so glad to have you on the show Mike and just really eager for you to share with our listeners what you see out there when you look across the landscape.

Mike Grandinetti

Mark, thank you so much for having me and really looking forward to having a good discussion with you and having a chance to, you know, get some really positive news out to your listeners, right? We've been hearing from many public sources that this will be one of the hardest weeks in US history. And you know, all of the major mainstream news outlets have been mostly discussing pretty grim news. And one of the things that I'd really like to do is I want to share just a series of very inspiring examples of innovation that is taking place across this great country, taking place at academic institutions at research hospitals, in small communities, both in the traditional innovation clusters like Silicon Valley in Boston and New York but also in small town America and what I would say is the response of the Americans citizen has been extraordinary. And so I think the real question, of course, is how did we wind up here?

Mike Grandinetti

And although this is truly a black swan event, right, truly it's a reset button on history. There's no question that there were warnings from prior pandemics and almost pandemics. And there were a lot of plans that were put in place. And a lot of those plans were discarded. So here we are with the most expensive health care system in the world. And we find ourselves today with an incredibly, incredibly depleted National Stockpile, especially when it comes to the most critical types of equipment like ventilators which are truly life and death. And then a lot of this protective equipment which is the difference between a doctor or a health care worker, you know, potentially contacting this virus themselves and not being able to help others or, you know, being so sick that they can pass away.

So, what I'd love to do today, you know, as part of our discussion is to focus primarily on what I'll call the more urgent innovation initiatives that are happening around ventilators around masks and face shields, and some very innovative things that are filling the gap for a lack and some of this PPE you know, because I think these are the things that are just critically needed today. And what I would say is, as I've looked around the country and the globe, there's an endless number of positive stories. And, I know we talked about maybe sharing some other stories on a future podcast and also having the opportunity to have your listeners understand how they may get involved themselves, even from the comfort and the safety. have their own homes. Exactly. But I think today we'll focus largely on sort of the the ventilator and the PP initiatives that are so critically important and so inspiring and what's happened. So why don't we get to it then? So I mean, one of the things that most people may be wondering is how did we wind up in this mess when it comes to a lack of ventilators? And it turns out, right and Pro Publica has done a great job of reporting on this.

Mike Grandinetti

It turns out that several years ago, the Health and Human Services Administration entered into a contractual relationship with a Pennsylvania based ventilator maker and there was supposed to be a significant number of ventilators. This company is known as trilogy and they created the EVO universal ventilator It was developed with US government funds. There was a $14 billion contract that was established with the Health and Human Services Department. But yet not a single one of those ventilators ever was created or made it into the strategic stockpile. Now, this company became a part of Philips, the global, you know, electronics and medical device company. And Philips wound up taking this device or this design, this relatively economic design and actually creating higher end more expensive equipment that they've sold into commercial markets and essentially avoided, you know, fulfilling the contract. And it turns out, contractually, they had a right to do that. So, as we sit here today, I think there are lessons for the future about where, you know, where these strategic stockpiles need to be manufactured, how they need to be managed, but regardless, we are where we are. So what Let's talk about a handful of projects. Right right now there's a projection that we're going to wind up between 750,000 and a million ventilators short of what is needed.

Mike Grandinetti

Now, these are very complex devices. They are truly sophisticated devices. And unlike a lot of the Silicon Valley mindset move fast break things. You can't have that mindset when you build a ventilator. It has to work perfectly. And there needs to be very well trained staff to operate these ventilators into intubate. So one of the first projects that I'd like to shine a light on isn't a student led project coming out of MIT. And not surprisingly, MIT has been an incredibly powerful leader on many initiatives, and we'll cover a few of them, but this is a critical one. So this student group created an emergency ventilator and it's called the E-vent. Project. Now they're trying to do what we'll call frugal design. And they're trying to take advantage of existing equipment. And many of your listeners may have been personally, you know, either intubated or seeing a family member intubated with a bag.

Mike Grandinetti

And the bag is a very, very inexpensive device that is used to help pump oxygen into patient's lungs when they need to be intubated. Right, and they're found in every hospital room, every ambulance on the planet literally. And so what the MIT team did is say let's take advantage of something that's already ubiquitous. And let's make it a key component. And so, you know, this is not the first time that a bag mask valve oriented device was created. And in less than 14 days, they created a prototype of working prototype, right. And the initial intent was that it would be only for true emergency purposes when there was nothing else available. But the belief is that it's actually, you know, much more useful than that. So the, at this point, right, and I think a very important part of the message that I want to send out is that a lot of the projects that I'm going to highlight will be designs that have been tested, and that are available to be used by any healthcare organization, anywhere on the planet. So there's a group of there's a group of manufacturing people right now focused on getting this into high scale production. And the plan is to produce this literally as soon as possible. Now, it leads to a really interesting story of just how remarkable it has been to see the world come together. So of course, and you know this very well given what you do.

Mike Grandinetti

But normally University IP is considered quite sacred. Well, just yesterday, Harvard, MIT and Stanford announced this COVID-19 technology access framework. And so what they're basically doing is we're near as, as a very powerful group of research institutions of global renown. They're establishing a set of licensing principles that are going to incentivize and allow for the most broad and equitable access of, you know, to these University innovations that can be used anywhere in the world. And they're going to allow this to continue for as long as the pandemic exists and for some period thereafter. Okay. And then there's a second initiative called the open COVID pledge. And this is developed by a consortium of scientists and lawyers and entrepreneurs, right, and they're also trying to remove obstacles that would prevent the sharing of IP. So what we're seeing is this massive have global, you know, openness to sharing anything and everything that can help in the fight. And so this is the first example right now, on the other coast, you Cal Berkeley, you Cal Berkeley is also inspired by, you know, a very common device.

Mike Grandinetti

So for people out there if you know what sleep apnea is, it's an increasingly common, you know, ailment and you see so many people today traveling through airports with their c pap and their bipap machines that they bring with them on airplanes, right. So C pap machines are everywhere. And so the you Cal Berkeley team is working on a project which they're calling ventilator s o s. And what they're doing is they are gathering donated c pap and bipap machines, okay, for, you know, for conversion for non ICU patients. So in many ways you could say it would be somewhat equivalent Its capabilities to the MIT event project, right? And it needs to be converted for safe use. So on top of the traditional off the shelf seat pack that you might get from resume or a lot of other people, they put two additional filters, one filter oxygenates air that is delivered to the patient. And then a second filter is being used to filter air that is being released by the patient before being released back into the surrounding environment. So was not to infect, you know, the healthcare workers. And this was something that unfortunately was an issue that was really overlooked in Washington at the you know, the infamous nursing home where the first major cluster really started. So here you have two, very low cost, very easily manufactured ventilator projects, designs that have been released into open source and Where the, you know, where it can fill a critical need, but for all but the most seriously ill patients.

Mark Bayer

Mike just to chime in here. I mean, those machines, as you suggest, are really ubiquitous and people also tend to use them for a while and then when it needs repair or something like that, and then they need another one. So as far as Yeah, all over all over the place. That's, that's an encouraging level as far as getting those out to people who can, can make these adjustments so it can be used for this new purpose.

Mike Grandinetti

Absolutely, because when you think about the seat pet, most health care plans will replace someone keep that machine every five years. And so you can imagine, you know, millions of seat pet machines that have served a useful purpose probably still very functional. Hmm. But you know, like everything else with Moore's Law, there's newer, smaller lighter, right you know, cheaper devices that out there now. So absolutely. And then here's, I think something quite interesting, right? And this is this one is really inspiring to me. So Mass General Hospital, one of the great teaching hospitals in the world associated with Harvard Medical School. They've launched something called the CO vent 19th challenge. And I want to give a shout out to the the initiator in the head of the project. Dr. Richard Boyer, rich Boyer is both a medical doctor and a PhD in biomedical engineering. So this is one well educated man. And I also want to give a shout out to john Stevenson. John, very successful longtime Boston tech entrepreneur who was taken on the job of Chair of the advisory board. And so, what Dr. Boyer recognized right he saw this major gap looming. And this is a this is an anesthesiologist who is working shifts, you know, under horrific conditions right now at Mass General. And in his spare time, to the extent that he has any spare time, he's been working on, you know, creating this global challenge.

Mike Grandinetti

So this is a this is an eight week design challenge to produce rapidly deployable designs for two different kinds of devices. Okay. And so this, to me is about as inspiring as anything that you can imagine. And the goal for this team is to finalize these two designs that can go into full scale production very rapidly. And so the, you know, they're looking at a whole range of designs, and they're trying to really understand, you know, because I mean, everyone's sharing IP right now. So, they're trying to say, Okay, so what are the designs that are going to be able to be, you know, both, you know, just hit all of the right requirements, they're, they're relatively easy to build. They're not insanely expensive. They're relatively easy to operate. And so that's kind of what they're working on right now. So this is a huge design sprint. And you know, it's being run out of Mass General Hospital. So this is, this is something that I think people should be keeping their eye on, because I love the level of collaboration. And you know, and john Stevenson is a great connector to the mechanical engineering world, given what he's done. So he's a perfect person to kind of head up the commercial side of that. Right? So these are these are operations underway for ventilators. And then just it would I don't want to leave out Tesla. So there's a very interesting video for your listeners. Tesla, you know, without being asked, has gone off. And they've also been working on creating their own ventilator. Now, what's interesting about Tesla is they too, are trying to leverage parts that they're familiar with. So since they build cars, they're leveraging a lot of parts that are You know, part of the bill of material of Tesla automobiles because they know these materials, they know how these parts work, how they hold up. So if your listeners are interested, just search on Tesla ventilator, they'll come up with about a three and a half minute video, and you'll see a team of five different Tesla engineers all messed up. And I'll walk you through the schematic and they'll show you a working prototype. But you know, just, you know, it's all hands on deck right now. Yep. So this is kind of the, you know, the first wave. And, of course, what we hear on the news is one of the most critical of all innovation initiatives and I don't want to say that there aren't a lot of other ventilator projects going on, but I think these are some of the most prominent and some of the most promising so yeah, so so inspiring.

Mark Bayer

And you know, Mike, we've had a chance to talk offline about you know, your, your incredible experiencing career all all over the world and and you're seeing you know, Sort of activity now whether it's in Canada, you were talking about a project, you know, there and people changing their, you know, production lines and we've been hearing some of that in the news, but you really, you know, I think that part of this it's so it's unprecedented and it's, it's scary and it's and it's really disrupted completely, you know, the normal way of things even going out of your house which were recommended, you know, not to do on a regular on a regular basis and that can be very disabling for people. And you know, some listeners may be wondering, you know, in the face of this so sometimes a good way to kind of cope with situations like this is is to is to kind of do a deep dive and and to try to figure out well how can I contribute to the solution in a world so right out of control in a way I know we're going to get back and we're gonna, you know, things are gonna get to improve we know that the the experts are telling us that we stick to the plan but in the meantime, You know what some people do wherever they happen to be in whatever their level of expertise happens to be if they're just motivated to want to make a difference, what are some of the things that they should be thinking about?

Mike Grandinetti

Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, a lot of these initiatives that, you know, I've talked about and that I will talk about a lot of the innovators I've, I've interviewed sort of to get a little bit more detail and color before we had our discussion today. Most of them are doing this from their homes, and most of them are working out of their home. So the fact that these people are at home has not in any way prevented them from contributing. But you know, for citizens, let me let me share a couple of examples. Right. So one of the great acts of generosity that I've seen, comes from a company known as stratasys. And Stratos is a company that is making. It makes more 3d printers than any company on the planet. And they have donated for the length of the pandemic the their entire service. This Bureau, which means the all of their 3d printing capacity, they have donated, so anybody can send design files. And they will create, you know, these innovation products.

Mike Grandinetti

So speaking to the head of their healthcare business last night on the telephone, they are getting designs from even Cub Scout troops that are, you know, saying that we want to help we're coming up with these designs. So even young kids and citizens are able to work with companies like stratasys or other 3d printing companies and send their designs to be printed, and distributed, right. So that's, that's sort of on a fairly simple level. But on the other hand, there's a lot of organizations that are hosting virtual hackathons. One of the virtual hackathons is being led by tech stars, tech stars, for those who don't know is a global startup accelerator network. They've had about 60 accelerators around the world. And in many ways, are the premier accelerator network, right. And so what they do by day is they bring in entrepreneurs through a very competitive process, and they may wind up in New York or Boston or, you know, Austin, Texas, so they could be in Germany or London. But they also have have another side of their mission, which is what they call Startup Weekend. And Startup Weekend is really a three day hackathon. Well, they're mobilizing their Startup Weekend resources to host up to 60 COVID-19 focused hackathons around the globe. So for those of your listeners who are listening, either in the States or outside the state, just go to tech stars and looked at look for their, you know, COVID-19 Startup Weekend detail should be forthcoming, and listeners can sign up as participants, they can sign up as mentors and they can soar. They can sign up as organizers depending on how much time and experience they have. Another great organization also happens to be associated with MIT. It's called solve at MIT and solve MIT. their day job is to help promote social impact related tech innovation. And on an annualized basis, they'll bring in up to 140 social impact entrepreneurs from all around the world, working on environmental problems and social justice problems and a whole range of other issues. But they have launched a series of COVID-19 related challenges some independently, and some with major sponsors like Microsoft. So the other you know area where your listeners can go and see what's going on. Are you know is to go to the salt at MIT website. Again, I'm only highlighting two. And I know that there are many others, you know, but these are two organizations that have a tremendous amount of horsepower and resources where, you know, if good ideas get developed, they will find their way to having an impact somewhere. So I say these are two that I would suggest that people look at. I'm gonna definitely be participating in both of these on a personal level. I think both of these organizations do incredible work.

Mark Bayer

That is just so so so fantastic, Mike. And what we're going to do is we're going to do a second episode with Mike Grandinetti - we're going to come back next week, we've fast tracked this episode to make sure that we could get this information out to you, the listeners, and our next episode with Mike will actually include - if we can make it happen - some of the actual folks around the country who are working on these projects and can speak specifically to what they're doing. And also talk more about how listeners can get involved. Like I said, regardless of your level of expertise, and Mike alluded to that as well so, really glad, Mike first of all I know you are incredibly busy you're a full force global pandemic and entrepreneurial response team here, and just really making so much of an impact yourself. So thank you, first of all for doing that. And then I also just want to tell you listeners that I appreciate you taking the time to listen to today's episode, we're going to come back with Mike Grandinetti and just a few days next week, hopefully along with some of the champions and the leaders who are putting these projects together, so that we can effectively as quickly as possible, get equipment to the medical personnel in the first responders who needed in this war against the coronavirus. So Mike Grandinetti, thank you so much for being here.

Mike Grandinetti

Mark, thank you for having me - I really enjoyed the chance to chat and look forward to our follow-up discussion. And I wish you and your family, a lot of health and safety and a happy Passover.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Mike. And listeners, thank you so much for being here. We will see you next time on the next episode of "When Science Speaks."

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Climate change has been impacting our lives for quite some time now and getting everyone on board to help mitigate its effects is becoming more and more important with each passing day. And Dr. Susanne Moser wants to make sure that every person who hears about climate change can feel the urgency in the message they share and inspire them to make better choices in their lives. Her goal is to apply her expertise and experience to help increase resilience, reduce vulnerability, and transform the way humans interact with the environment and each other to sustain a livable planet and live peaceful, satisfying lives.

Dr. Moser is a leading expert on climate change adaptation, science-policy interactions, decision support and communication for social change. She serves as an affiliate faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, research faculty at Antioch University in New England. She is also the Director of Susanne Moser Research and Consulting firm where she conducts original research on a range of social science aspects of climate and global environmental change. She provides training in communicating climate change and writes peer-reviewed journal articles among other related activities.

Dr. Moser has extensive experience working in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. She has led and participated in projects to assess the impacts of climate change, examine the vulnerabilities and preparedness of communities and ecosystems, and identify barriers to adaptation strategies to overcome them.

Dr. Moser did her postdoc at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and earned her Ph.D. in geography from Clark University and her diploma in Applied Geography from the University of Trier in Germany.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks Dr. Susanne Moser talks about what drew her to study climate change and share its impact

The dilemma of communicating climate change

How Dr. Moser connects with audiences about the reality and seriousness of climate change

Are people willing to make changes in their lifestyles to help address climate change?

How Dr. Moser uses and presents data when she’s discussing climate change

Dr. Moser talks about the evolution of her engagement strategies through the years

How the recent heat experienced in 2019 helped in shaping the approach to the climate change discussion

Dr. Moser differentiates the public dialogue and public engagement strategies around climate change in countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US

Connect with Dr. Susanne Moser Creating a Climate for Change

Creating a Climate for Change on Amazon

Dr. Susanne Moser on LinkedIn

Dr. Susanne Moser

The dilemma of communicating climate change As we continue to witness and push back on the ongoing assault on science, scientists find themselves in a position where they struggle to explain the importance and urgency of their findings to a broader and more diverse audience. While it might be easy for them to share their findings with peers, it does not necessarily translate in the same way when they are presenting this exact same information to the general public. So how then can studies be put forward in a way that will resonate and can be easily comprehended by people?

Dr. Susanne Moser says scientists need to embrace the fact that it is not just the science that matters to people. By finding out the things that interest their audiences, knowing what makes them tick, knowing the best strategies for engagement, and making the conversation more inclusive, scientists can effectively bridge the communication gap and propel the discussion forward.

Connecting with audiences Dr. Moser says that when discussing climate change, scientists should expect a diverse crowd to come forward to join in on the conversation. This would include not just those who want to know more about it but also skeptics and people who deny that it exists. Understanding the best ways to include everyone in the conversation that does not make them feel dismissed or unheard is crucial in order for them to connect to the message you’re trying to send out.

Finding common ground is a helpful method for presenters to create a genuine connection with their audience. Show them a problem, provide them with possible solutions, and build trust. Because when you’ve built a certain level of rapport with your audience and have given people a reason to trust you, the likelihood that they will be more accepting of your data and your studies will little to no resistance increases.

The role of data in driving the climate change mission According to Dr. Moser, the way you present should be dependent not just on your study alone but on the type of audience that you’re presenting to. When faced with a high profile panel you want to lead with a narrative that is heavily data-backed, but if you're presenting to the general public, it doesn’t have to so heavy on data and jargon. The most important thing is to deliver your message in a compelling and understandable narrative so that they can grasp its urgency and impact in their lives.

In general, Dr. Moser recommends spending 15% of your time on science answering questions such as, “What do we know? How do we know that? What’s started to happen?” The reason for this is that it’s difficult to argue with obvious and observable facts, giving people more context and allowing them to understand the whole picture in a less complicated manner. This makes it easier for your audience to grasp the idea behind the policies and studies that you’re pushing for such as the Green New Deal or the Paris Agreement. By giving them a breakdown of what is happening, what can be done to make it better, and giving them a picture of how it will be once things are where you would like them to be, they will be more inclined to listen and to ask questions that can lead to more fruitful discourses.

Learn more about Dr. Susanne Moser on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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In this first episode of a new series on COVID-19 launched as part of the "When Science Speaks" podcast (bayerstrategic.com/podcast), I interview     Ali Nouri, PhD, President Federation of American Scientists.  Ali is both an expert in infectious diseases and a former high-level policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and United Nations. ​  Episode highlights: ​  FAS has created an "Ask a Scientist" project, a collaboration with The Governance Lab and National Science Policy Network, to build a database where visitors can get their answers on coronavirus answered by a group of scientists.  Scientists, medical personnel, and other qualified professionals who want to join the international corps of responders answering these questions can email covid19@fas.org. Interested in the new series?  Click here to get bonus material: https://bit.ly/2X5JO5J hashtag#scipol hashtag#scicomm hashtag#science hashtag#podcast hashtag#coronavirus    Focused on these highly unusual times, the series will include information and narratives about COVID-19 and also extend beyond just strictly coronavirus topics, understanding we all need breaks from daily data about the virus.

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A study released by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) claimed that 50% of academic papers are read-only by their authors and journal editors and that 90% of these are never cited. This means that most, if not all, of the innovations that can be found in businesses, industries, and manufacturing have no academic basis and do not come from recommendations from business schools. According to this week's guest, Professor Kambiz Maani, the findings of the AACSB signifies that no one finds much value in academic papers when it comes to innovations and best practices in various industries and that they look within the business space alone for innovations and best practices for just-in-time manufacturing, total quality management, and enterprise resource planning. It was this realization that made Professor Maani decide to start the Annual Research Translation Competition at Massey University with the intention of making business research more relevant and useful to the public and to business managers.

Professor Maani is an internationally acknowledged expert in systems thinking and complexity. His academic and consulting career spans over 30 years in the US, Asia, Australia, and South America. His academic portfolio includes being the Foundation Chair in Systems Thinking, and Practice at the University of Queensland, being the Division and Department Head at the University of Auckland, and being an Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor at Massey Business School. He has also held visiting positions at MIT, London Business School, Boston University, Cornell, and the Helsinki School of Economics.

Professor Maani’s work focuses on complexity management and group decision making and he has been the recipient of several research and publication awards from scholarly journals. His current projects include strategy and policy design in climate change and sustainability. He has advised numerous corporations and government agencies in Australia, New Zealand, the US, China, and Asia, and he also provides seminars in corporate training internationally. Professor Maani is the author of internationally acclaimed books that are used widely at universities, governments, and organizations around the world. His latest book, Multi-Stakeholder Decision Making for Complex Problems was published by the World Scientific press in 2017 which features his consulting projects for UNESCO Biospheres in Asia.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [00:39] Mark introduces his guest, Professor Kambiz Maani

[03:34] Why Professor Maani created the Annual Research Translation Competition

[11:02] Professor Maani discusses why academic research risk losing funding

[15:55] The importance of using jargon-free language when translating research

[17:45] What is systems thinking and why is it important?

[22:31] How Professor Maani became a pioneer of systems thinking

[28:06] Professor Maani shares success stories and the benefits of the application of systems thinking

Connect with Professor Maani Professor Kambiz Maani on LinkedIn

Multi-Stakeholder Decision Making for Complex Problems by Kambiz Maani

Why Academic Research Remains Abstract And Mostly Unusable Research done by academia is fascinating. They have uncovered many different ways to improve on the way things work and offer a wealth of information on the ways to innovate and improve practices for businesses, industries, and manufacturing. But the problem lies in the ability of these research pieces to be translated into a narrative that regular folks will understand. Professor Kambiz Maani found out that the reason why innovations in businesses and industries do not use research provided by academia is that it’s full of jargon that does not resonate with people. And the problem is rooted in the definition of success for research which is measured by citations. This has made research studies into a massive industry where publishers are merely looking at citations as proof for journal quality and journal impact factors. Instead of becoming a resource of knowledge for businesses and industries, researchers have become unknowing contributors locked into a disconnected system.

So how then do we tap into the capability of research to be a useful resource for relevant solutions in addressing pressing issues in society? The answer, according to Professor Maani, is systems thinking.

Improving the way you do and translate research With academia not being able to convey its findings properly with key stakeholders and with the general public, it faces the risk of having their funding significantly reduced. Therefore, it is crucial for academics to focus on research that addresses a significant issue in business and society, and then to turn their findings into a narrative that can be easily understood and grasped and implemented by the community.

One way to do this is to reduce the scientific jargon used in papers and instead use easy-to-understand yet accurate terms instead.

Professor Maani says that by refusing to be boxed into the idea that the primary audience for research are peers in academia, it opens up the vast opportunities for translation for academics. By embracing the idea that industry stakeholders and the public are the ultimate beneficiaries of research, it will be easier to adapt the research into a language that everyone can understand.

Why systems thinking is expedient for researchers Although much of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs are hinged on reductionism by researchers, it is easy to lose the essence of each piece and parcel along the way. This then complicates the processes that should work as a unified whole and instead, creates a convoluted system that is inefficient and may even prove to be ineffective.

In society and policy, Professor Maani says that we have seen the effect of that mentality in isolated policies that create winners, losers, and trade-off decisions that are based on seeing things in isolation and rather than seeing the whole picture. For research to become more relevant to society, academics need to learn to practice systems thinking so that they can better bring together the pieces of a study that they have dissected in the process.

Learn more about Professor Kambiz Maani and his work on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Scientists and engineers know that communicating their work in a compelling narrative is crucial to their line of work. It helps people understand and appreciate the complexity of the research and study they have done but the problem is, not many STEM professionals know how to turn their work into a compelling story. What they need to do, according to Dr. Bob Rogers, is to work on their demystifier quotient which is the ability to bring their stories to life and translate these complex topics into an engaging and comprehensible story for the general audience.

Dr. Rogers is a leader in his technical field of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and he is also a master communicator and translator of complex topics. He is an extraordinary demystifier in his area of expertise and he is currently the Expert in Residence for AI at UCSF Smarter Health where he is developing FDA-cleared AI to improve healthcare, and he is also an advisory board member at the Institute for Applied Computational Science at Harvard University where he's currently helping shape the Data Science, Computational Science, and Engineering Graduate Programs at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Dr. Rogers is the co-founder of Orchestrated Intelligence which focuses on AI to augment supply chain planners. He previously served as Chief Data Scientist for IT Transformation in the Data Center Group at Intel, and as Intel's Chief Data Scientist for Analytics and AI solutions. Prior to his work at Intel, Dr. Rogers had an impressive array of leadership experiences through founding and co-founding startups in the data science field.

Dr. Rogers earned his Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University and B.S. in Physics from Berkeley.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [01:07] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Bob Rogers

[04:03] Tips on how to tell a compelling story about your work

[06:50] Is communicating through vivid and simple terms in order to reach more people consider as a dumbing down of concepts?

[08:47] Why scientist and engineers struggle to translate high-level concepts in a way resonates with the general audiences and policymakers

[13:21] Dr. Rogers shares his perspective on the capabilities of AI now and in the future

[16:29] The challenges and risks associated with the wide adoption of AI

[20:48] Dr. Rogers recalls his project at the Center for Missing and Exploited Children and how he used AI to improve their data analysis and other processes

[30:16] The keys to becoming an effective data scientists

[35:38] How PhDs and postdocs can use their knowledge in entrepreneurship in a meaningful manner

Connect with Dr. Bob Rogers Center for Digital Health Innovation at UCSF

Orchestrated Intelligence

Dr. Bob Rogers on LinkedIn

Understanding the process of better communicating your work The value of breaking down high-level concepts into a narrative that the general public can understand is an important factor to consider in the field of STEM. However, it is a skill that remains elusive for many scientists and engineers because turning technical research into a compelling story isn’t the easiest thing to do. But Dr. Bob Rogers says that it’s possible if you start by understanding the needs of your audience and answering these questions: why they’re there, what they need to know, and what can your product do for them.

Once you have those dialed in, it will be much easier to communicate with them in an effective and engaging manner that will allow them to resonate with the work that you have done. By simplifying the terms you use and sharing your narrative in a compelling yet easy to grasp manner, you have already made it that much easier to get your message across. It is about knowing every detail about the topic at hand and finding a balance of what to add or leave out in crafting a narrative from a complex topic in order to make it comprehensible for your target audience.

Leveraging AI now and in the future Artificial Intelligence is a system that’s built to answer a very specific question. If you think about AI that way, then you’re well on your way to being able to maximize it to its full potential. AI shouldn’t be viewed as a competitor for human skills; rather, consider it as a source of support that improves the processes and output that’s gathered from large amounts of data.

However, there are risks and challenges involved when in the adoption of AI, with the biggest one being its inability to recognize underlying bias in the data that’s entered within its system. This is particularly true with the extant privacy laws for data protection across various industries.

Learn more about Dr. Bob Rogers, his expertise, and his work on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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A common thread that runs through diverse and successful careers in STEM, whether in the academic or corporate world, is the ability to interpret and communicate complex and data-driven topics into narratives that can inspire action at the individual, corporate, and policy levels. However, many STEM professionals still grapple with the skills and attributes they need that can help them distill complex topics which makes the work of this week’s guest, Joan Wasser Gish, incredibly crucial.

Joan Wasser Gish is an expert in translating findings from education, research, and implementation into policy and practice at scale. Twice appointed by the Governor to the Massachusetts Board of Early Education and Care, Joan helps to build systems that improve implementation and policies that make access to high-quality early education easier, particularly for low-income children across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

She joined the Boston College Lynch School of Education in 2015 to translate research on the effective integration of comprehensive services in K-12 into a state-wide infrastructure. This infrastructure was designed to support the integration of education with social services, youth development, health, and mental health resources for Massachusetts children and families.

Joan and her team's impact has expanded beyond Massachusetts to include multiple states around the country. She has extensive experience related to educational and social domestic policies focused on low-income children and families. She's worked on these issues in a Presidential campaign and also in the United States Senate. Joan is helping to lead policy change across the country and has been published by the Washington Post, Brookings Institute, Education Week, and Commonwealth magazine.

Joan holds an MA in Education Policy from Columbia University's Teachers College and a JD from Columbia School of Law. She received her BA in Political Science and Political Theory where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [01:01] Mark introduces his guest, Joan Wasser Gish

[03:08] The common theme in Joan’s diverse work experiences and the skills that helped make her successful in each of them

[05:54] Joan shares why she thinks it’s important to pay attention to the political environment in her field of work

[09:17] How Joan manages her various high-level responsibilities

[11:10] Essential techniques and practices for distilling complex topics and in communicating these to policymakers

[19:17] Joan reveals how she developed the skill to distill complex topics

[21:26] How grad students, P.hDs, and postdocs can learn how to effectively communicate and discuss complex topics

[27:24] Joan’s career journey and her takeaways from it

Connect with Joan Wasser Gish Joan Wasser Gish on LinkedIn

Lynch School of Education and Human Development

Department of Early Education and Care

Translating Data into Narratives to Inspire Action Whether it's communicating with policymakers or with potential investors, having the skill to translate complex topics and data into meaningful narratives is a core differentiator. Joan Wasser Gish says that while researchers focus on the rigor, accuracy, and integrity of their research and are able to effectively communicate and establish their credibility in the academe, that often isn’t the case when they’re presenting it to people who aren’t as familiar with the jargon and concepts that they are working on.

Policymakers who want to make the best policies for their constituents aren’t so keen on learning terms that they can easily misunderstand or be confused with. What they want is an effectively and efficiently communicated narrative that they can easily grasp and turn into policy. This then is where Joan’s work is crucial: bridging the gap between research and policymaking.

Essential skills and techniques for distilling complex topics For Joan, distilling complex topics for policymakers is about straightforward, accurate, and understandable translation of the relevant research. It is about refining the data they’ve found and summarizing it without losing its value, credibility, and relevance to the policy that is being pushed for and developed.

This involves outlining the benefits of research for the purposes of the desired policy, as well as clearly pointing out the key points that policymakers need to focus on in the process of their policymaking. Drafting citations and providing access to ad rem reports are helpful but being able to get your point across in a succinct and comprehensible manner is even more vital.

Learn more about Joan Wasser Gish on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The term soft skills are in no way judgmental but many employers will prefer to describe it as professional skills, personal skills, collaboration, and communication. Irrespective of how it is described, it is almost unanimously accepted that soft skills are crucial in today's workplace, especially in the life sciences. When asked what these soft skills are, employers tend to narrow it down to communication and team building. However, Karla Talanian and two of her colleagues found through their research that there are more to soft skills than commonly thought.

Karla Talanian is the Director of Talent and Workforce Development, as well as the Manager of Labor Market Research at MassBioEd, an educational nonprofit whose mission is biotechnology, education, and workforce development. MassBioEd is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 that represents and provides services and support for the world's leading Life Sciences supercluster. It has a membership of more than 1200 biotech companies, academic institutions, disease foundations, and other organizations involved in life sciences and healthcare.

Prior to joining MassBio, Karla served as Biomedical Careers Program Manager at Just-A-Start Corporation where she trained adults of high potential and low opportunity for careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical life sciences industries. Karla also has taught math and served as Associate Director of the Russian School of Mathematics in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Karla earned her MBA and Master’s Degree in Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and her BA in chemistry from Smith College.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [01:02] Mark welcomes his guest, Karla Talanian

[02:57] Karla explains the origin of the term soft skills and why they used the phrase in their article title

[06:56] Why biotech firms are more inclined to focus on soft skills versus technical skills and which specific skills they look for when hiring someone

[12:05] Karla shares why the executives they interviewed found it hard to define what soft skills were

[14:57] Why it’s a challenge for biotech executives to find talents with soft skills and why having a growth mindset is crucial when looking for people with soft skills

[17:57] Karla talks about her plans for the future in relation to her research on soft skills

[20:37] The importance of addressing the soft skills gap in the field of Science

Connect with Karla Talanian MassBioED

LinkedIn for Karla

Soft Skills in the Life Sciences Op-Ed

Understanding What Soft Skills Truly Are Soft skills are underrated and yet a lot of employers in science consider these skills to be an important factor when looking to hire someone. The reason why it’s grossly underrated is that employers themselves do not know how to accurately define what soft skills they are looking for in a potential candidate.

Karla Talanian and her colleagues did research on the role that soft skills play in the Life Sciences and their studies proved one of many things: that it plays an essential role in expanding and growing a field that’s often perceived as focused solely on technical skills alone. They traced the origin of the term soft skills and figured out why there was a discrepancy between people’s understanding of it and its application in any particular field.

Finding Talents with Soft Skills in the Life Sciences Finding people with soft skills is a challenge for many employers particularly because of the notion that the sciences are all about technical skills and that everything else is secondary. But the research done by Karla’s team found out that biotech firm executives are actually more inclined to find people who fit somewhere in the S.O.F.T. quadrant which is where the term “soft skill”s came from which are Self, Others, Feelings, and Think.

But while it is a challenge to find people with the perfect fit, it isn’t impossible because these skills, though not innately present, everyone has the ability to learn these skills over time. The key factor? Growth mindset or the determination to improve and grow as a person and to have the ability to discard those things that are holding you back. And this, Karla says, is crucial in helping close the soft skills gap in the field of science.

Learn more about Karla Talanian on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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A critical part of the scientific process is the interpretation and presentation of results in a form that the general public can understand. When science is not clearly communicated, it can seem to produce complex and conflicting information. However, scientists typically don't have any training on how to communicate, despite the fact that it's a very important part of their success, not only for advancing their discoveries but for getting money to do the science in the first place. Alison Davis has made it her life’s work to help scientists communicate the right way. Alison is the President of Word Science LLC, a firm she founded almost 11 years ago to deliver concise and engaging science writing and editing, speech writing for science and medical clients, as well as related materials for a variety of audiences including lay audiences. She is the author of Always There: The Remarkable Life of Ruth L. Kirschstein. Before starting her own firm Allison served as a science writer for the National Institutes of Health and NASA's Ames Research Center.

Alison earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She did her postdoc at Stanford University School of Medicine in Developmental Biology and studied at the University of California Santa Cruz's science communication program. Allison earned her Bachelor's in Biochemistry magna cum laude from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Alison Davis

[2:29] Dr. Davis shares what attracted her to science and what led her to science communication in UC Santa Cruz

[6:27] What challenges did Dr. Davis face as she was transitioning her career into the science communication space?

[11:33] Dr. Davis gives her perspective on ghostwriting in the science field and why it’s important to be confident in what you do when establishing your career

[14:23] Dr. Davis talks about how her training in science has helped her in her writing career

[16:45] Dr. Davis discusses how science communication has evolved since the time she started working in the field

[20:00] Career advice from Dr. Davis on how to best transition into the science writing and communication space

[26:41] The importance of choosing your audience, honesty, and organized thinking when you’re working on a writing piece particularly in the field of science

[35:18] The role of good science communication in combating the denial and denigration of science

Connect with Alison Davis Dr. Alison Davis LinkedIn

Wordscience LLC

Always There: The Remarkable Life of Ruth Lillian Kirschstein, MD

Science Communication As a Career Although many scientists consider science communication as an alternative career path, it does not necessarily involve the conduction of experiments or thorough studies. According to Dr. Davis, science communication is mostly ghostwriting since you will mostly be positing ideas and studies by others. What matters, she says, is that you stay true to the study and maintain honesty with your audience because this helps build your confidence in your skills and in your capacity to communicate the message that you want to impart.

Critical thinking, honesty, and a good dash of humor are helpful in a career that some might consider as unforgiving. It is one of the ways through which the sciences can be defended against the denigration and denial that it’s facing in a world where people are questioning its credibility and reliability on a daily basis. Determining your audience, zeroing in on your medium, and writing a piece that resonates with people are crucial aspects of the job.

Connecting Before Communicating In today’s society where some research institutions have become weak and dependent on outside funding, some research findings have a tendency of being exaggerated thus making them sound like alternative facts instead of literature and research-based evidence. The failure to connect with the audience and to share findings with them at a level that they can understand and appreciate is a challenge to scientists and therefore, a challenge to those who are working in the field of science communication.

According to Dr. Davis, scientific research is beneficial to everyone which means that effective communication is an absolute must. The need to connect every piece written with the audience it was written for is non-negotiable; the challenge is how to do it in a way that is engaging and compelling.

In this episode of When Science Speaks, Dr. Davis shares how her career has grown through the years and the challenges that she figures to be constants in the field of science communication. She imparts wisdom and advice on how to write science pieces, how to connect with the audience, and also emphasizes why this field is an important contributor to the world of science as a whole.

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Dr. Crystal Icenhour is the founding CEO of Aperiomix, a precision infection testing company at the intersection of high tech and biotech. Aperiomics is a service company identifying every known bacteria, DNA virus, parasite, and fungus in one test. This technology is a novel combination of genomics and informatics transforming infectious disease diagnostics and saving lives.

Dr. Icenhour is also the Principal of Icenhour Biotech, a consulting firm focused on providing support to the biotechnology community in the areas of leadership, innovation, and commercialization. Her professional goal is to bridge the translational gap between the worlds of business and science. She’s committed to improving patient health through better infectious disease testing.

Dr. Icenhour earned her Ph.D., Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine in 2002 from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She served as a senior postdoctoral fellow at Duke University Health System and a research fellow at the Mayo Clinic. She also attended the University of Tulsa where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [01:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Crystal Icenhour * [02:51] Dr. Icenhour explains about why scientist struggle to commercialize their work * [05:03] What made Dr. Icenhour interested in innovating pathogen diagnostic and gin fighting infection * [07:27] Dr. Icenhour talks about why she’s interested in many different fields * [11:03] Dr. Icenhour’s three-piece advice for people who want to start or join a science-based company * [13:33] Dr. Icenhour shares how you can build a good network through conversations that connect people to you at a personal level * [17:14] Dr. Icenhour describes the biotech industry in Virginia and where she can see it heading * [22:18] Dr. Icenhourl talks about her career highlights and the challenges she faced along the way

Connect with Crystal Icenhour * Aperiomics * Crystal’s Linkedin

The Struggle to Commercialize Science There is a fundamental difference between the scientific work that is done in an academic setting and one that can be used for purposes of business and entrepreneurship. While the ultimate goal of academic scientific research is the pursuit of knowledge, it’s quite a different ball game when you put science in the world of business. Because science in business means serving the needs and wants of the market. According to Dr. Crystal Icenhour the transition of turning scientific research into a viable market product can be a struggle for the many scientists who are able to make breakthroughs but lack funding and support.

Dr. Icenhour is passionate about bridging the translational gap between science and business and her scientific accomplishments and entrepreneurial milestones offer a unique success story of the transition from the discovery of knowledge into application for profits in business. Balancing your time, identifying your skills and your strengths are crucial in making it work but when you do get the work going, the business will start growing.

Gaining confidence to make the transition from academics to corporate The idea of transitioning from the space of academic and research science to using science for entrepreneurial purposes can be daunting. But with the right network and support, you can make an easy transition and find a way to meld them together to create a unique space for innovations that can help a lot of people. And one of the key elements to building that network is by opening yourself up to the prospect of meeting new people who will resound with the vision you have in mind.

Networking can be difficult for introverts but it’s not impossible. In fact, introverts have the unique capacity of holding key leadership roles because they have the ability to listen well and to empathize with people which is very important when you want to bring people into your fold. Build your network by creating conversations that bring a more personal side of you that encourages connections and flavor discussions with just the right amount of information that will keep the person interested in making the conversation last longer.

The Outlook of The Biotech Industry in Virginia STEM professionals will be pleasantly surprised that the biotech industry in Virginina is more robust than what people perceive it to be. There is so much room for growth and innovations in biotechnology, particularly in pharmaceutical innovations and in addressing veteran medical concerns. There is so much that can be done in Virginia and the industry there is looking to expand more to get under the radar of investors who can help make the industry flourish even more.

Learn more about Dr. Crystal Icenhour’s experiences, expertise, and passion in this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Allen Kamer is a highly successful entrepreneur and experienced corporate executive in the healthcare and medical informatics space with more than 25 years of experience. He recently joined OurCrowd as a Managing Partner to launch its first Digital Health sector Fund, which is called Qure Ventures which is focused exclusively on investments in digital health.

Previously, Allen was a co-founder of Humedica, a transformative population health and analytics company that was sold to UnitedHealth in 2013. Following the acquisition, Allen served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Optum Analytics which is a division in Optum, UnitedHealth Group’s health services company. Allen also was a director at leading healthcare investment bank, Leerink Swann (now Leerink Partners), and held management positions at Biogen. He began his career reporting on FDA and policy issues for The Pink Sheet

Allen received his B.A in Politics and Legal Studies from Brandeis University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [01:02] Mark introduces his guest, Allen Kamer * [02:50] What attracted Allen to join the healthcare field and why he stayed in the industry for over 25 years * [04:19] Allen talks about his unique entrepreneurship journey * [08:36] The business model of entrepreneurship that involves building a start-up within an established firm * [10:56] Do you need to have an MBA or Ph.D. to become an entrepreneur? * [12:31] How to best overcome challenges in your business journey * [14:58] Allens talks about the strengths and weaknesses of STEM graduate students and high-level Ph.D. candidates and postdocs in the healthcare industry and in entrepreneurship * [18:09] Opportunities for PhDs and postdocs in data science * [20:35] Allen shares career lessons he wished he learned earlier

Connect with Allen Kamer * Allen Kamer on LinkedIn * OurCrowd * Qure Ventures

The importance of the healthcare sector

Healthcare is a professional field that impacts everyone. At some point, every person would require some level of healthcare service and/or products which means that individuals who take part in this industry not only become valuable contributors in ensuring the health of a community, they also contribute to the economic ramifications of a stable health sector. For Allen Kamer, it’s a field that’s exciting, challenging, and offers personal interaction with people which is why he was drawn into being a part of the health care industry for over 25 years to date. That said, he joined the industry not as a care provider but as a person who works behind the scene working on policy and regulations that would benefit the entire industry and everyone it touches.

Allen’s entrepreneurship trajectory in the healthcare field offers a unique case study of the very essence of entrepreneurship: problem-solving, disruption and innovation. However, entrepreneurship comes in different flavors. Allen talks about the different facets of entrepreneurship and why he went with the unique approach of becoming an entrepreneur from within a corporation.

Overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship

As a STEM professional, chances are that you’re highly skilled and are pursuing a graduate degree, Ph.D. or are currently working on or considering going into a postdoc. However, there are certain industry challenges that you will come challenge not just your existing skills but will also require you to learn new ones in order to cope. Allen believes that STEM graduates have the unique advantage of having gone through rigorous training that gave them A+ problem solving and research skills which is crucial in any given industry. But one thing is different though: there isn’t much time to experiment and this, according to Allen is what poses the greatest challenge for most people who are newbies in the world of business.

Being able to adjust to a new environment and taking your learnings from one field to the next is always crucial and gives a person a headstart. But in business, the main challenge is ensuring customer satisfaction and gaining their trust enough for them to refer you to someone else. And one of the ways to do this is by learning all the processes and gathering enough data from client interactions and using these to your advantage as a business owner which is where research and data analysis skills garnered from years of practice can become useful.

Opportunities for PhDs and Postdocs in Data Science

Wherever you are in your career, there are lessons you wish you learned early on as they have the potential to determine your current and future opportunities. For Allen, he did not understand the power of networking early in his career and it was only when he started to expand his field and got the chance to interact with more people that he realized the value of creating a strong and reliable network.

STEM PhDs and Postdocs looking to go into the data science space would be pleasantly surprised to know that if they put their heart into it, they can truly make a mark in this industry. There is the constant need for the improvement of algorithms and the ability to connect disparate types of data and information together to understand medicine, science, and healthcare delivery, etc. So there are tons of opportunities for STEM professionals to become data scientists, enabling them to help in shaping a new healthcare industry environment.

Learn more about Allen Kamer and his experience and expertise on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Kimberly Scott is a professor of women and gender studies in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University (ASU) and the founding executive director of Arizona State University’s Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology (CGEST). She's a visionary leader and a business-savvy education administrator who is recognized as an international subject matter expert in STEM-related topics and advocacy that aims to enhance education opportunities for women and girls of color. Kimberly has published pieces in outlets such as the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, International Journal of Gender, Science, and Technology, Feminism and Psychology, Huffington Post and Slate, among others.

Prior to her academic career, Dr. Scott worked as an urban educator with international and national institutions including a center for girls in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Education Loss Center in Newark, New Jersey, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African art. A highly successful grant writer in support of programs and research for girls of color and digital media use, Kimberly was named in 2014 as a White House Champion of Change for STEM Access. That same year, the publication Diverse Issues in Higher Education, identified Dr. Kimberly Scott as one of the top 30 women in higher education.

Kimberly earned her PhD in Educational Theory, Policy, and Administration from Rutgers University. Prior to that, Kimberly received her MS in Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education from Long Island University. She also earned her BA in Art History and French Literature from Smith College.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [01:03] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Kimberly Scott

[02:47] Why Kimberly founded the Arizona State’s Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology (CGEST) and what programs they offer

[07:17] Common misconceptions about women of color in the STEM workforce

[10:39] Effective responses to address the misconceptions about women of color in the STEM field

[12:51] Why diversity is a need-to-have in any organization

[17:42] How CGEST shares their information and arguments in favor of diversity in STEM-related fields to policy makers

[20:28] Why women of color are less likely to get approval from venture capital and angel investors

[23:30] What to expect at the 4th National Annual STEM Collaborative Women of Color in STEM Entrepreneurship Conference 2020

[28:25] Kimberly speaks about the 2020 priorities of CGEST

Connect with Kimberly Scott Kimberly Scott on LinkedIn

Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology

Women of Color STEM Entrepreneurship Conference

The challenges in STEM for girls and women of color

Minority women face many challenges in life because of society’s preconceived misconceptions about them, boxing them in and limiting what they can do. In STEM-related fields, girls and women of color are often tagged as uninterested and lacking motivation, often times being questioned about how they are to avoid failure in their projects versus how they are planning to succeed. The difference in the language used when talking to and about girls and women of color in STEM can be discouraging but according to Dr. Kimberly Scott, that shouldn’t be the case at all.

Trained as a sociologist of education and childhood, Dr. Kimberly Scott's interdisciplinary work examines the social and academic development and achievement of girls of color in informal spaces and their technosocial innovations. She is an authority when it comes to topics that discuss the limitations and boxed-in-misconceptions often imposed on girls and women of color, and how these misconceptions hinder them from pursuing careers in STEM and also, why pushing the envelope can be gratifying once they succeed and prove to the world how wrong it was.

The case for diversity in business and organizational success

Dr. Scott believes that despite the slow emergence of diversity, there is evidence that shows that when a business embraces diversity, they are likely to get a greater return on investment. She goes on to explain that diversity brings with it diverse ideas that lead to more innovative and creative products. Therefore it is no surprise that companies with greater gender and racial diversity are correlated with greater profitability.

Beyond the business sector, Kimberly Scott also talks about how her work over at the CGEST is helping to make the case for diversity in the public sector through policy advocacy more favorable. She shares how their studies and arguments in favor of diversity can make it easier for policymakers to know exactly what needs to be done through policy workshops and collaborations with people who have worked with policymakers to support their work.

Contribute to the solution at the 4th National Annual STEM Collaborative

Taking her work further, Kimberly Scott and the CGEST are organizing the 4th National Annual STEM Collaborative entitled Women of Color in STEM Entrepreneurship Conference 2020. The conference will be held from March 18th to 20th in the beautiful Monica Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. At the conference, participants will contribute to the discussion by joining transdisciplinary teams and coming to a possible solution that will create sustainable 10-year plans that can transform STEM pathways for girls and women of color. The aim is to have a series of innovative workshops using system mapping, a novel technique that can empower them to achieve greater heights in the field.

Learn more about Kimberly Scott and how she drives research, advocacy, and policy implementation initiatives that enhance education and opportunities for girls and women of color in STEM on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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STEM graduates are oftentimes boxed in as working in a laboratory or conducting experiments and studies in the field. In reality, they offer a diverse range of skills and assets through their years of education and training which can be used in other fields, particularly in entrepreneurship. And this is what Tess Michaels learned through her journey as a graduate with a STEM degree and her experience in investment banking, as well as her experience as a businesswoman.

Tess Michaels is the owner of Stride Funding, a venture-backed student funding platform that offers flexible and affordable income share agreements to supplement student loans. She is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple successful businesses including Soceana which is a software-as-a-service platform that enables corporations to better manage and promote corporate volunteerism. While she graduated with a background in STEM, she also has an extensive background in investment banking and private equity through her years with companies such as Goldman Sachs and Vista Equity Partners.

Tess graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she received the Penn Alumni Award of merit and has attended business school at the Wharton School of Business. While there she was also recognized with the Wharton Dean’s Award for Innovation.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks

[00:57] What drew Tess Michaels to the STEM fields

[02:36]Tess shares her view on the relationship between scientific investigation and entrepreneurship

[04:26] Tess’ recommendations for budding entrepreneurs

[07:26] The skills and abilities that natural and social scientists get from their training that becomes an asset in the startup environment

[9:53] What is Stride Funding?

[12:37] Tess talks about Soceana and what attracted her into being a policy entrepreneur

[15:04] Tess gives advice for women in research as they advance in their career

Connect with Mike Stebbins Tess Michaels on LinkedIn

Stride Funding

Soceana

STEM graduates and their unique position in the world of business STEM is often thought of as a higher-level education, but the foundation of a good science and technology education begins at an early age. As students progress up to secondary and post-secondary education, STEM students undergo rigorous training under these four disciplines which allows them to develop skills that they can apply beyond the specific field of expertise that they focused on.

Tess Michaels is a STEM graduate who has experience working in diverse fields including research, investment banking, private equity, and business startups. She knows firsthand that it is possible to bring your education into various professional fields with great success. She was able to apply the skills she has learned through her years of training and studies in various professional arenas. Tess has also used her experience to touch the lives of other people through companies she has founded starting with Soceana and now with Stride Funding.

The interplay between scientific investigation and entrepreneurship Tess Michaels believes that scientific investigation and entrepreneurship are two fields that can combine to create something almost magical. And by “magic”, she means being able to use inductive reasoning, strategic marketing, product development, and policymaking in inventive ways. By utilizing these techniques she can create a balanced and well-designed solution for problems that people face every day. This, she says, is what can help STEM graduates stand out in the world of business.

The most important thing when melding two distinct fields together is to find a unique position wherein the expertise you have gained from both fields complement each other. By finding a niche and focusing all energy into seeing a vision become reality, the line between scientific investigation and entrepreneurial risk-taking can be blurred, and graduates can find success in all areas of life.

Learn more about Tess Michaels and how she brings together science and entrepreneurship on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Bayer Strategic Consulting is a training and consulting firm that helps scientists and engineers effectively communicate the value of their work to their most important stakeholders using jargon-free and engaging language that gets results. Get a free consultation today to find out what they can do for you and your work.

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Graduating with a PhD is an unbelievable accomplishment. It is the culmination of many years of sweat, tears, hard work, and dedication. And for many who have finally received their PhD diploma, the next step is to get into a Postdoctoral Fellowship program. The transition can be difficult, so where can postdocs turn to in order for them to transition smoothly from graduate school to their next big adventure? The Postdoc Academy is designed just for that.

Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson is Assistant Provost, Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs at the Boston University School of Medicine where she provides services and programming for all postdoctoral scholars at Boston University. Previously, Dr. Hokanson was US Deputy Director of Science and Innovation at the British Consulate-General in Boston.

Dr. Hokanson has received an Executive Education Certificate for the Entrepreneurship Development Program from MIT Sloan School of Management. She also completed an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Boston University and has earned her Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [1:04] Mark introduces Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson

[2:58] The Launch of the Postdoc Academy

[3:48] The first course, ‘Succeeding as a Postdoc’, is open for registration now

[4:22] Benefits that students receive from joining the Postdoc Academy

[7:00] Highlights of the first course

[9:59] Plans for upcoming courses

Connect with Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson’s first episode on When Science Speaks

Sarah on LinkedIn

Sarah on Twitter

The transition from graduate student to postdoc Becoming a postdoc is a major challenge and a change. While it’s important to begin the process with focus and attention, but the whole experience isn’t meant to last forever. That’s why it’s important to also give as much value to career planning and on your goals and plans once the Fellowship has been completed. The question is, how do you do this in the most effective way possible? Postdoc Academy was built to address that and the many other questions that come with the decision to pursue Postdoctoral Fellowship.

When transitions, new experiences, and planning for the future all happen simultaneously, it can be exhilarating. Postdoctoral candidates are often busy with many activities which is why the course designed by Postdoc Academy is flexible. The goal of the entire course is to provide transferable skills to postdocs in a wide variety of career paths through a comprehensive program. The course takes place over six weeks, with one week modules, but the weekly sections need not be completed until the six weeks have all been duly accomplished since the priority is the schedule and other study commitments of postdoc candidates. The cost of the course is also flexible with paid tracks available that will award certification and credentials.

Succeeding as a postdoc Leveling up from graduate school to a postdoctorate fellowship program is a major change. Not only will your expectations but so too will your routines. So what can you expect when you sign up with Postdoc Academy? What topics will be covered and learnings and benefits can you get from joining their course? Most importantly, how much will it cost to participate in a course?

The first course is called “Succeeding as a postdoc”, and is organized into four modules. It is focused on the transition between being a graduate student and career planning. The first module is a general overview and forming a career plan. The next module focuses on how to implement a career plan. Because stress can be a challenge for many postdocs, the third module is about resilience and stress management. The fourth and final module fulfills the Academy’s commitment to diversity and is about working in intercultural environments.

Learn more about Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson and Postdoc Academy on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Research and technology create immense value for the world through the results of their hard work. Important innovation and discovery are done in labs around the world, but there is another equally important landscape for businesses and startups who are working in innovative technologies, and that is the connection between people.

Dr. Christie Canaria is a Program Director in the Small Business Innovation Research (or SBIR) Development Center at the National Cancer Institute. She provides programmatic support to small businesses applying to the SBIR and STTR programs and has areas of expertise in biological imaging, biosensors, and nanotechnology.

Dr. Canaria was an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, and she began science policy work in Washington DC in 2013. Previously, Christie managed an optical microscopy facility at DOE Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as an imaging expert and neurobiologist. She was also a coordinator and imaging expert at the Caltech biological imaging center.

Dr. Canaria earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. Prior to that, Dr. Carnaria earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [00:41] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Christie Canaria

[03:05] How Dr. Christie came to be Program Director

[06:12] Communicating scientific ideas to the public

[08:11] The SBIR programs are the engine for innovation

[11:12] Dr. Canaria’s programs provide funding in the form of grants and federal contracts to small businesses that have innovative projects with high commercial potential

[13:33] How Dr. Canaria and her program choose the companies they work with

[17:04] There is a lot of value in the program

[19:09] What the future holds for the program

[21:32] Dr. Canaria could not have predicted her career path

Connect with Dr. Christie Canaria I-Corps at NIH

FAQ for I-Corps at NIH

LinkedIn for Dr. Christie Canaria

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF)

The engine of innovation Innovation is a major factor in the development of small businesses. That innovation involves risk, however, and not all entrepreneurs and business owners are ready to take put their hard-earned company on the line. Being a startup company is always difficult, and having a business that is trying to innovate with cutting edge technologies is no different.

The SBIR Programs that Dr. Christie Canaria are a part of are what they like to call America’s Seed Fund. They provide early-stage funding for biotech companies, many of whom are startups. Companies like this can be started in a lab and are looking for traction and money to get off the ground. The National Cancer Institute, which is a part of the NIH, funds many of these small businesses that are working on the next generation of technologies in the field of cancer research.

The value in connections Part of the process for going through the SBIR program is interviewing 100 people. That can seem like a lot of work, but there is incredible value for companies to gain in going through that process. That process inherently leads to a sharing of ideas that can lead to “aha” moments. Perhaps one the entrepreneurs will end up applying their technology to a different disease than they were initially studying, leading to a breakthrough that would not have otherwise happened.

It is a networking process that can be fruitful for the businesses as well as their research. In one example that Dr. Canaria gives in this episode, she worked a team that had interviewed over 160 people during the eight-week program. Their network was naturally expanded through those efforts, and about a year after the program it paid off. Because of the connections made during I-Corps, they were able to connect with another party that became a multi-million dollar strategic partner and investor.

Learn more about Dr. Christie Canaria on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Working as a geotechnical engineer, or any technical field requires a highly-trained skillset. Years of education and training is needed to prepare for a career in the STEM fields. However, the high-quality institutions that educate students in those fields are not always as focused on teaching them other skills that are beneficial in the workplace. There are ways to learn these skills, however, as this week’s guest knows well.

Terre Nicholson is Principal Consultant at HD Geo, a consulting firm in New Zealand specializing in geotechnical engineering, contaminated land, and observation. Terre has more than 30 years of experience in project and environmental management. She has also served as Bureau Chief of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Terre earned her bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. There she worked as an engineer in training in Occupational Hygiene at the Nevada Test Site. She also received her diploma in Hazardous Materials Management at the University of California Davis.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [01:06] Mark introduces his guest, Terre Nicholson

[03:15] The differences of working in the United States and New Zealand

[05:13] Effectively engaging stakeholders

[08:42] Terre’s time as the Bureau Chief of the Nevada Division Environmental Protection

[11:01] Terre shares a story from her experience in policymaking

[19:50] The key to success is perseverance

[23:38] When empathy is fake

Connect with Terre Nicholson HD Geo

LinkedIn for Terre

Effectively engaging stakeholders as a scientist One of the most underrated skills for someone who works in STEM fields is communication. Technical fields are very focused on developing the skills inherent to a chosen field, and understandably so. But what are some of the possible ways to overcome this? What are some other, non-technical skills that professionals and students can learn to become better communicators? Terre has some great insight on this topic this week.

One way Terre talks about to improve these areas is education. Terre took a class on risk communication. In that course, she learned that empathy is key. When communicating with someone it is helpful to imagine their point of view and understand that they are entitled to their opinion. Many people just don’t have complete knowledge and it is important to convey your point without making them feel stupid.

Perseverance in the face of cancer In 2006 Terre was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment and overcame it, but the cancer came back not long after that. But this time her breast cancer was diagnosed as stage four, which is terminal. There are drugs and treatments that are available, but for Terry, who lived in New Zealand, those drugs had an astronomical cost.

After a struggle with what to do and who to look to for help, Terre ended up working with the Breast Cancer Coalition. Terre found a sympathetic ear in Parliament and was able to speak at that governmental body. Terre and over 250 people marched on Parliament and she was able to share her story. As a result of her efforts, Terre’s petition has garnered over fifty thousand signatures.

Learn more about Terre Nicholson on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Amelia Burke-Garcia is the Director of the Digital Strategy & Outreach Program Area within the Public Health Division at NORC at the University of Chicago. She is also the author of her first book titled Influencing Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Online Influencers, which is an analysis and how-to manual on the evolution and power of online influencers. Dr. Burke-Garcia is also Director of the Digital Strategy and Outreach Program of the Public Health Division at NORC University of Chicago.

Prior to her time at the University of Chicago, Dr. Burke-Garcia served as the director for the Center for Digital Strategy and Research at Westat, as well as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University. Amelia has been named by as one of 10 modern female innovators who are changing medicine.

Dr. Burke-Garcia earned her PhD at George Mason University in Communications. Prior to that, she earned her master's degree at Georgetown University and her bachelor's degree at McGill University in International Development and Humanistic Studies.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:16] Dr. Burke-Garcia gives some background on her new book

[5:08] What is an online influencer, and why are they important?

[11:10] Influencers are expected to be “Pinterest pretty” all of the time

[12:20] Can an influencer be popular and still be authentic?

[17:32] Combating “alternative facts”

[23:26] The best practices for building engagement, and what to avoid

[28:11] How disclosure works, and when influencers need to show that they are getting paid

[30:29] Dr. Burke-Garcia’s advice for those who are starting out

Connect with Amelia Burke-Garcia, Ph.D. Influencing Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Online Influencers, by Amelia Burke-Garcia, PhD

NORC at the University of Chicago

LinkedIn for Dr. Burke-Garcia

Can influencers be authentic as they grow in popularity? Influencers gain popularity in many ways. Many of them grow their audience by projecting a persona of authenticity. With the growth of an influencer’s popularity can come an increased amount of paid posts and product placement. Paid posts are a great source of income for influencers, but is there a subsequent loss of credibility?

Trust is important for an audience, as Dr. Burke-Garcia points out. That trust is born out of credibility and authenticity. A powerful way for influencers to gain that connection is through personal stories. There aren’t as many influencers sharing personal stories these days. When the personal touch is lost, and there is just a wash of paid content and advertisements, the audience that an influencer has built up will start to leave.

The problem of “alternative facts” The rise of social media has meant that more and more people have access to a voice that can reach around the world. This is a very good thing, but it is a double-edged sword. While the truth has gained a voice, so has its opposite. Very little information on social media is fact-checked, and that can lead to the phenomena of “alternative facts”.

Dr. Burke-Garcia brings this up in this week’s episode. The algorithms of social media platforms are designed in such a way that what a person likes and clicks on curates the content that that person sees in the future. The same thing is true for influencer content. Just because someone in a health influencer doesn’t mean they have any training or education in the area of their focus, especially when much of their content can be paid posts.

Learn more about Amelia Burke-Garcia, Ph.D. on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The power of storytelling is evident in so many parts of our society. The movie and television industries are bigger than ever and growing more so each year. Storytelling is now and has been used effectively in the realm of politics for a long time. So what about science? Are there lessons to be learned from storytellers by scientists who wish to communicate their work more effectively to the public at large?

Jack Dannibale is the Founder and President at Massimo Inc. Jack and his team create compelling media campaigns with notable leaders such as President Barack Obama, and actor Matt Damon. Jack has also served as Senior Media Advisor and Chief Speechwriter for US House and Senate Democrats. Before his work in politics, Jack worked in Hollywood with Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Studios, where he focused on Motion Picture development, marketing and writing. Jack earned three Emmy Award nominations for his work at PBS.

Jack earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California in Writing for the Screen and Motion Picture Producing. Prior to that, Jack received his BA in Writing and Film, Summa Cum Laude, also at USC.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [3:03] What drew Jack to his field

[5:59] Jack’s advice for scientists who want to tell their story

[9:17] Crafting a story out of scientific research and data

[13:16 Connecting with your audience

[19:48] The power of a shared community

[24:39] The problem of “alternative facts”

Connect with Jack Dannibale Massimo Inc.

LinkedIn for Jack

The Strategy of crafting a story One of the greatest strengths of data and research - its objectivity - can also be a hurdle to the effective communication of science to the public at large. The layperson in society is more used to communication that is closer in form to that of a narrative. What are the possible ways around this? What can scientists and researchers do to find better ways to communicate with the public?

In this episode, Jack Dannibale has some great ideas. The key element of successful communication of ideas is connection. Jack suggests marrying the “prose” of data and research with some aspects of storytelling to create a more personal connection with listeners and readers. What does this mean to them? How will this affect them personally? That is the way to connect with audiences.

Know your audience The next step is to know what the best way to go about connecting with your audience. For that to be successful you have to know them. When crafting a story, writers sometimes like to stress that you should start at the end. What is the end goal or end result you want? What does a connection with the audience look like? After finding out what your goal is, you can work backward from there to build your connection, as Jack points out.

By bringing the results of research and data into their logical conclusion, you can create a connection and a sense of community with the audience and how it impacts them, whether it be through the environment or the world at large, or even a combination of the two. Techniques like these take research and elevate it from data on a page into the imagination and lives of the public.

Learn more about Jack Dannibale on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Telling stories is a part of human history. Storytelling is one of those human elements that transcend culture and geography and time. Whether it be through theater, television, cinema, the written word, or even the oral traditions of the past, the communication of values, morals, and entertainment have been used throughout the ages.

Eric Clausen is a marketing and communications executive with more than two decades of international experience building brands and telling stories. For the past nine years, he's led CG life, an integrated marketing and communications agency operating at the intersection of life science and healthcare. He's also the founder of the Life Science Network, a professional networking organization that reaches more than 25,000 professionals.

Eric earned his bachelor's in Environmental Science and German at California State University Sacramento.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [1:40] Why stories are such a compelling way to communicate

[3:15] What makes a good story?

[5:48] How scientists can use a narrative, storytelling angle to explaining science

[7:33] Why empathy is an important aspect of storytelling

[8:20] Communicating complexity in a relatable way

[12:07] Preparing scientists as spokespeople

[14:25] Eric shares a story of successful marketing by the use of storytelling

Connect with Erik Clausen CG Life

Erik Clausen on CG Life

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Storytelling has influence and history Storytelling is a powerful tool in society. There are so many kinds of stories, more than just fairy tales and fiction novels. Indeed, as Erik Clausen points out on this week’s episode, storytelling is as old as society itself. It is how things got done and how messages were conveyed. The education and influence that the elders of a village or tribe wish to convey to the younger generation could be passed on through the use of a good story.

It remains true to this day. Gaining influence over the community at large, whether you are a scientist, engineer, or politician, the use of stories can carry your message to the general public. Getting feedback and gaining a consensus in the current age of social media can bring about change in the world. That is the power of storytelling.

Composing a good story What makes a good story? Writers and creators have been puzzling over this question for hundreds of years, if not more. It certainly seems as if some stories resonate more widely than other stories, so what is it that makes that so? What elements have popular writers such as Shakespeare included in their art that other writers have not captured?

In this week’s episode, Erik has some great opinions on this subject. As he points out in the episode, it is all about the journey of a protagonist as they overcome a challenge or problem. There is a tension that is built up in their struggle, which is released upon completion of the task or solution to the problem.

Learn more about Erik Clausenn and his work at CG Life on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Research is a critical component to continuing advances in technology and treatments in healthcare. A focused research mission is what leads to those improvements, and the ability for researchers to secure funding and operate efficiently goes a long way towards achieving that goal. So where is the best place to put resources into research and development?

This week’s guest believes that research is best done hand-in-hand with academic institutions, and has a career of success to back it up.

Dr. Richard Larson is an entrepreneur and an academic leader. He serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, as well as President and Chairman of the Board of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority.

Dr. Larson also helped to found TriCore Reference Laboratories, New Mexico's 10th largest business and its largest Medical Laboratory. He was formerly Chairman of the Board of TriCore, and currently is a member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Larson received his PhD in Immunology from Harvard University as well as his MD from Harvard Medical School. He’s also a summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where he earned his AB in chemistry.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:37] The challenges Dr. Larson has faced in his mission to improve public education and health care across the state of New Mexico

[3:57] Why university research is important

[5:34] Utilizing new discoveries to improve healthcare and society to promote job growth

[12:04] Promoting Healthcare equity for minorities

[18:30] Lessons Dr. Larson has learned in his work at the Health Sciences Center

[24:22] Improving wealth by improving health

[29:01] Dr. Larson’s advice for upcoming entrepreneurs

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Improving collaboration between departments One of the difficult things about scientific discovery is that the scientific community as a whole is compartmentalized. Traditional medical school is broken up into different departments such as neuroscience, cell biology, and neurology. The faculty in these departments do not typically work with each other very often. As Dr. Larson says in the episode, it is difficult for a pharmacist to work with a neurologist.

Dr. Larson saw this issue and developed mechanisms that allowed them to collaborate more often and create a connection between departments. Because of these endeavors, as well as his work implementing incentive-based pay programs, Dr. Larson and his team were able to increase funding and advance their work in vaccines, HPV, Ebola, and sleep apnea. The increased results have helped lead to the funding of over 900 active projects.

Improving equity in the healthcare system One of the biggest problems with healthcare in America today is the issue of equity. Treatment for the same injury will differ for each individual patient based upon their economic status, as well as other factors such as ethnicity. The work that Dr. Larson does in New Mexico is a unique experience because the state is one of the few majority minority states in the US, with 45% of the population being Hispanic, while 40% is Caucasian.

As Dr. Larson points out in this week’s episode, there is also growing research into the idea that certain ethnic groups actually need different treatments. For example, Dr. Larson’s research and clinical trials were able to show the differences in the way that African American children should be treated for asthma. So, while the need for equity of treatment quality needs to be improved for lower-income families, some treatments are better suited to one ethnicity than another.

Learn more about Dr. Richard Larson and his research at the University of New Mexico on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The topic of stem cells can elicit a variety of responses from controversy to indifference. These widely misunderstood cells are usually thought to be the product of infants or something taken from the fetuses. The fact is that these amazing cells are a part of all of us, and could possibly lead to great advances in medicine.

If they are misunderstood, what are the best ways to educate the public on the benefits and uses of stem cells? That is a question that this week’s guest wants to answer.

Dr. Geoff Hunt is the Director at LabX which is presented by the National Academy of Sciences. His focus is on public engagement, utilizing his scientific background and communication skills to help share science with the public at large. Dr. Hunt has also served as Manager of Public Outreach with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Dr. Hunt was a Post-doctoral fellow at Princeton University. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology at Princeton, as well. Prior to that, Dr. Hunt received his Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Cornell University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:15] Background on the LabX and Dr. Hunt’s work there

[6:10] Knowing your audience and the importance of connection

[10:03] How Dr. Hunt develops ideas when building a presentation

[12:18] Describing the field of stem cell research to non-scientists

[16:28] How Dr. Hunt became interested in his field

[21:38] The disaster simulation game that LabX has developed

[24:25] What the future holds, and what Dr. Hunt is excited for right now

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What is Stem Cell research? As with many scientific endeavors, an accurate understanding of the subject of stem cell research requires an intense education, which is the precise reason degrees like a PhD exist. It is a subject that is not often in the public eye. Most of the beliefs about stem cells, as Dr. Hunt points out, are that they come from babies or from fetuses. But what exactly is stem cell research, and what can we learn or benefit from it?

Dr. Hunt explains this beautifully in the episode. The reality is that stem cells are basic cells that can grow into any cell in the body. There are many diseases that can cause damage or even failure to one or more organs in the body. Organ transplants are possible, but the process is complicated and the supply is limited by available donors. Stem cells could theoretically be used to “grow” the organ needed and replace the one that has failed.

The Extreme Event game by LabX Disaster can strike anywhere in the globe at almost any time. When a crisis event happens, knowing what to do and how to react can save lives. Once it happens, the opportunity for planning and preparation has already passed. Events such as these are, by nature, sudden and unexpected, so what can people do to prepare for the worst?

The National Research Council, which is the research wing of the National Academy, released a report that contained valuable lessons on how to prepare for a disaster. A game was developed to get these lessons out to the general public. Three different disaster scenarios are available: a hurricane, an earthquake, and a flood. The use of a game makes these important lessons more enjoyable to learn and gives the benefit of a role-playing scenario as a practice run for an actual event.

Learn more about Dr. Geoff Hunt and his research into stem cells on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The Arctic has experienced a dynamic change in the last couple of decades. Ice is disappearing at alarming rates, and the ocean is experiencing harmful acidification. With all of these ongoing environmental issues, what are some of the upcoming issues and difficulties that the planet and our society will experience? What can we do to mitigate or reverse the damage being done to our oceans?

Dr. Jeremy Mathis is the director of the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology at the National Academy of Sciences. He is also an adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University. Dr. Mathis previously served as the Director of the Arctic Research Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also spent time as the director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Ocean Acidification Research Center.

Dr. Mathis earned his PhD in Marine Chemistry attending the University of Miami. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from McNeese State University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:10] How Dr. Mathis came to work in the Arctic

[5:02] What has changed in the environment since Dr. Mathis started his work

[10:45] Acidification of the ocean

[14:52] What is happening in the Arctic is a window into the future

[18:22] What Dr. Mathis is working on now

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Ocean acidification is not reversible The Industrial Revolution has led to a massive increase in carbon emissions, and all of that carbon dioxide continues to find its way into the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. As Dr. Mathis points out this week, the abundance of liberated CO2 has led to alarming acidification of the oceans. So do scientists have a means of pulling that carbon dioxide out of the oceans? Can we reverse the trend and return the oceans to prior levels of acidification?

Unfortunately, Dr. Mathis says no. There are geoengineering solutions for pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, but we don’t have any current technology to do the same for our oceans. There are natural cycles that will pull that CO2 out of the oceans, but those take place over periods of thousands of years. Even if we were to completely stop emitting carbon, acidification will still continue for some time.

Educating the next generation One of the greatest catalysts for change is the actions of the upcoming generations. This is amplified right now by the fact that our society has experienced an incredible transition over the last few decades. The internet and social media are powerful tools, and the younger generations have grown up with them in their lives from birth. They will be the next generation of policymakers that will shape the future of our culture and planet.

In this episode, Dr. Mathis talks about how he has made it his focus to help teach the next generation of policymakers. He hopes they will not repeat the mistakes of prior generations and wants them to be better communicators. One of the greatest difficulties of creating positive change for the planet is communicating science to those who have deeply held beliefs that run counter what climate scientists are learning about the state of our environment.

Learn more about Dr. Jeremy Mathis, his work, and the acidification of our oceans in this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Mike Holland is the Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Research Strategies at the University of Pittsburgh, which supports cross-disciplinary research and coordinates the University’s response to research policy opportunities. He is also responsible for creating major research initiatives and maintaining the University research funding.

Dr. Holland has previous experience in government including a position as the senior advisor and Staff Director at the Office of the Undersecretary for Science at the United States Department of Energy.

Policymaking is one of the key ways that scientific research and discovery finds its way into the public sphere. It is not always an easy, direct path, and needs the participation of scientists and those with technical training to improve the process. Dr. Mike Holland has a successful career in science policy, working with government, universities, and the Center for Urban Science and Progress.

Dr. Holland earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Prior to that, he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and Chemistry, both from North Carolina State University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:47] How Dr. Holland found his way into the policy world

[8:54] The story of how Vern Ehlers was the first research physicist to be elected to Congress

[15:22] Dr. Holland’s experience working with Science Outside the Lab

[20:00] The 3 primary roles scientists can play in policymaking

[29:15] How Dr. Holland’s scientific training informs his work in policymaking

[34:01] Dr. Holland’s work with the Schwartzman Scholarship Program

[39:50] What Dr. Holland is working on right now

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Science Outside the Lab

The example of Vern Ehlers The path into policymaking for scientists has not always been an easy one. Vern Ehlers was the first physicist to serve in congress in 1993. As Dr. Holland points out in this week’s episode, this unusual path led many people to want to know how he did it. So how did Vern Ehlers make the jump from being science faculty in a university to serving in the Congress of the United States?

As Dr. Holland talks about, Vern Ehlers wanted to bring his expertise in science to his state representative in Congress, which happened to be Gerald Ford, who later went on to become President of the United States. Becoming a scientific advisor for a future President planted a seed in Dr. Holland that grew into political aspirations. After building relationships in Congress, Vern Ehlers saw that he could make a difference himself, and that led to his eventual time as a US Congressman.

Bringing Science Outside of the Lab Working in a lab requires focus and dedication, and is important work regardless of which branch of science is being studied. One of the most important aspects of scientific study is the ability to bring what is learned in the lab to the world at large. Policy-making is one avenue that science interfaces with the general public. Scientific training doesn’t always show how this can be accomplished, so what can scientists do to better understand how to bring their work to the world?

Dr. Holland has worked with Science Outside the Lab, which was created to help PhD students in the natural sciences get their work to the public through policymaking. The program outlines potential jobs outside of the labs that PhD graduates can consider getting into to help facilitate scientific policy in the real world. Courses on Science Policy are rare in educational programs, so Science Outside the Lab helps students get a feel of the world outside of laboratory life.

Learn more about Mike Holland, PhD and his work with scientific policy in this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Jason Latimer is the creator of Impossible Science, an academic platform that unites science and magic to inspire wonder in education. He is also the curator of the Fleet Science Center and co-host of SciJinks, a popular series on the Science Channel. Jason is a Grand Prix best overall World Champion of magic, having developed a thrilling style of magic that is as captivating as it is educational.

Education is one of the most important things in personal development, but it isn’t always the most fun or interesting. Magic, on the other hand, can be incredibly interesting, though not necessarily informative. When this week’s guest saw a magician as a child, it inspired a curiosity for science that has led to an exciting and successful career uniting these two seemingly distinct fields.

Jason earned his degree in mathematics and econometrics from the University of California Santa Barbara. While attending UCSB he also worked with other universities, doing research in Perceptual Psychology and Applied Physics. Jason’s professional work has earned him recognition and awards in physics and engineering.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:48] How Jason came to love magic and how it relates to science

[9:58] Not knowing something is the key to learning

[13:01] What Jason is working on now

[19:31] Impossible Science is meant for all ages

[21:50] STEM topics should be taught as a tool

[24:15] The origin and etymology of the word “scientist”

[27:05] How to connect with Jason

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The unknown is a good thing It doesn’t feel good to be in the dark, and the unknown can be a frightening prospect. Gaining an understanding of the world, and acquiring scientific knowledge, can give a sense of control. The reverse of that is an almost limitless amount of things which we haven’t learned yet. The realization of that truth can be tough to swallow. So what is the best way to gain the strength to embrace our lack of knowledge and gain a sense of wonder?

Kids tend to go through a phase where they are always asking “why”. As Jason mentions in the episode, it is an honest and earnest question, and that spirit starts to diminish as we get older. Putting up an illusion of knowledge can be tempting, as it can provide a buffer of comfort when facing the vastness of the unknown. The alternative is to develop that sense of wonder and gain an appetite for learning.

Impossible Science is meant for all ages Learning is certainly important for the young, but what is often overlooked is that we never stop learning - or at least we shouldn’t stop! Learning not only enriches our experience of the world around us, but it also is very good for our minds and bodies to help keep us young. So is there a targeted age group at Impossible Science that Jason is hoping to reach? Absolutely not!

As Jason mentions in the episode, Impossible Science is for everyone of all ages. When the experiments for the project were being designed, they engineered them to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages. There have been certain appearances, such as ComicCon, where they have had a more targeted age group, but Impossible Science is for everyone from, as Jason puts it in the episode, “5 to 105”.

Learn more about Jason Latimer and his work on Impossible Science in this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Leonard Sonnenshein is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer for Salvation Farming Solutions, LLC and GrowFish LLC. He is also Co-Founder of the World Ocean Network. Leonard is a regular collaborator and consultant with international agencies such as UNESCO, UNDP, WHO, and the International Ocean Institute.

Climate change can be a charged, controversial subject in the general public. Not everyone believes the effects are real or dangerous. How do scientists go about communicating scientific research to those who aren’t receptive to the subject matter?

Agriculture, despite being integral to feeding people around the world, has its own impact on climate change. The increased need for agriculture has led to an increased effect on the climate. The guest on this week’s episode is doing his part to alleviate this issue.

Leonard has a degree in biology and secondary education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and a degree in biology and philosophy that he also earned from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:10] How Leonard communicates about climate change to an audience that might find the subject controversial

[5:11] How to be a better communicator of science

[9:47] The effects of agriculture on the climate, and how to improve the climate footprint of agriculture

[12:36] Leonard’s advice for entrepreneurs

[17:15] Working with the Yield Lab

[19:10] Changes in agriculture in recent years

[21:03] What Leonard is working on now

Connect with Leonard Sonnenshein The Yield Lab

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Communicating the effects of climate change to those who find it controvertial While the scientific community, for the most part, has a consensus on climate change, the general public is a little more divided. For many people, the subject is controversial, and aren’t very receptive to discussion on this important topic. So how do scientists broach the topic? What are the best ways to go about communicating scientific data in a way which will not turn some people off?

For Leonard Sonnenshein, as he points out in the interview, the way to reach a wider audience is to avoid the buzz words like “climate change”, and instead concentrate on the tangible effects of it. How has climate change affected your audience directly? If you are speaking to farmers, how has their ability to grow crops been altered? Will it affect their livelihood? Now, instead of a theoretical discussion about climate, it becomes something your audience can relate to.

Improving agriculture’s climate footprint Agriculture is central to feeding people around the world. As worldwide population grows, so does the need for a vast and efficient agriculture industry. With an increase in production comes an equally increased climate footprint. There is a log of pollution which comes from the industry, as Leonard points out in the interview. What can be done to alleviate these stresses on the environment?

Leonard has some ideas for that, as well. There are multiple ways to approach the issue, such as creating products which are based completely on nature so that there is little or no harm done. Another tactic is to grow products like corn which have more cobs per plant, increase the size of the kernels, and improve the plant’s ability to fight pests and disease. Reducing waste is another way to reduce the need to grow as much overall per capita.

Learn more about Leonard Sonnenshein and his work on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Laura Woodworth-Ney is the Executive Vice President and Provost at Idaho State University. Laura is also a faculty member there and is the Chief Academic Officer of the University. She oversees units that impact research and instructional academic programs. Laura has also had prior appointments at ISU including Chair of the Department of History and co-Director of Women’s Studies.

The gap between those who make policy decisions in government and the more rural citizens can sometimes be a wide one. There are a lot of experts who have a passion for their fields and a storehouse of knowledge, but that doesn’t always translate to and influence those who make policy. This week’s guest on the podcast hopes to help close that gap and help those who live in rural areas of Idaho.

Dr. Laura Woodworth-Ney earned her PhD in American History and Public History at Washington State University. Prior to that, she completed her master’s degree in History also at Washington State University. Her undergraduate studies were done at the University of Idaho, where she earned her bachelor’s in English.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [2:26] The Idaho Science and Technology Fellowship

[7:55] Getting entry-level faculty involved in policymaking

[11:01] The time scale is longer in science than it is in policymaking

[14:01] The difficulties which first-generation college students face

[15:45] Dr. Woodworth-Ney did not plan on staying in Idaho originally

[20:02] Dealing with fast-moving changes in technology

[22:02] What it was like in the late 19th Century American West

[25:49] Emerging trends in academia

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Bridging the gap between private industry and the scientific community There is a big difference between the worlds of the scientific community and private industry. The needs, goals, and deadlines of each are distinct due to the timescales that each operates in. Academic activity has a rhythm and a flow more naturally centered around the academic calendar, while private industry has only the quick turnaround and completion of its goals in mind. The result is a difference in the relative speed between the two.

As Dr. Woodworth-Ney mentions in this episode, that difference can lead to a lack of synergy. The timescale gap also exists in the world of lawmaking, as well, as they have a much longer time to develop their ideas than the private sector. So what is the solution for bridging this gap? Laura hopes the fellowships they are working on can use policy to bridge a gap between private industry and the scientific community.

Technology is changing very quickly The technological revolution of the last few decades has accelerated exponentially in the last 10 years. The ways we travel, communicate, and even eat our food have been revolutionized, and this is just as true on campuses as anywhere else. Things like class registration, dining, and how students are informed about campus happenings have completely changed.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Woodworth-Ney gives an excellent example of this rapid change. Her mother and grandmother also attended the same university as she did, and as Laura mentions, registration for classes was done the same way for her mother as it was for her. That is no longer the case, as the internet has made those ways seem obsolete. The students who are attending classes today have never known a world without a cell phone and the internet, and even emails are no longer used as much as they once were, as Laura points out.

Learn more about Dr. Laura Woodworth-Ney and on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Angela Fowler is the Director at the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where she advocates for the needs of postdocs and designs workshops for postdocs and grad students to guide career planning. Prior to her position as Director, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at La Jolla Institute for Immunology, researching Zika and Dengue in addition to helping develop a career development program.

Career planning is difficult in any stage of life, but even more so during the graduate school and postdoc periods. Research is usually the focus, and it can be difficult to put energy into planning a career that has not happened yet. During her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Fowler developed a passion for career development after she heard a talk from a career planner who had made it their focus to help postdocs plan their careers.

Dr. Angela Fowler earned her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Kansas after completing her Bachelor’s in Biology from Pittsburg State University. Angela is a first-generation college graduate and is the first-ever PhD in her family.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [2:30] What do the best manuscripts have in common? * [4:46] Keys to getting the best post-doc experience * [8:44] The career development program Dr. Fowler helped develop at the University of Kansas * [11:20] The earlier you plan to transition to career life the better * [12:50] Finding meaning in helping people * [14:16] What makes a great mentor, and what makes a great mentee * [17:32] Dr. Fowler’s favorite resources for information

Connect with Angela Fowler, PhD * Indiana University School of Medicine * LinkedIn for Dr. Fowler * Carpe Careers

Career development can begin before you leave school When is the best time to begin planning for a career during a postdoc? It is difficult to plan for careers that have not materialized yet. But the problem will not go away, and the sooner it is addressed, the better. Fortunately, there are experienced professionals who have gone through the process before who give their time and energy to helping others address these very concerns.

It was during Dr. Folwer’s postdoc when she developed a passion for career development, in part because of her own experience. She heard a talk from someone who had a position and role which was centered around helping those like her to develop their career while still in a postdoctoral program. The experience inspired Dr. Folwer and she began to volunteer in career development programs, as she speaks about on the podcast.

Getting the most out of the postdoc experience Networking and career planning can seem like a distant problem at the beginning of a postdoc. Focusing on the present is always a good idea, but at some point, the experience will end and the sooner that reality is addressed, the smoother the transition will be to a successful career.

As Angela talks about during this week’s episode, it is a good idea to begin the postdoc period being mindful of your future career, as well. Multiple career plans and paths can materialize out of a postdoc, and it is not ideal to put off thinking about those possibilities until the postdoc period is almost completed. Dr. Fowler has made it a part of her career to helping postdocs navigate those situations.

Learn more about Dr. Angela Fowler and her passion for career planning on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Dr. Quinta Nwanosike Warren is the Founder and CEO of Engineering Research Consulting, LLC., and the author of the book A Practical Guide to Oil & Gas Resource Characterization For Geologists and Reservoir Engineers. She is currently working as an AAAS Fellow with the Millenium Challenge Corporation and has served as Director of Professional Education at the Dakar American University of Science and Technology.

Having a career plan is certainly a great idea to implement. Defining a goal will help to bring focus and accountability which can provide momentum to a career track. Sometimes life can offer a curveball, however. After planning on going to medical school, Dr. Quinta Warren was offered an opportunity in the oil and gas industry. Despite the fact it operated outside of her goals, she saw the great opportunity and took it, forever altering her professional life.

Dr. Warren earned her PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. It was at the former where she first met representatives from ConocoPhillips which set her on her career track.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [1:03] Introduction and background for Dr. Quinta Nwanosike

[3:19] What attracted Quinta to policymaking positions

[5:16] The internship that started Dr. Warren’s career

[8:52] Techniques for communicating complex scientific ideas to the general public

[14:25] How to navigate career changes

[19:21] What makes a good mentor, and how to be a good mentee

[24:26] Lessons that Dr. Warren find most valuable

[27:35] Keys to success in the workplace

Connect with Dr. Quinta Nwanosike Energy Research Consulting

Millennium Challenge Corporation

A Practical Guide to Oil & Gas Resource Characterization For Geologists and Reservoir Engineers, by Quinta Nwanosike-Warren, and Kelsey Mosley-Bufford

Internships can open up unplanned opportunities Gaining experience is how we grow in our professional life. The most difficult aspect of starting out in a new career is the inherent lack of experience in a chosen field. Internships are a fantastic way to get valuable experience and gain the knowledge needed to grow. They are also a natural way to develop a personal network of contacts.

Dr. Warren had just such an opportunity in the second year of her PhD program at Georgia Tech. She was tasked with running a symposium that brought together industry professionals together with graduate students looking for internships. The delegation from ConocoPhillips was so impressed with how well her event was run that they offered her an internship on the spot. Even though she had not planned on working in the oil and gas industry, she accepted the offer. As Quinta points out in the interview, it was not what she had originally envisioned for her career track, but she seized an opportunity when it came to her.

Mentorship is a two-way street Having a mentor can be a life-changing relationship. The opportunity to interface with people who have walked the path before is immensely valuable. It is important to find a mentor who is the right fit for you and your goals. They should have the skills and knowledge you wish to learn, but being comfortable with them is equally important, as Dr. Warren points out. But mentorship is a two-way street, and what it takes to be an ideal mentoree is often overlooked.

What are the ideal traits to have for those who wish to find a good mentor? As Dr. Warren speaks about in this episode, wasting your mentor's time is not a good idea. Being open and clear about what will be needed from them is also important. No one will want to be a mentor for someone who they feel has wasted their time or has not been upfront or truthful.

Learn more about Dr. Quinta Nwanosike and her professional life on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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The world is going through a progression, as more and more women and minorities are breaking into all areas of education and business. There is still a long way to go, but this progress is spearheaded by leaders in both areas who make it their passion to help equality become more and more of a reality in our modern times.

Dr. Heather Metcalf is the Chief Research Officer at the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Metcalf is Project Lead on the STEM to Market and Advanced Resource and Coordination Network initiatives. She has extensive experience leading the empirical intersection between work and gender in the STEM fields.

The social sciences and STEM fields each have their own ways of thinking. Having immersed herself in both computer science and gender studies, which are fields with two traditionally distinct mindsets, Heather had a unique, well-rounded experience that informs her professional life and the initiatives she leads.

Heather completed her postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona where she holds a patent on training materials for effective search and hiring processes. Heather got her PhD in Higher Education - Science and Technology Policy at The University of Arizona, where she also earned her Master’s in Gender and Women’s Studies. In addition, Heather completed an MS in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks [1:02] Introduction to Heather Metcalf, PhD

[5:22] Having two different focuses during her education gave Heather a well-rounded approach to both fields

[8:13] How the career and experience of Heather’s mom informed her work.

[9:37] Advice for those who are the first in their family to attend college, and the challenges that Heather faced as the first in her family to attend

[14:52] The First Culture Study Heather implemented in her Master’s degree, and her thoughts on the results

[23:28] The STEM to Market initiative Dr. Metcalf is leading

Connect with Karene Richards Stem to Market Program

LinkedIn

Association for Women in Science (AWIS)

The best of both worlds Many people spend their entire educational and professional careers immersed in either qualitative-based areas or the science and technology fields. During the educational process for quantitative professions in STEM, sometimes communication and non-technical writing skills can end up being undervalued, even if it isn’t intentional.

For Dr. Metcalf, those areas did not seem so separate. As she mentions in the interview, endeavors such as writing an argument aren’t so much different from making a proof in mathematics or creating an algorithm. Even more important is the need for scientists to be better at communicating complex and important issues such as climate change to a sometimes skeptical public.

Unconscious bias from investors Becoming an entrepreneur is a difficult endeavor that involves a high amount of risk. For those who have great ideas but find themselves without the capital to bring them to fruition, the task can seem insurmountable. The solution for most startup entrepreneurs is to find investors to help them realize their dream.

As Heather talks about this week, many investors have an inherent bias towards women. More often than ideal, when women are seeking capital, investors tend to ask them questions about risk. Conversely, they tend to ask men questions about promotion. As Heather points out, women receive less than 2% of Venture Capital investing, and women of color receive even less, at one-half percent. That is the goal of the STEM to Market initiative, to help promote STEM women entrepreneurs and cultivate inclusive investors.

Learn more about Dr. Heather Metcalf and her work by listening in on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

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Scientists and engineers are usually very adept in quantitative endeavors such as math and statistics. Despite having the skills to tackle high-level technical problems, many scientists don’t have training in other important areas such as communication. What can people do to recognize and improve these important skills in their own professional life?

Karene Richards is a women’s advocate and capital markets quantitative expert with over 15 years of success in the investment banking industry. She has the distinction of building the first Carbon Finance model for the World Bank. Karene also created a mortgage-backed security model that generated over $250 million in income.

Scientists are a fountain of innovation. They are on the leading edge of so many technologies and medical discoveries. It can be surprising to learn that connection and communication is one of the biggest difficulties for them. Karene Richards has both quantitative expertise and top-notch communication skills and hopes to help others in the science and technology fields learn the same.

Karene earned her undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Harvard University. After getting her Bachelor’s, Karene went on to get a master's of Financial Mathematics and Statistics at Columbia University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:01] Introduction to Karene Richards * [3:49] The formative years of Karene * [7:45] How her quantitative expertise informs her work as a CEO * [10:25] How Karene’s skills in the management side inform her communication with other engineers * [12:15] Seeking to understand someone before trying to be understood, and the importance of connection in communication * [16:10] Innovation follows naturally after inclusion * [17:20] How Karene thinks communication in science can be improved * [22:42] What scientists can do to improve their perspective and communication with those outside the sciences * [27:20] Communication advice for listeners

Connect with Karene Richards * LinkedIn * The Karene Group * Wonder Women Tech * Karene’s WWT Profile

Quantitative skills and effective communication The daily routines, expectations, and skills needed in the life of a scientist can be very different from that of a CEO or other management position. Many people will only ever operate in only one of those areas. Things like quantitative analysis and high-level math lead to very different needs with regards to the connection between people. So what perspectives can we learn from someone who has lived in both worlds?

Karene has that experience. As she mentions in the episode, the analytical skills from her quantitative past can help her see the “bare bones” of the issues as a CEO. It also helps her to know what questions to ask and get to the real problem. Alternatively, when communicating, she has learned as a CEO to take into consideration how the person being communicated to will feel after the conversation because people tend to remember how they felt about a conversation more than the minute details of what was said.

The Importance of Connection Communication between people, whether it by colleagues in science or business, is the key to the successful completion of any project. Science can sometimes seem like it is in a bubble, and the personalities which are used to being buried in the work found in labs and theories are not trained to interface with the world. What can we do to improve the communication and connection between scientists and investors or the public?

As Karene says in this week’s show, a connection is easier when one tries to understand someone before trying to be understood. What that really says is that it is easier to convey a message or idea to someone else if you can try to understand them as a person first. Look at it from their point of view and try to boil your message down to one sentence.

Learn more about Karene Richards and her successful career in science and business by listening in on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Effective leadership is the driving force behind education, business, and also the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. It is a skill which is hard to describe or pin down, yet you know it when you see it. Why is leadership so important, especially in the fields of science and engineering? And what can people do to develop their skills if they want to become better leaders?

Dr. Crystal Morrison is a scientist, leader, and speaker who believes that stronger leadership skills need to be developed for professionals in the science, engineering, and tech fields. Through her professional experience, her companies, and public speaking, she has made it her personal mission - and her business - to help build strong leaders in these important fields.

Tech and science have traditionally had a difficult time developing people in management positions. After being tired of a lack of leadership development in the fields of STEM, Crystal launched EverRise, LLC, which endeavors to take on this important task. She has also brought her message to the stage with her highly effective TEDx talk.

Dr. Crystal Morrison concurrently earned her PhD and MS in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry at the University of Missouri-Rola, with a minor in Business Communications.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:59] Mark introduces Dr. Crystal Morrison * [2:38] Why Crystal and EverRise decided to focus on leadership * [3:56] Do scientists struggle with leadership roles more than other professions? * [4:56] The High-Performance Leadership Platform * [6:50] The shift in mindset that is needed to be a leader * [8:10] What listeners can do in their daily lives to be better leaders * [10:10] The best types of training for leaders * [12:40] The Peer Group Coaching which Crystal is developing * [14:40] The ability to interface with people is the biggest factor to success in any career

Connect with Crystal Morrison, Ph.D. * EverRise, LLC * Dr. Crystal Morrison TEDx Talk

Leadership can be more difficult in an analytical field For those who have chosen professions and education in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields, having an analytical mind is a large asset to have. Highly quantitative subjects like math and science have distinct problems and (hopefully) solutions. Having that analytical mind is helpful for crafting quantitative solutions, but it isn’t always ideal for the more nuanced needs of a leadership role. So what can professionals do to improve leadership skills?

That is what Crystal has made her passion, and why she started EverRise, LLC. So, what are some tips which Crystal has for those who wish to develop more management skills? As she mentions in her interview this week, Dr. Morrision suggests a high level of communication is necessary to project authority. This might require a shift in mentality.

Being a leader means interfacing with your peers Leadership does not happen in a vacuum. It is the result of people coming together and “interfacing”, as Dr. Morrisson called it in this week’s episode. It is through that interaction that people learn the skills necessary to guide their peers in mutual endeavors. Learning to communicate a vision, and helping people see and buy into that vision is what makes a leader.

That is best accomplished through positive interaction. Most people don’t respond well when they are treated poorly or feel unappreciated. Providing a positive influence will help you build a connection with the people around you in the short term, as well as a reputation that will help you create that same connection with new people in the long term.

Learn more about Dr. Crystal Morrison and her work building tomorrow’s leaders by tuning in to the full conversation with Mark, on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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The idea of public speaking can leave many people feeling anxious and afraid. So, for those who need to give a speech or presentation for their academic or business career, what are some ways to overcome the nerves? What techniques can they use to calm their anxiety?

Bri McWhorter is a successful actress and teacher who specializes in public speaking, interview techniques, and interpersonal communications, as well as the skills needed to give an effective presentation. She uses her training as an actor to show others how to overcome stage anxiety and communicate their message.

The experience of being trained as an actor led Bri to create Activate to Captivate, where she is CEO to this day. The company teaches communication from the point of view of an actor. Through communication workshops and private coaching, Bri and her company endeavor to help clients in academia, corporations, and nonprofits to improve their public speaking, interpersonal communication, and interview techniques.

Bri McWhorter earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. After her undergraduate degree, she went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Acting at UC Irvine.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:04] Introduction to Bri McWhorter * [2:19] Why Bri decided to become an actor * [3:13] Finding her other passion of helping people using her acting background * [6:29] How being trained as an actor helps Bri teach people to communicate * [8:40] Getting over stage fright * [12:15] Bri’s work with Scientists at UC Irvine * [16:05] What makes Bri proud in her communication work * [19:39] A piece of advice from Bri to improve communication skills

Connect with Bri McWhorter * Activate to Captivate * Bri McWhorter on LinkedIn * BriMcWhorter.com

Getting over the fear of Public Speaking The fear of speaking in public is a very common one. It can be difficult to speak in front of a group of people you don't know. It can be even more frightening to do it in front of your peers. Bri calls the physical shock which a speaker can go through a “presenter shell” because the speaker does not feel like themselves. Tension builds up in their body, and it affects the voice. When someone hears that wavering in their voice, it increases the nerves, and creates a negative feedback loop.

Fortunately for her clients, Bri has developed techniques to alleviate those conditions. So what are some ways in which a speaker can prepare to speak and calm down their nerves? For example, warm-up techniques are taught which are similar to those used by professional athletes. They don’t just run onto the court or field without a routine to get their body ready and their nerves calmed. The best thing to do to calm the body, according to Bri, is to breathe. When someone is nervous, the first thing they do is hold their breath. So learning to breathe in moments of anxiety can make a huge difference.

How Acting can translate to communication skills As Bri mentions in during this interview, actors are trained to know how to use their body and their voice to add life to what they are communicating. Most people only rely on the message they are trying to convey while speaking in public or in front of a crowd. The body is a useful tool for effectively communicating with a personal audience, and the formal training of an actor naturally embodies that.

Actors learn to see things from another’s perspective, and that is what public speaking is all about. The entire point is for another person to receive your message, so knowing how to embody that is incredibly helpful. What does a typical audience member think? What do they know already about the subject at hand? What could possibly be confusing for them about the subject? Understanding their perspective, and that the act of public speaking is a group experience, goes a long way towards successfully conveying a message. Actors know this, and that makes them natural teachers of effective communication.

Learn more about Bri McWhorter and her successful life as an actor and teacher of communication by listening to the full conversation with Mark on this week’s episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Since the industrial revolution, we have been contaminating our water, air, and land at alarming rates. We also are faced with an epidemic of homelessness. Who can we turn to for these alarming issues which we face? Is there anyone who has tackled these problems successfully? Mark’s guest this week has taken on both of these problems.

Dr. Lilia Abron is a trailblazing entrepreneur. She has the distinction of being the first African-American woman in the country to earn a PhD in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Abron is also the first African-American to launch a consulting firm which focuses on environmental issues. She was an early pioneer in the idea that sustainability initiatives can improve the condition of impoverished areas around the world.

Lilia has created an incredibly successful career in business and community involvement. She is the Founder and CEO of PEER Consultants, PC, an environmental consulting firm out of Washington, DC, but which has offices in 10 cities. She has also served as a board member with the Baptist Home for Children, as well as President of Jack and Jill of American, Inc. in Washington DC.

Dr. Lilia Abron completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at LeMoyne-Owen College. After earning her Master’s Degree in Sanitary Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, she worked as an environmental chemist before going on to complete her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Iowa.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Lilia Abron * [3:28] What drew Dr. Abron to engineering * [8:02] Lilia’s time working as an environmental chemist before going back to get her PhD * [11:20] Dr. Abron originally wanted to go into academia * [14:40] Starting PEER Consulting and the difficulties Lilia faced * [18:38] Working on cleaning up Boston Harbor * [24:00] Sanitary engineering is the same thing as environmental engineering * [25:23] Lilia’s experiences working in South Africa * [29:30] The transformation of the housing program in South Africa * [39:14] Dr. Abron’s advice for those starting a small business

Connect with Dr. Lilia Abron * PEER Consultants, P.C. * Dr. Lilia Abron on LinkedIn * About Dr. Lilia Abron

The need for environmental engineering and consulting Industrial processes used routinely everyday - many dating undertaking since the industrial revolution have taken their toll on the Earth. With all of the mounting issues with the environment today, who are the professionals who work to solve these problems? Environmental engineers work to protect the people from environmental issues and improve general environmental quality. They endeavor, in part, to ensure that we have clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

With her academic and professional background in engineering and environmental chemistry, Dr. Abron was an ideal candidate for the cleanup of Boston Harbor, as mentioned in today’s episode. Her Master's degree was in Sanitary Engineering, a field which has since become Environmental Engineering. This rebranding is due to the increasing awareness of environmental issues, and the need to take a more proactive approach to the health of our environment.

The use of passive solar housing in South Africa Passive solar housing is a design process where the entire house is structured and oriented in such a way as to collect, store, and distribute solar energy in the most efficient way possible. The layout provides a way to store and use heat in the winter, but reject it in the summer. An interesting thing about passive solar housing is that it does all this without the use of electrical or mechanical devices.

Being an engineer, Lilia knew about this idea. As she mentions in the interview, South Africa was implementing a program to house their homeless. The initiative, which set aside 5 percent of their government’s budget to build housing for the millions of homeless which the nation had, was a noble one. She looked at the design for their houses and realized that for the same cost they could be built more efficiently.

To know more about the life and work of Dr. Lilia Abron and her trailblazing work in science and South Africa, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Navigating the world of graduate school or postdoctoral studies can be an immense challenge. Those inherent difficulties are even greater when the student is working and studying in a culture different from the one he or she grew up in. For those who are studying in the United States and originally from abroad, who do they turn to for guidance and mentorship? Where can they go to learn the skills to be leaders in their respective fields and in the world?

Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy has overcome both challenges and enjoys helping and mentoring those who are traversing the roads she has already traveled. She is a clinician-scientist with over seven years of experience doing research in cancer biology. She has expertise and experience in 3D cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, cancer stem cell biology, in-vivo pharmacology, anti-angiogenic agents and animal models. She enjoys working with teams and has strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Sudha has so far had an incredibly diverse professional career helping graduate students and postdocs by sharing her rich experience doing the same. She is the Director of the Office of Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Affairs at Gladstone Institutes and is an International Officer for the National Postdoctoral Association.

Dr. Krishnamurthy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery, Dentistry at Ragas Dental College in India. She went on to earn a PhD in Cancer Biology and Oral Health Sciences at the University of Michigan, where she was a graduate student researcher before going on to be a full Research Scientist. She went on to be a postdoctoral fellow at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy * [2:09] How Sudha moved to San Francisco * [3:24] Mentorship and how Sudha approaches helping students * [5:28] Why graduate students should see themselves as leaders * [7:45] The move towards a more holistic training program for postdocs * [11:22] Support and focus for international students * [15:02] Emerging trends in academia * [17:02] Communication between disciplines and the growth of interdisciplinary studies

Connect with Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy * Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy on LinkedIn * Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy (@sudhakrish2) - Twitter * About Dr. Krishnamurthy

The importance of mentorship Great leaders inspire us to do better, go further, push harder. They can bring out the best in us, and are integral to the success of business, academia, and even the world at large. While the traits of great leadership can be natural and innate, it is usually the mentorship from another great leader which helps people to develop and grow into great leaders themselves. The students of today are the leaders and mentors of tomorrow, and they should be given the tools they need to fulfill those roles as best as they can.

This is something Dr. Krishnamurthy references by discussing the programs and even courses she has been involved with which give an individualized process which helps students and postdocs discover what they enjoy doing, as well as what the possible courses their professional lives can take with their degree. The goal is to help students see what it means to be a mentor and a leader.

The challenges for international students Our world is becoming smaller every day. Technology has given us connections across the world as there has never been seen in human history. Getting an education abroad is easier than ever. While immediate access to other countries has increased, there is another side which comes with it. The challenges for international students are great because cultures can be very different when someone travels to another part of the world.

Dr. Krishnamurthy has great experience as an international student, as she has gotten degrees in India as well as the United States. She is very passionate about the global reality of science and academia. As she points out, half of all the postdoc students in the United States are international students. There is an inherent need for mentorship and community for those students coming from abroad.

To know more about the important work of Dr. Sudha Krishnamurthy, and her great perspective on trust and language, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Change is inevitable in life. Through the course of our lives we will go through a series of transitions, and not all of them will be what we expect. While there is the tantalizing prospect of success and growth, there is also a dark side: fear of failure, regression, loss which can leave us anxious and scared. So how do we navigate these inevitable moments of change? How do we approach periods of transition and give ourselves the greatest chance of success?

Dr. Claire Horner-Devine is a leader in the field of career development for women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, focusing on inclusion, connection, creativity, and problem-solving. She is the founder and principal consultant for Counterspace Consulting, a career and leadership firm which focuses on helping to facilitate transformative experiences for clients in technology, government, industry, philanthropy, and academia.

Claire has a rich professional experience which includes all the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), as well as philanthropy, industry, and academia (higher-education). She served as a faculty member of the University of Washington for almost a decade, teaching courses and running a research lab.

Dr. Horner-Devine completed her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, earning a BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She went on to earn a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Stanford University, and was a postdoctoral scholar studying ecological patterns diverse communities of microorganisms from different aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:01] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Claire Horner-Devine * [3:13] Why transitions in life are difficult * [6:43] Adaptability is the key to success * [9:16] The leadership organizations which Claire in a part of * [13:40] How to establish trust * [20:45] Being aware of personal blind spots * [26:14] The effects of language and rhetoric

Connect with Claire Horner-Devine * Claire on LinkedIn * Claire Horner-Devine (@chornerdevine) - Twitter * Counterspace Consulting

Why transitions can be difficult Change is a double-edged sword. It is full of wonder, excitement, and the unknown. But it can be a scary prospect, as well. A seemingly infinite number of possible futures could unfold from a single point. While this is true for everyone, it can be especially difficult for women and underrepresented minorities. That is why it is important to be open-minded and adaptable, and ready to embrace the change itself.

For those going through a transition, it is best to concentrate on the positive aspects of change, as well as the positive potential futures. What does success mean for us? If we can define what that looks like, it can be much easier to work towards that goal and take the steps needed to manifest that potential future. Focusing on the worst-case scenarios and what-ifs can lead to a negative feedback loop which can lead to failure.

Trust is the key Trust is the foundation of all community development and growth. Each person needs to trust themselves, each other, and especially those with positions of power. Community and connection are things Claire really focus on, and trust is the baseline goal. It truly is central to any effort for diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is why they are the core values of the organizations Claire is a part of.

The programs which Claire has helped to develop put an emphasis on building trust through the use of retreats to help people learn how to learn from each other and learn to build trust. Being present is important, and participants are discouraged from utilizing distracting devices and social media during their time there.

To hear more about Claire’s meaningful and interesting work and her great perspective on trust and language, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Scientists are often encouraged to embrace the power of storytelling in writing or presentations, but how do you know which story to tell? Do you understand how to connect with your reader? If you struggle to find a balance between presenting research while also making a connection with your audience, you’re not alone. Today we’re joined by Trish Hall to talk about her new book, Writing to Persuade, and how you can weave her suggestions into your own work.

Trish Hall’s served almost 5 years as the Op-Ed Editor of The New York TImes—doubling her department's size and creative output. She’s credited with creating one of the cornerstones of the Sunday Times, the ‘Sunday Review’. Trish’s other senior roles at the Times included Assistant Managing Editor and Living/Style Editor. She concluded her tenure with the Times as the Senior Editor.

Trish recently published “Writing to Persuade” (W.W. Norton) and writes and edits Op-Eds for clients who want to get their opinions out into the world

Trish graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Trish Hall * [3:00] You have expertise and a story that people want to hear * [4:30] Scientists, engineers, and doctors are trustworthy * [7:30] How to establish similarity with your audience * [9:00] The credibility of the messenger * [11:15] How to deal with alternative facts * [13:15] Change is slow but some change is fast * [14:35] Flattery is an important way to connect * [17:00] The importance of research

Connect with Trish Hall * Trish on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Book: Writing to Persuade: How to Bring People Over to Your Side * Pew Research on Credibility

Interweaving the power of storytelling with your expertise Are you excited to start writing, but worried your opinion or research may be misconstrued? Do you know how to establish a connection with your audience? Trish has some encouraging words: you have some expertise or story that people want to hear. Don’t be afraid to talk about a personal experience that will draw your readers in and engage them. People desire to have some context for what you’re talking about. So a personal story or experience related to your topic goes a long way.

Remember, as a scientist or engineer, polling consistently shows high degrees of trust in these positions. It’s important to keep your audience in mind when you write. What publication are you writing for? Is the typcial reader liberal or conservative? Make sure you establish similarity with your audience. The best way to do that? Establish a personal connection with storytelling.

Personal connection with your audience as a means of persuasion Scientists tend to focus on the facts and what the research shows. Facts, graphs, and charts are all great tools of persuasion, but developing a personal connection is the strongest. A personal connection is also one of the strongest precursors to change. The ‘Me Too’ movement took off because everyone has a mother, daughter, or sister. Many people had a connection in some way or another to someone who was personally affected by sexual harassment or assault.

Writing to persuade requires authenticity, the ability to be empathetic, and the ability to listen. If you’re looking to share your opinion and persuade your reader to do the same, you have to know their argument. You have to anticipate their questions and rebuttals and address them. Present an argument that is rounded and addresses all issues—and always remember the importance of the human connection.

Make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks to hear more about Trish’s career in journalism and the powerful role of storytelling in persuasive writing the next time you’re addressing an audience outside your specialty..

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Do you feel like multiple pathways for success were open to you on your journey through higher education? Were you fortunate enough to find an opportunity to explore your interest right away or did you have to dig around for a while? Unfortunately, there remains a wide gap between what students and postdocs are looking for and the programs that colleges and universities provide. Seeking to bridge that gap and create a more helpful approach is Dr. Allison Rosenberg.

Dr. Rosenberg is a behavioral scientist and startup entrepreneur with a record of success in both the public and private sectors, focusing on higher education and education technology. She has advanced training in cognitive science, psychology, and entrepreneurship.

Allison received her undergraduate degree from the University of California - Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Harvard University. She has served as a senior executive at several top universities – including the University of California System; the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; and Iowa State University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Allison Rosenberg. * [3:20] Understanding diverse audiences. * [5:40] The value of creative thinking. * [7:40] If your message isn’t getting across, it’s not your audience’s fault. * [9:50] Allison’s decision to live in Paris after finishing undergraduate school. * [13:30] What is posed2? * [22:45] A simple way to understand what posed2 is all about. * [24:20] Trends in higher education. * [29:50] How to break into the entrepreneurship scene. * [33:40] Allison addresses gender bias she has seen in the startup industry. * [38:20] Closing thoughts.

Connect with Allison Rosenberg * Allison Rosenberg, Ph.D. - Founder & CEO - posed2, Inc. | LinkedIn * posed2

Resources & People Mentioned * Book: Founder's Dilemmas * 314 Action * Scientists’ Unique Advantage in Running for Office, with Shaughnessy Naughton

How posed2 is creating new pathways for success Do you ever find yourself wondering how Facebook or Amazon knows just the right ad or product to put in front of you? Be honest - it can feel a little creepy, right? Are they listening in on your conversations, making a really good data-driven guess, or some combination of the two? While it can feel like those tech companies are invading your privacy - the truth is - their suggestions are often helpful. What if someone could turn that innovative approach of marketing product toward creating pathways for success in higher education?

Allison Rosenberg set out to create an organization and a tool to cut through the complexity that is often associated with finding the right fit in higher education. Drawing on her entrepreneurial drive and her passion for creating programs and systems that help people find solutions and opportunities - Allison founded, posed2. Posed2 is a purpose-driven, college-to-career guidance program that uses games and AI - it identifies a user’s best fit from how they play, not what they say. You can learn more about posed2 by visiting their website located in the resources section.

Forging your own path It’s wonderful to have a champion like Allison leading the way and creating new pathways for success - but what about forging your own path? If you don’t see a way forward with your skill set and unique abilities - then make one. No one handed Allison a script and told her how to start her entrepreneurial journey - she had to make it up along the way. Leaders like you can blaze their own trail.

As someone who has gone down that entrepreneurial path - Allison has some helpful tips on what it takes to break into the entrepreneurship scene. If you want to test the entrepreneurial waters - Allison suggests these three places to start.

1. Spend time reading about entrepreneurship. Read blogs, books, and magazines dedicated to entrepreneurship and startups.
2. Sign up for classes at your university or college about entrepreneurship.
3. Get in the room with young business leaders and thought leaders.

Don’t expect that the path forward to find your right fit will be easy - it rarely is. Learn from those who have gone before and who are in the trenches right now. Make sure to tune into this episode of When Science Speaks to catch Allison’s full conversation with Mark - you don’t want to miss it.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever considered taking your skill set and training to the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship? What would it look like to start exploring a career in the marketplace? Here to share her story and encourage postdocs and researchers like you is Vanderbilt University’s, Deanna Meador.

Deanna is the assistant director of the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University. She joined Vanderbilt in 2009 where she began working with the Peabody Research Institute (PRI), now the Peabody Research Office.

Deanna and her husband Jason became entrepreneurs in 2007 when they founded a mineral makeup business that grew to multiple retail locations in two states that they ran together until it was acquired by another company. She is 1 of 3 inventors developing a new edtech platform that will allow early childhood professionals to collect data, compare that data, and receive tailored feedback to improve classroom practices for our youngest students. The classroom practices measured by the tool have been demonstrated to relate to children’s academic performance. This work is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Deanna received her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University and her M.A. in Educational Psychology and Counseling from Tennessee Technological University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Deanna Meador. * [2:35] Deanna talks about the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University. * [6:20] What is the Innovation Garage? * [10:00] Deanna reflects on the impact of the Wond’ry. * [13:00] How students and researchers from different disciplines come together. * [16:00] What led to the creation of the Wond’ry? How did Deanna end up at Vanderbilt? * [23:15] Deanna’s advice for students who want to get involved with startups. * [26:45] The benefit of working in a team environment. * [29:00] Don’t be afraid about talking about your idea! * [31:30] Red flags for budding entrepreneurs. * [36:50] Simplifying your message. * [38:15] Turn your ideas into action! * [41:20] Closing thoughts.

Connect with Deanna Meador * Deanna on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * The Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University * The Innovation Garage

What is the Wond’ry? What if there were a program wholly dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship at your college or university? Would you explore a program like that? Too often, researchers and postdocs miss out on marketplace opportunities to use their skill sets simply because they haven’t been exposed to the possibilities. Thankfully - innovative programs like the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University are hard at work to change that narrative.

The Wond’ry is the epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt University. Its three-story, 13,000-square foot space, located adjacent to the Engineering and Science Building, facilitates transinstitutional collaboration between students and faculty from all schools, levels, and disciplines. From engineers to scientists to entrepreneurs to artists, the Wond’ry is the primary point of connection for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

At the Wond’ry there is something for everyone, from speaker series and workshops to maker spaces, interactive art exhibits and unique corporate partnerships. The Wond’ry provides students opportunities to gain real-world experience in creating new processes, building new technologies, and forming fresh insights.

Turn your ideas into action! What is the difference between someone who makes an impact in the world and someone who doesn’t? The key ingredient is action. Action is the catalyst that takes a dormant idea and moves it into the realm of reality. Does that mean that every action-taker is an innovative entrepreneur? Not by a long shot. Taking action is the critical first step that’s needed before you can get to the fun part - experimentation and innovation.

One of the best ways to take action and start exploring the viability of your idea is to talk about it. Many budding entrepreneurs that Deanna mentors to at the Wond’ry are concerned that talking about their ideas will lead to someone stealing it. In Deanna’s experience, those concerns are largely overblown. Most researchers and postdocs aren’t out to steal your ideas - they are too busy trying to make their ideas and innovations a reality. Deanna also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to keep an open mind when it comes to funding their innovations. The typical route of raising millions and millions of dollars isn’t always the best route to take - there are more options out there.

This is just a snapshot of Mark’s wide-ranging conversation with Deanna. To hear their full conversation - make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever considered a career in the field of research development? While it’s a relatively new field in academia, there are some amazing leaders like Dr. Karen Eck who are making significant progress.

Karen is the Assistant Vice President for Research at Old Dominion University (ODU). In her role at ODU, Karen interfaces with internal and external entities in support of research development and policy, research strategic planning and partnerships, and regional and other initiatives on behalf of the Office of Research.

In 2015 Dr. Eck was elected to the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Board of Directors and currently serve as President. Before joining ODU, Karen was the biomedical Grants Officer at McGill University in the Office of the Vice-Principal for Research and International Relations. She has presented numerous talks and workshops on grant writing, peer review, team science and foundation funding, including developing a webinar series on the National Institutes of Health for the Canadian Association of University Research Administrators (CAURA). Karen is fluent in French and studied and worked in a French-speaking environment for over ten years.

Dr. Eck received her B.A. in Psychology and French from Indiana University in 1992 and her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Kent State University in 1998.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Karen Eck. * [2:50] What is research development, how did it get started? * [5:00] The difference between research development and standard development? * [6:40] How Karen got started with research development. * [9:30] Karen talks about how bilingualism has assisted her in her career. * [13:50] Applying for and winning a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant. * [19:20] Who should pursue a career in research development? * [23:30] How the field of research development has evolved.

Connect with Dr. Karen Eck * Karen on LinkedIn * Old Dominion University

Resources & People Mentioned * The Tipping Point * U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) * National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP)

What is research development? What is research development (RD)? Research development includes a set of strategic, proactive, catalytic, and capacity-building activities designed to facilitate individual faculty members, teams of researchers, and central research administrations in attracting extramural research funding, creating relationships, and developing and implementing strategies that increase institutional competitiveness.

Research development professionals like Dr. Karen Eck initiate and cultivate key partnerships throughout the institutional research sector and between institutions. The goal of research development is to encourage competitive individual and team research. Research development includes a broad spectrum of activities that vary by institution. Dr. Eck has played a vital role during her career exploring aspects of RD, such as funding opportunity identification, grant proposal development, and interaction with funding agencies.

Who should get involved in the research development field? Is a career in research development right for you? As the RD field continues to grow, we’ll need more talented leaders like Dr. Eck to continue the critical work. If you want to work in a field that builds collaboration and fuels competitiveness - research development would be a good fit. According to Dr. Eck, research development professionals should be proficient strategists and talented connectors.

From bringing teams together and crafting a singular message to reaching out to other institutions and building a coalition - research development professionals need to be good connectors. While many of the skills needed to excel in research development can be acquired and cultivated - there will be some researchers who will find this field a perfect fit right away. If you’d like to learn more about research development - connect with Dr. Eck or visit the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) website.

Hear more about Karen’s journey in research development and how bilingualism has helped her career by listening to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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We’ve all heard the phrase “Alternative facts,” advanced by the current Administration - what can scientists and researchers do to push back? How do we avoid confusion and mixed messages when it comes to concrete data and scientific findings? Here to share her valuable perspective on the topic of alternative facts is Dr. Annelise Riles.

Annelise is a leading global interdisciplinary anthropologist and legal scholar. She is the executive director of the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University, enhancing Northwestern's reputation for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary programs and research on globally relevant topics.

Dr. Riles is also the founder and director of Meridian-180, a multilingual forum for transformative leadership. Its global membership of 800+ thought leaders in academia, government and business work together to generate ideas and guidance on the most important problems of our time.

Annelise received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, a Master of Science degree in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics, a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, and a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:45] Mark welcome his guest, Annelise Riles. * [2:50] Annelise explains why she started Meridian-180. * [10:00] Combating “Alternative Facts.” * [14:45] Should we discard emotion for logic? * [18:10] Why collaboration is essential to international engagement. * [23:00] What can you do to be part of the solution?

Connect with Annelise Riles * Annelise on LinkedIn * Annelise Riles (@AnneliseRiles) · Twitter * Meridian 180

Combating alternative facts Did you know that the rise of alternative facts isn’t unique to US politics? From Brazill to China, our international friends are dealing with an assault on scientific and historical facts. What is the responsibility of the scientific community to push back against alternative facts? While the task at hand is daunting, we’ve got amazing leaders like Annelise Riles leading the way - working to find solutions that work.

One solution that Annelise points to is creating intentional and meaningful collaborative relationships with international communities. Where we may not have a lot of similarity in cultural or political conversations - scientific truth is one area where can build solidarity on an international stage. Annalise is hopeful that her work with Meridian 180 will facilitate and build upon these international relationships so we can push back against the ongoing assault on science.

Why we should embrace the role of emotion in public policy Too often, the prevailing narrative in the media is that emotion and logic can’t work hand-in-hand. Have you adopted that line of thought? What if there was a way to harness the raw power of emotion and channel it to further logical and science-driven policies? If that sounds too good to be true - don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Emotion and logic are often seen as opposing forces - but that doesn’t have to be the case.

One great example that Annelise touched on in her conversation with Mark is the topic of climate change. Leveraging the raw emotional argument to protect and advocate for the environment is a great way to get people on board when a logical approach might not. We need to move away from the binary choice of either logic or emotion - remember we are integrated beings - we use both reason and feelings to make decisions.

To hear more about Annelise’s fascinating journey and the work she is passionate about, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What unique qualities and skill sets do you bring to the table? Are you comfortable exercising and showcasing your abilities? Too often, it can take decades for scientists and researchers to build up the courage and confidence to lead with their abilities. If you find yourself struggling to step boldly into your wheelhouse - you aren’t alone.

Here to help you embrace your curiosity, analytical perspective, and drive to ask questions is Dr. Donna J. Dean. Donna has had a distinguished career with 27 years in the federal government at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), followed by five years as a senior science advisor at Lewis-Burke Associates, a DC-based government relations consulting firm. She recently compiled her experiences in a highly effective guide entitled “Getting the Most Out of Your Mentoring Relationships: A Handbook for Women in STEM.”

Dr. Dean attended Berea College in Kentucky, graduating with a B.A. in chemistry, and minors in biology and mathematics, and then received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Duke University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:03] Mark introduces his guest, Donna Dean. * [4:50] Why the ability to analyze and multi-task is so valuable. * [8:15] Skills you need to succeed as a scientist. * [11:00] Donna talks about her experience testifying before Congress. * [16:20] What led Donna to her work at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? * [21:10] Donna reflects on her time at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). * [28:50] Advice for postdocs.

Connect with Donna Dean * Donna on LinkedIn * Donna’s book: Getting the Most out of Your Mentoring Relationships

Resources & People Mentioned * National Institutes of Health (NIH) * U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Embrace your curiosity Looking back on her career as a scientist and policy advocate, Donna stresses the critical role that curiosity played on her successful journey. As you can imagine, the road wasn’t easy, Donna had to forge her path and learn many lessons on the fly. One situation that came up from her time at NIH involved Donna exercising her keen analytical skills and innate curiosity. Noticing that her boss’s message wasn’t connecting during an important meeting with several people in the room, Donna had to find a way to let him know after the fact in the most polite, yet direct, way possible, as time was short.

In her role as a mentor over the years - Donna has worked hard to encourage up and coming leaders to develop and expand their skill sets. Donna is so passionate about equipping young leaders that she wrote a book about it. You can explore the helpful insights Donna has to share by reading her book - the link is in the resources section of this post.

Ask questions Almost everyone enjoys talking about themselves or something they are passionate about. Leaders like you can use that to your advantage to find common ground with people you don’t naturally have an affinity toward. Donna says that one of the best skills that scientists and researchers bring to the table is their ability to ask questions and get to the heart of the issue at hand.

In her career - Donna has taken the initiative to lead with questions. Tasked with the effort to form the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at NIH from the ground up - Donna asked a pivotal question - how do I do this? With no staff, budget, space, or grants, Donna went to work - reaching out and taking the time to ask questions.

Donna operated at the highest levels within NIH. She is a skilled, first-in-her family college graduate (and first PhD, as a result), who made a major impact in her specialty.

Donna has several valuable insights and experiences to share from her impressive career - make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark by listening to this episode.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What does it take to engage in thoughtful and effective science advocacy? What good will all of your hard work accomplish if you can’t convey it in a way that engages policymakers? Here to help science professionals like you engage in effective science advocacy is the Consortium of Social Science Associations’ (COSSA) Wendy Naus.

Wendy became the fourth Executive Director of COSSA in 2014 following a decade of lobbying for the federal research and policy interests of scientific societies and U.S. universities. Over her career, she has worked to shape legislation, programs, and regulations important to the research community and has advocated for increased research funding across federal agencies.

In her role at COSSA, Wendy serves as the lead advocate for federal funding and policy that positively impact social and behavioral science research across the federal government, representing the breadth of the social science research enterprise. She is also responsible for the day to day operations of COSSA and member engagement.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Wendy holds a B.A. in political science and urban studies from Canisius College, graduating magna cum laude from the All-College Honors Program.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Wendy Naus. * [2:30] What does a lobbyist do? How has it changed with the end of “earmarks?” * [4:30] How can postdocs and researchers get engaged in science advocacy? * [8:00] What are earmarks and how do they work? * [13:40] Wendy talks about what successful advocacy looks like. * [16:15] Conveying your passion can make all the difference. * [18:25] What led Wendy to her work as a lobbyist? * [20:15] Turning the table and asking policymakers what they need. * [23:00] The difference between advocacy and lobbying.

Connect with Wendy Naus * Wendy on LinkedIn * Consortium of Social Science Associations: COSSA

What successful science advocacy looks like In a perfect world, we’d see both the public and private sectors invest generously in research and development projects - sadly, that is not our reality. Every dollar the federal government provides to the scientific community represents someone championing and fighting for that funding. How does the “sausage” get made? What does it take to successfully advocate for science?

According to Wendy Naus - it all comes down to playing the long game. Yes, everyone loves the quick satisfaction of small victories, but Wendy cautions that the small wins aren’t as valuable as the long-term gains, and those take time. In a nutshell, if you want to see science advocacy succeed, you’ve got to create and nurture relationships with policymakers.

How to make your message connect with policymakers Have you ever heard someone share critical information in the least effective way possible? Airplane flight attendants come to mind - you need that important information, but their method of delivery is lacking. Don’t let that happen to you! If you want to get your valuable research across and engage in effective science advocacy - you’ve got to bring energy and passion. Of course, energy and passion vary from person to person, but you know engaging content when you see it.

Wendy also explains that an effective way to connect with policymakers is to engage them with the science adjacent concerns that they care about. Remember - policymakers are humans - just like you. If you were in a position of power, wouldn’t it stand out if you heard request after request all day and then had someone come in and offer to help with your passion project? Don’t be afraid to reach out and build solidarity around a common goal.

Wendy has a lot of valuable insights to share that come from her experience as a lobbyist, make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a good negotiator? Do you have to take a class or get a certificate? Imagine how gaining that skill would help you advance in your career. Thankfully, Mark was able to connect with the renowned negotiator, Dr. Joshua Weiss.

Joshua is the co-founder, with William Ury, of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project. He is also the Director and creator of the Master of Science degree in Leadership and Negotiation at Bay Path University.

Joshua received his Ph.D. from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in 2002. Dr. Weiss has spoken and published on Negotiation, Mediation, and systemic approaches to dealing with conflict.

In his current capacity, Joshua conducts research, consults with many different types of organizations, delivers negotiation and mediation trainings, and engages in negotiation and mediation at the organizational, corporate, government, and international levels.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Joshua Weiss. * [3:00] Why you need to give yourself permission to negotiate. * [7:00] How to prepare and research for a negotiation. * [11:00] The value of connecting on a human level. * [16:50] What inspired Joshua to write children’s books? * [24:20] Joshua explains how he got involved in conflict resolution. * [27:45] Storytellers and negotiators that have impressed Joshua. * [30:30] Tips for becoming a good negotiator.

Connect with Joshua Weiss * Joshua on LinkedIn * Joshua’s website * Bullied No More!: The Continuing Adventures of Emo and Chickie * The Program on Negotiation (PON) * Bay Path University

Resources & People Mentioned * Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion * Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In

Give yourself permission to negotiate Do you think of yourself as a good negotiator? How often do you get the chance to negotiate and leverage your abilities into a better position? The truth is, most people are terrible negotiators because they don’t give themselves permission to negotiate. If you can get a seat at the table, you are worthy of negotiating. Think about it - you’ve obviously made it that far because the person you are sitting across the table from finds value in what you have to offer.

After you’ve jumped the hurdle of giving yourself permission to negotiate - the next step is preparing for the negotiation. Every good negotiator spends 75% of their time preparing for the negotiation. Does that number shock you? It shouldn’t - when you get down to the basics of negotiation, it all comes down to understanding the other person and working to create common ground. How do you plan to find common ground if you don’t do your homework?

Tips for improving your negotiation skills As you can tell, preparation is an essential aspect of becoming a good negotiator. Once you’ve got a good approach to researching and preparing for your negotiation - the next phase is the actual negotiation itself. How can you set yourself up for success during the negotiation process?

Now that you are in the room and at the table, the negotiation begins - in this phase, you’ve got to be ready to make a connection with the person sitting across from you. Remember, they are a person just like you - don’t focus exclusively on facts and figures - above all else connect with them. As the great poet, Maya Angelou said, “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

You’ll never succeed as a good negotiator if you don’t learn how to connect with people and make them feel that you are interested and that you care. Good negotiators aren’t born, they are made. Go deeper with Joshua’s full conversation with Mark and make sure to check out the helpful resources he mentioned to learn more about this critical topic.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Did you know that one of the most effective ways to bridge the communication divide is by using analogies? Researchers and scientists need every tool in their toolkit to get their message across to diverse audiences. Thankfully, the University of Virginia’s Marlit Hayslett was generous enough to share her insights on this critical topic.

Marlit is the Director of Communication Training and Strategy at the University of Virginia (UVA). In this role, Marlit works with faculty and graduate students on how to effectively communicate their research to non-technical audiences such as the public, media, and policymakers. During her time at UVA, she has taught five credit-bearing courses and offered over ten workshops focused on topics such as audience analysis, message design, and presentation skills.

From 2004 to 2014, Marlit served as the founding director of the Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta. The OPAR team studied science and technology (S&T) policy at the state-level and used their findings to inform S&T policy in Georgia. These efforts led to collaboration with Georgia’s technology business community resulting in a strategic plan for science, technology, and innovation in the state of Georgia. Based on her experience engaging policymakers on science topics, Marlit has led several national and international conference panels and workshops on communicating science to policymakers and media.

Marlit received her Master's degree in Public Policy, her Master's degree in International Affairs, and her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Marlit Hayslett. * [3:30] Why do scientists and researchers struggle to communicate with non-experts? * [7:00] How using analogies can help bridge the communication divide. * [10:00] What is the role of identity when communicating research? * [13:45] Marlit talks about the “Three-minute thesis” and what she’s currently working on. * [20:30] Do you have to “Dumb down” your content for it to appeal to non-experts?

Connect with Marlit Hayslett * Marlit on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Three Minute Thesis - Wikipedia * The University of Virginia

Why using analogies works How do you take complex topics and make them approachable to a wider audience? Can this be done without “Dumbing down” your message? All too often researchers and scientists get pegged - fairly and at times unfairly - for creating barriers with the jargon and language they use. While there is no definitive “Hack” you can use to eliminate these barriers, using analogies can have a profound impact on getting your message across.

When you use analogies - you get to take a complex topic and compare them to something in the everyday world. Marlit saw a wonderful example of using analogies from her student who was working on a chemical process that takes place in bacteria. That student explained that the process was like a house with a fence around it with different gates. Once Marlit heard that - she realized the value of using analogies to distil complex topics.

What is the heart of your research? Using analogies doesn’t, “Dumb down” your language or your message - it actually expands your message. Even technical folks appreciate it when their peers make an effort to short cut jargon and terms for more approachable concepts. Do you want to have your research findings make an impact? Then start using terms, phrases, and analogies that everyday people can comprehend.

The rise in popularity of the “Three-minute thesis,” is a great example of why using analogies and other “Short-cuts” are making traction in academia and beyond. Do you have your three-minute thesis down? It’s such an encouraging time with leaders like Marlit Hayslett who are working hard to remove barriers and equip student, researchers, and scientists with tools and insights to take their message to a broader audience.

Don’t miss Mark’s full conversation with Marlit on this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Do you know, down to your core, what motivates you? Through all of your studies and work in research environments, have you taken the time to dig deep and find out what lights you up, professionally? Unfortunately, many scientists and researchers will go their whole careers without answering this vital question. Here to highlight the value of knowing what motivates you is Dr. Robert Nobles.

Dr. Nobles serves as the interim Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and has a faculty appointment in the Department of Public Health within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

In his current capacity, Dr. Nobles leads efforts and oversees research growth and compliance activities related to a UTK's quest to become a top 25 public research institution. Robert also serves as a sub-investigator on eight community-based research projects focusing on adolescent health and chairs national and local committees focusing on enhancing research culture.

Prior to his career in academia, Dr. Nobles served as a public health prevention specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and as a program manager for the state of Florida’s Department of Public Health. He completed his Doctor of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston with a triple major that included health policy and management, epidemiology, and health economics; and he received his Master's Degree in Public Health specializing in Epidemiology, and his Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from Florida A&M University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:03] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Robert Nobles. * [3:15] What is going on with the these measles outbreaks? * [7:20] Robert talks about what drew him to health and health care policy work. * [10:30] Digging deeper and addressing complex topics. * [17:30] How is Robert able to distill complex scientific findings into simple terms? * [20:30] Why you need to understand what motivates you. * [25:00] The most meaningful work Robert is engaged in. * [28:30] Robert talks about mentor and mentee relationships. * [33:00] We need to make science fun! * [35:30] Advice that Robert has for students and researchers. * [39:15] The role of adversity in shaping you for future success.

Connect with Dr. Robert Nobles * Dr. Nobles on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * The University of Tennessee, Knoxville * Groundhog Day

Know thyself It sounds pretty elementary but taking the time to understand how you operate as an individual is critical to navigating your professional career. You’d be surprised at the number of researchers and scientists who haven’t taken the time to do a personal inventory and analysis of their skill sets. Drilling down, Robert Nobles discovered that his lower-middle-class family background provided him with a unique opportunity to distil complex topics in a palatable way for broader audiences.

Robert’s skill in distilling complex topics is best illustrated by his work monitoring beach water quality for the state of Flordia. When asked by a reporter to explain what was going on with the water quality as if he were talking to a five-year-old, Robert replied by saying, “You wouldn’t go swimming in your toilet, would you?” This comment helped highlight the severity of the situation and allowed many people to jump on board and start working toward a solution.

Encouraging collaboration and clear communication Following the thread of knowing how you operate, Robert also sees a huge potential for growth in the area of mentor-mentee relationships. Let’s face it, scientists and researchers aren’t exactly known for their ability to communicate well - that needs to change. Robert encourages his peers and students to be as upfront and honest as possible about what they expect to get out of a mentoring relationship.

Clear and direct communication is essential if you have any hope to get your message across on a micro and macro level. It might not be easy for you to do at first, but if you can assert yourself and let others know how you operate and what your unique skill sets are - the better prepared you’ll be to advance in your career.

Dr. Robert Nobles has a plethora of helpful insights and perspectives to share. Make sure to catch his full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Are you bilingual - have you used that skill to assist you when speaking to a non-technical audience? Bilingualism is such a fascinating topic and a relevant one when it comes to science communication. NASA’s Dr. Pilar Archila joins Mark on this episode to talk about her experience as a bilingual Research Integrator and how she communicates with non-technical audiences.

Pilar is an International Space Station Research Integrator for NASA working out of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She has completed five research projects that have led to the publication of eight peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts (six as the first author). Pilar received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Psychology, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Houston.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Pilar Archila. * [3:00] Pilar explains how she got involved with her work at NASA. * [7:20] How bilingualism can help researchers with their work. * [15:45] What language does Pilar think in? * [20:30] How to communicate to a non-technical audience. * [22:30] What role should video play in presenting information to younger audiences? * [25:40] Pilar talks about her work on the “Results Team.” * [27:00] Interesting facts about the International Space Station (ISS).

Connect with Dr. Pilar Archila * Dr. Archila on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Peggy A. Whitson (PH.D.) NASA Astronaut * NASA * Johnson Space Center Home | NASA * If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?

Why we need more bilingual researchers As our nation continues to grow and change demographically, many are signalling the need to pour more time and resources into helping the workforce diversity its skill sets, especially in the area of language. As you look around your field of study, how many of your peers are bilingual? Most people are unaware of the value that bilingualism brings to the research field.

According to Pilar, bilingualism forces you to think about how you communicate and which words to use through a more acute filter than the average researcher. While many people assume that if you don’t learn another language from a young age that the boat has sailed - Pilar stresses that is not necessarily the case. Learning another language is no walk in the park, but if you do decide to pursue the endeavor, you’ll find your communication skills will only improve.

Tips for communicating to a non-technical audience. As we’ve covered here before, all researchers should become more adept at communicating with diverse and non-technical audiences. The challenge with communicating to an audience is overcoming that initial surge of fear. We are hardwired to avoid exposure and painful circumstances - speaking in public puts those fears front and center.

A great way to move past your fear of public speaking is to embrace tips and best practices that other researchers have used to convey their message to non-technical audiences. Thankfully, Pilar was kind enough to share some of her helpful tips for presenting to a non-technical audience.

1. Don’t belabor the point. Keep it concise and concrete.
2. Try to include video in your presentation if possible and appropriate. Don’t force it.
3. Does it pass the “Dinner table” test? Is it simple enough to convey over dinner?
4. Save your most important information for the beginning and end of your presentation.

Which one of Pilar’s suggestions will you try? Go even further with Pilar’s unique perspective by listening to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What comes to mind when you think of “Student-led” programs? Do you instantly think of a program that is effective and inspiring or do you have a different take? Too often students and postdocs don’t get the chance they need to showcase their talent and ingenuity - that is not the case with Cornell University’s student-led Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program.

The mission of Cornell’s BEST program is to enhance training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as they prepare for careers outside of conventional academic research.

On this episode of When Science Speaks, you’ll hear from several impressive BEST program participants as they join Mark for a round table discussion about the program.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:40] Mark introduces his guests from the Cornell University Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program. * [2:45] How did this group of students get involved in the BEST program? * [9:00] Making scientific terms and research findings accessible to a broader audience. * [12:45] How the BEST program has opened up new opportunities for the participants. * [16:20] The benefit of a student-led BEST program. * [19:40] What are the participants engaged in with science policy and communication? * [30:00] Closing thoughts from Mark.

Resources & People Mentioned * Cornell BEST Program Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training * Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training | BEST * Science & Technology Policy Fellowships | American ... - AAAS

Building a robust communication skill set The primary role of any effective BEST program is to equip and prepare students and postdocs as they explore opportunities in their field of study. Often the work of equipping these BEST participants is accomplished by exposing them to situations where they get to develop their communication skill sets.

One of the students that Mark spoke with took the time to explain how she has grown in her ability to speak about her work studying the impact of fracking on water supplies. The BEST program at Cornell exposed her to science communication programming and science policy programming that helps her answer the all-important question, “Why is your work relevant?”

The benefits of a student-led BEST program Are you familiar with any student-led BEST programs? What do you anticipate as the benefits and drawbacks of a student-led BEST program? The truth is, the more we can err on the side of taking a chance to equip students and postdocs to take the ball and run with it the better off these programs will be. Think of these student-led programs from a legacy perspective - the more engagement and value they encounter, the more likely they are to give back to the institution to benefit the next generation.

One of the participants that Mark spoke to was able to explain the benefits of a student-led BEST program directly. Because of the student-led aspect of the BEST program at Cornell, students who are typically shy and introverted are expected to step out of their comfort zones and engage in networking. From cold-calling speakers to booking rooms and catering events, the BEST program at Cornell doesn’t shy away from requiring personal and professional growth from its participants.

You will be impressed when you take the time to hear Mark’s full conversation with these Cornell students and postdocs on this episode of When Science Speaks!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever felt like the opportunities to leverage your expertise and training were limited to only academia or government work? Were you ever exposed to the possibility of taking your expertise and training to the marketplace? Here to share his experience in academia and taking his skill set to the marketplace is Dr. Julius Edson.

Julius is the co-founder of Responsive Polymers Therapeutics (RPG) which aims to fill a void created by the lack of available effective antimicrobials. He is also a Business Development Associate at Zymo Research. Julius previously served as an Assistant Project Scientist at the University of California (UC), Irvine in nano-antibiotics. He has his PhD and Masters degrees from UC Irvine in Chemical and Bio-Medical Engineering and his Bachelor of Engineering and Chemical Engineering from City University of New York City College.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Julius Edson. * [3:30] How Julius got involved with Graduate Professional Success (GPS) BioMed. * [8:30] Julius explains why he started his company, Responsive Polymers Therapeutics. * [14:15] What led Julius to his work with Zymo Research? * [16:20] How PhDs and Postdocs can prepare themselves for a career in industry. * [18:00] Why academia needs programs like GPS BioMed. * [21:00] Opportunites that have helped Julius in his career.

Connect with Julius Edson * Julius on LinkedIn * Responsive Polymers Therapeutics

Resources & People Mentioned * UC Irvine GPS-BIOMED * Zymo Research * National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Setting an example One of the many reasons we don’t see more postdocs taking their expertise to the marketplace is due to the lack of representation. In all of your years in academia, who was held up as the example of the “Successful” researcher? Most likely you’d say that professors and government researchers were held up as the example of “Success.” Following that line of logic, it’s fair to assume that most people would follow the path of least resistance and look to those pathways for career opportunities.

Bucking this trend, Dr. Julius Edson started working on his “Side hustle” creating his company, Responsive Polymers Therapeutics (RPT) while finishing his PhD at UC Irvine. While each person is different and brings their own unique experiences and skill sets to the table, it’s helpful to highlight individuals like Dr. Edson who forge their own path. You can learn more about the innovative work Julius and his team are engaged in by visiting the website to RPT located in the resources section.

How to prepare yourself for a career in the marketplace Getting to see your peers succeed and carve out a path for themselves in the marketplace is great but where do you start if you want to head in that same direction? The challenge is not to prove your value in the marketplace - in many ways, it’s automatically assumed that you have value and expertise to bring to the table. The challenge is for PhDs and postdocs to get out there and communicate their work in a way that makes sense to business leaders.

Julius Edson explains that the best way to set yourself up for success in the marketplace is to hone your communication skills. If you’ve been around the When Science Speaks community for very long you know that this is a popular response by many leaders that Mark interviews. Dr. Edson encourages postdocs to take the time to really stretch their communications skills - a great way to do this is by interfacing with other departments and working to explain your field of study in a way that makes sense to them.

Julius has a lot more to say on the critical topic of taking your expertise to the marketplace, make sure to listen to his full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Scientific work is inherently specific, but the skill set of an effective researcher should be diverse and varied. Do you have a broad skill set or could it use some development work? Here to explain the value of a diverse skill set and how to cultivate one is Dr. Yaihara Fortis Santiago.

Yaihara is the Manager of Postdoctoral Affairs at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Previously, she served as the director of the Science Alliance, the professional development branch of the New York Academy of Sciences. In her work at the Science Alliance, she worked closely with the career development offices at many Science Alliance partner Institutions, as well as with the student and postdoc led organizations to consolidate resources and implement new ideas for professional development programming.

Dr. Fortis obtained her bachelors’ from the University of Puerto Rico and her doctorate from Brandeis University. Her doctoral work explored the role of multisensory integration in taste processing. In 2014, she completed the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science and Technology Policy Fellowship at the National Science Foundation. In 2004, Yaihara participated in the Leadership Alliance SREIP program at Columbia University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:20] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Yaihara Fortis Santiago. * [3:45] Yaihara talks about her work with postdocs. * [6:40] What was Yaihara’s experience like as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow? * [10:45] Yaihara shares what it was like working with Ciencia Puerto Rico. * [15:40] How did Yaihara develop the Science Alliance Leadership Training (SALT) program? * [21:00] Why it’s helpful to stretch past your scientific identity. * [22:50] How did Yaihara develop as a strong communicator? * [26:20] Tips from Yaihara on how to develop your communication skills. * [28:15] Why you should broaden your skill sets.

Connect with Dr. Yaihara Fortis Santiago * Yaihara on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * National Science Foundation: NSF * American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) * Ciencia Puerto Rico * University of Puerto Rico * The New York Academy of Sciences * Science Alliance Leadership Training (SALT) program * AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship

Start broadening your skill set as early as possible As you look back on your education, do you think it would have been helpful to start expanding your skill set early on? Think about how much more confident you would have been if you learned how to communicate with a broad audience in your undergraduate years. Or what if you had been exposed to leadership development courses early in your graduate level work? Time and time again, when we examine efforts to teach students a wide array of skill sets it has been found to improve the educational experience.

Yaihara Fortis Santiago is spearheading valuable work in getting students and postdocs into environments where they can expand their skill sets. For Yaihara, the desire to educate and equip students comes from her experience as a graduate student and postdoc researcher. Having leaders invest in her personal development has motivated Yaihara to do the same by creating pathways of opportunity for students and postdocs.

Standing out can be a good thing There is no denying that our culture broadcasts the message that standing out from the crowd is not a good thing. From an early age, we are trained to fit in and blend in; uniformity is the ultimate goal. While there are some exceptions to this rule, broadly speaking this message plays out on the schoolyard and in the workplace. What if standing out from the rest was seen as a good thing?

Fitting in with the culture of your industry or field of study can be valuable as it creates a shorthand lingo and provides a helpful cultural dynamic. Unfortunately, this type of uniformity can cause individuals with significant potential to go unnoticed and undeveloped. It doesn’t have to be that way, a great way you can stand out from your peers by stepping outside of your scientific identity. Take time to write or speak to audiences that are foreign to your field of study. Develop a way to let your personality shine through your presentations, a great way to stretch your skill set is to learn from someone in your professional circle who does this well.

Learn more about professional development and how to cultivate a diverse skill set by listening to Yaihara’s full conversation with Mark on this helpful episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What happens when postdocs and PhDs are part of an educational institution but seem to slip through the cracks? Ideally, the school would go to work rectifying the situation as it did at Rutgers University. Here to discuss her work with postdocs at Rutgers is this week’s guest, Yvonne Gonzalez.

Yvonne has over ten years of experience in the development and management of several multi-million dollar education and workforce development projects aimed to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women and minorities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Supporting the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Yvonne helps university leadership maximize talents and opportunities for individuals and the institution by developing strategies that build capacity and advance faculty development initiatives university-wide.

Most recently, Yvonne pioneered Rutgers’ first Faculty Learning Community, now called Faculty Leading Change, and Rutgers’ first faculty-to-faculty mentoring program, called the Rutgers Connection Network Mentoring Program, which has resulted in increased levels of productivity and career satisfaction for faculty.

She also oversees the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which supports postdoctoral researchers and their faculty mentors by providing a central hub for professional development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and community building.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Yvonne Gonzalez. * [3:15] What led Rutgers to establish its own office of Postdoctoral Affairs? * [5:45] Why is science communication such a popular topic lately? * [8:00] Is advocacy considered a “dirty word” in the scientific community? * [11:30] Why is “servant leadership” so important? * [13:30] Do postdocs see themselves as leaders? * [15:00] How Rutgers is resourcing postdocs. * [17:00] Addressing post Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) funding.

Connect with Yvonne Gonzalez * Yvonne on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training | BEST * Faculty Leading Change * Rutgers Connection Network Mentoring Program * Office of Postdoctoral Affairs - Rutgers University

We rise by lifting others What is the point of advancing in your career or your field of study if you fail to help others along the way? In her conversation with Mark, Yvonne mentioned this wonderful quote, “We rise by lifting others.” That quote gets to the heart of what Yvonne is passionate about, servant leadership.

Consider those that helped you to the point you find yourself today on your career path. Where would you be without that teacher that nurtured and encouraged your interests? Would you have ever mapped out your path without a mentor? We don’t have to have huge swaths of people left behind if we consider treating people as we would want to be treated in their situation. In big ways and small, there has been someone there to give you a nudge in the right direction. You can do that for someone else.

Why “Advocacy” shouldn’t be a dirty word in the scientific community If you’ve been paying close attention to the academic and scientific communities, you may have noticed a recent rise in discussions around science communication. For too long, we’ve had brilliant researchers who toil away without the skill sets needed to communicate their work to a larger audience. In this unprecedented time of resources and opportunity, we need more scientists and researchers who can articulate the relevance of their findings.

Closely linked to the topic of science communication is the subject of advocacy. It seems that advocacy is known as a “dirty word” of sorts in the scientific community. Yvonne believes that advocacy is only a dirty word for those who don’t know how to do it well. How do we change the conversation and make advocacy something that more postdocs and researchers engage in? It all comes down to pushing through discomfort to build the skills necessary to advocate for your field of study. With each opportunity you take to stand up and speak out for your work, the easier it will become.

Learn more about advocacy, science communication, and more from Yvonne’s expert perspective by listening to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What does it take to present your message and speak with impact? Polling data shows that year after year the most common fear is public speaking. How can you overcome that fear, convey your research, or message with confidence? Here to lend her expertise and share her deep experience to this challenging subject is Allison Shapira.

Allison is the CEO and Founder of Global Public Speaking LLC, a company that helps people speak with confidence and authenticity in their speeches, presentations, and important conversations. She is a former opera singer who teaches public speaking at the Harvard Kennedy School and has spent the last 15 years working with Fortune 50 companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations around the world. Allison has assembled a world-class team of experts within her firm who help clients build their public speaking and presentation skills, executive presence, and media skills. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, is a member of the National Speakers Association, and is an internationally-renowned singer/songwriter who uses music as a way to help others find their voice and their courage to speak.

Allison is the author of, “Speak with Impact: How to Command The Room and Influence Others”, published by HarperCollins Leadership. She has spoken at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit and was a finalist for 2017 Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners, San Diego Chapter.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Allison Shapira. * [4:00] Why are people afraid of public speaking? Is it a fear across cultures? * [6:45] Unique challenges for women in public speaking. * [10:50] What is uptalk? How do you avoid it? * [12:45] Common mistakes people make with their body language when speaking. * [14:00] How to develop an executive presence. * [15:50] Allison talks about her personal struggles with public speaking. * [18:10] A tip you can use to speak better in public.

Connect with Allison Shapira * Allison's book - Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others * Allison on LinkedIn

Why public speaking is such a common fear Have you ever had someone explain to you why public speaking is such a common fear? Where does that fear come from? How do you push back against it? According to Allison Shapira, the fear of public speaking is likely rooted in our evolutionary story. The thing you fear most when you get up to speak in public is that you’ll be rejected and alienated by your community. When we were in a more primitive and vulnerable state, that rejection meant exclusion from the group, banishment, and likely death, so the fear of losing acceptance in a larger group context remains with us to this day.

What is the solution? Do you just wake up one day and decide to stop being afraid of public speaking? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. If you want to overcome your fear and speak with impact, you must put in the time and practice. That might sound like an easy solution, but you’d be surprised at how many people fail to follow that advice. Practice won’t remove all of your fear but it will make you more comfortable with the process, and that is half the battle. You can learn more about speaking confidently by reading Allison’s book, “Speak with Impact.”

Don’t let your body language hold you back Did you know that there are nervous tics or fidgety behaviors that many people use when they are speaking in public? Do you have a tic or nervous behavior that you resort to when you are public speaking? While it might sound innocuous, the truth is, your body language communicates a lot to your audience. If you went to a presentation where the speaker was pacing back and forth on the stage like a caged tiger, would you find that distracting? Of course, you would.

Thankfully, there are inspiring leaders out there like Allison Shapira who dedicate their work to helping leaders to speak with impact. Allison teaches that you should use your body language when speaking but only as a deliberate component of your presentation. Don’t get up there and wave your arms around to sound interesting - that won't work. If you are going to use your hands or even move from one part of the stage to another, do it on purpose, for effect.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, Allison has so many more helpful insights to share. Make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What does it take to bridge the gap between real-world societal challenges and the academic world? If you had your way, how would you unite the academic with pragmatic? This week, Mark sits down with the University of Johannesburg’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation, Dr. Saurabh Sinha.

Saurabh obtained his Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering and PhD degrees in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pretoria (UP). As a published researcher, he has authored over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. Saurabh is also the Managing Editor of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Africa Research Journal.

Saurabh was awarded the 2007 SAIEE Engineer of the Year Award, 2010 University of Pretoria (UP) Laureate Award and 2013 TW Kambule NRF-NSTF Award as an emerging researcher for an outstanding contribution to Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) through research and its outputs. Beyond his academic contributions, Saurabh served as an industrial consultant for Business Enterprises at the University of Pretoria.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Saurabh Sinha. * [3:00] What led Saurabh to his career in engineering? * [5:00] Saurabh talks about his work with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. * [6:30] What is Saurabh working on right now? * [9:00] Saurabh explains how his work plays out in an urban environment like Johannesburg. * [12:00] How does the Postdoctoral program operate at the University of Johannesburg? * [14:30] The “Three-minute Thesis” and empowering students from rural environments. * [18:15] Saurabh’s advice for postdocs in engineering. * [21:30] How did Saurabh develop his leadership skill set? * [24:30] What are Saurabh’s professional goals for 2019?

Connect with Dr. Saurabh Sinha * Saurabh on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Solutions for societal challenges With the increased threat of global warming and other monumental societal challenges, the public often looks to the experts to find pragmatic solutions. However, tension remains between the world of academia and real-world concerns. Who will help bridge the gap? What programs and incentives will help everyday folks embrace solutions they’ve never thought of before?

Dr. Saurabh Sinha is leading the charge to address this tension and pave a path forward so acidemia and everyday folks can work hand-in-hand toward practical solutions. In his work at the University of Johannesburg, Saurabh helps students with rural backgrounds understand how to develop and then deliver solutions to issues such as water scarcity, economic stagnation, and more. We need more champions like Sinha who are committed to the work of bridging the gap between what is taught in the classroom and the real world.

Advice for postdocs Part of the challenge with bridging the gap between academic solutions to real-world concerns is dealing with a communication barrier. Students and postdocs need to proactively seek out resources and training that equip them to concisely and effectively communicate their work. Thankfully, institutions like the University of Johannesburg have rolled out efforts like “Three-minute Thesis” to help them hone their messaging.

Saurabh wants his students and postdocs to focus on two specific areas as they pursue their career paths, innovation and impact. Have you ever considered resource constraints as a catalyst for innovation? Drawing on his work in engineering, Saurabh explains how a lack of resources forced him and his colleagues to innovate and create designs within their limitations that exceeded expectations. Imagine the long-term impact if more programs equipped their students and researchers with the skill set to squeeze innovation out of the toughest limitations.

Make the most of your opportunity to learn from Saurabh’s brilliant perspective by listening to his full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What would it look like for colleges and universities to invest in and begin creating community-based learning opportunities? Academics isolated in their “ivory tower” may be a stereotype, but, a lack of connection to communities outside of academia is a real dynamic that exists. Here to provide insight and expertise into the high-quality work of community-based learning is Johns Hopkins’ Gia Grier McGinnis.

Gia has over fifteen years of broad-ranging experience in program management and community outreach. Her academic and professional careers have developed her research and communication skills to a very high level – she can connect and collaborate with pretty much anyone, across areas and functions, to mobilize them toward a common goal.

Gia’s skill set applies to a wide variety of functions, but her interest is focused on civic engagement and public outreach. Gia’s specialty is building and supporting programs and initiatives and then expanding them for sustainability. She also excels at translating complex information into communication tools that are easy to use by the public.

Gia is the Associate Director for the Johns Hopkins Center for Social Concern. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Washington College, her Master's degree in Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, and she is currently a PhD candidate at Morgan State University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:12] Mark introduces his guest, Gia Greer McGinnis. * [3:30] Why you need to understand your audience. * [5:50] Gia talks about her work with community-based learning opportunities. * [10:30] What is Baltimore Green Map? * [12:20] Challenges with communicating risk to the public. * [14:00] Discussing the role of women in politics.

Connect with Gia Grier McGinnis * Gia on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Writers In Baltimore Schools * Baltimore Green Map * Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy—Prevention Research Sciences Center, Report on the CEASE Partnership (Communities Engaged and Advocating for Smoke Free Environments) * Morgan State University—hosting June 21-22 2019 pre-conference, Addressing Urban Health Disparities through Participatory Health Research, in tandem with the Annual Working Meeting of the International Collaboration for Participatory Health Research June 23-25 2019 * Johns Hopkins University—Engaged Scholar Faculty and Community Fellows Program * Johns Hopkins University—Center for Social Concern (Homewood Student Affairs) * Johns Hopkins University—Center for Educational Outreach (Whiting School of Engineering) * National and international resources on engaged scholarship/community based participatory research/ STEM service-learning (science with the community) Campus-Community Partnerships for Health * University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Center for Participatory Research * Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center * EPICS Service Learning Design Program (STEM) * Imagining America * National Resources on Campus Community and Civic Engagement Campus Compact * All IN Democracy Challenge * Democracy Works * Johns Hopkins University--Hopkins Robotics Cup

How academia can engage their communities Imagine the world of possibilities that could be unlocked by mobilizing colleges and universities in the work of community-based learning. If you are unfamiliar with the term, community-based learning is a teaching strategy that bridges academic theory and real-world practice. The strategy promotes students’ academic learning and civic development while simultaneously addressing real-world problems, community needs, and interests. It is characterized by its emphasis on reciprocity and collaboration with community stakeholders.

Gia Grier McGinnis and her team at Johns Hopkins University have been engaged for several years with a program that focuses on community engagement and community partnerships. The Engaged Scholar Faculty and Community Fellows Program pairs faculty members and community partners to co-design and co-teach a community-based learning course for one semester. They also partner with a local Baltimore non-profit called Writers In Baltimore Schools (WBS). WBS’s mission is to empower the voices of Baltimore City students through in-school, after-school, and summer programming that builds skills in literacy and communication while creating a community of support for young writers.

Communicating risk to the public If you had to communicate risk to the public, what would be your approach? How do you take a complex problem that might require a multi-faceted solution and convey that broadly to the public? One of the most important factors in communicating risk to the public is to do so without causing alarm, which sounds like it is easier said than done.

In her work on this subject, Gia Grier McGinnis had her students study the government’s response to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan as a case study in what not to do. Any way you look at it, communicating risk to the public is not an easy task. Officials really have to walk the tightrope of expressing the right amount of risk without alarming the public, but they do need to convey the level of danger accurately.

To hear Gia expand on this topic as her work with community-based learning, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “Storytelling in science?” Does it conjure images of scientists gathered around a campfire taking turns telling stories? Probably not, but the role of storytelling in science is a relevant topic to explore. Bringing her passion for both the entertainment sector and science, Sara ElShafie joins the podcast to talk about storytelling in science.

Sara works at the intersection of art and science, with one foot in academia/museums and the other in the entertainment industry. She is interested in all aspects of public engagement with science, especially through the museum and online platforms.

Sara has broad science communication experience as a trainer, instructor, project developer, science writer, and public speaker. She created a workshop series, Science Through Story, and she has run workshops at venues such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, NASA Ames, and Science World in Vancouver. Sara also consults on science storytelling and public outreach strategy, including projects for major theme parks, museums, and scientific institutions. She recently organized a symposium, "Science Through Narrative: Engaging Broad Audiences," at a major biology conference with speakers from the scientific community as well as arts and entertainment industries.

Sara received her Master's degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and she is currently working toward her Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Sara ElShafie. * [3:00] Sara talks about the intersection of her interests in entertainment and science. * [5:50] What led Sara to her work with science outreach? * [9:30] Advice from Sara for those who want to get engaged with science policy, advocacy, outreach, or communication. * [13:20] How scientists and artists both work to distil complexity. * [18:20] Why is storytelling so powerful? * [23:00] Science communication isn't only about delivering the facts. * [26:00] Should scientists stay out of politics? * [30:50] Sara talks about the first mammal to go extinct due to climate change. * [33:30] What are Sara’s professional goals?

Connect with Sara ElShafie * Sara's website * Sara on Twitter * Sara on LinkedIn

Storytelling, science, and cutting through complexity Unless you are in front of an extremely niche group, you’ve got to find a way to cut through the complexity of your subject matter to get your audience engaged. One of the best examples of speakers who regularly cut through complexity are the professionals who give TED Talks. At a TED Talk, you will often find speakers who have specific expertise, but their audience doesn’t share that same specialized knowledge. TED Talk presenters have to navigate this disparity, not by dumbing down their content but by connecting their content to something almost everyone can find relevant.

We need more scientists who are willing to put in the work necessary to help bridge the gap between their specialized field of study and the general public. Most people don’t think of science and storytelling as a natural pairing likely due to the common association of storytelling with fiction. With her work in science communication and her “Science Through Story” workshops, Sara ElShafie is hard at work on the front lines highlighting the value of storytelling in science.

How to get involved with science policy, advocacy, and communication Now is the time to get involved, we’ve seen many reports both nationally and internationally that underscore the need for increased public awareness for topics like climate change. If you are ready to join in the effort to distil the complexity often associated with science communication and policy work, where is the best place to start?

According to Sara ElShafie, you don’t need to go anywhere to get started with science policy, advocacy, or communication; you can start from where you are. Find a local or in-state conference on science communication, search for local workshops on topics that interest you. Don’t let your lack of proximity to Washington D.C. or your lack of formal training limit your ability to get engaged. Heed Sara's advice and jump in where you can, we need more people who are invested in this crucial topic.

You can go further with Sara’s fascinating perspective by listening to her full conversation with Mark and by visiting her website.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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If you had to present your scientific work to a room full of non-experts, what would be your approach? Have you been in that scenario before? What strategies have you used to convey your data and findings to the uninitiated? Here to provide some excellent advice on this topic is Dr. Ross Beattie.

After his presentation to DisrupTECH in July 2018, Ross was selected to participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program. Before his selection, Ross worked to gain support for the Emerging Leaders in Science and Society (ELISS) program among graduate students across the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. Through a grassroots campaign, they won the right to have the ELISS program come to UNC. Once the program was awarded to UNC, Ross was one of three graduate students who built support for the program within the institution, acquired funding support from the university, and helped orchestrate the recruiting of the applicants and application review.

Ross received his Doctor of Philosophy in Inorganic Chemistry from UNC in 2016 and his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College in 2011. Ross currently studies as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Ross Beattie. * [5:45] Why developing science communication skills is so crucial. * [7:20] What drew Ross to his work with science policy? * [11:15] How to communicate your work to non-experts. * [15:00] Should scientists get involved with politics? * [17:15] How can participating in professional societies assist with science policy work? * [19:40] Ross talks about his experience with the Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. * [23:50] What does Ross want to do with the next step in his career?

Connect with Ross Beattie * Dr. Ross Beattie on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Los Alamos National Laboratory * Science Policy Advocacy Group * American Association for the Advancement of Science * American Chemical Society * Dr. Jaqueline Kiplinger on LinkedIn * National Postdoctoral Association * University of North Carolina - Training Initiatives in Biomedical & Biological Sciences

Communicating scientific work to non-experts When was the last time you had to explain your scientific work to a non-expert? Believe it or not, many scientists and postdocs find themselves so embedded in their peer and academic circles that they can go considerable lengths of time without having to describe their work to non-experts. If you had to explain your work to an audience of non-experts right now, do you think you would succeed?

Would your audience be able to walk away with a basic understanding of what you covered? If you find yourself struggling to image that scenario going well, you aren’t alone. Thankfully, Ross Beattie took the time to explain two practical approaches that researchers like you can use to communicate your scientific work to a non-expert audience.

What does grandma have to do with it? The first approach for communicating your scientific work to non-experts is called the “grandma test.” Call up your grandma or someone close to that demographic in your family and try to tell them about the work you are doing in the lab and why it matters. If they can’t understand you, it’s time to dig deeper and get to the heart of why your research matters and how it impacts the public. Once you can get that core message across to your grandma, you are headed in the right direction.

The second approach that you can use to communicate your scientific work is practice. While not as exciting as the grandma test, practice does, in many cases, make perfect. Yes, you’ll be uncomfortable, and you’ll probably put your foot in your mouth or see eyes glaze over, but you’ll learn and adapt from what you encounter. Don’t give up or throw in the towel just because you weren’t able to connect with your first audience, learn from that encounter and make the next one better.

In his experience, Ross has found that with each meeting he has or the talks he delivers, it only bolsters his confidence and his ability to communicate, especially with non-expert audiences. To hear more of Ross’ helpful insights on the topic of science communication and other subjects, make sure to listen to his full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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In the early 2010s, there were a number of reports from different national organizations that highlighted the need to broaden training for PhDs and postdocs. Grad students and trainees needed to be prepared for a wider spectrum of careers beyond academia. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) responded to this need by funding 17 programs around the country to test approaches for tackling this challenge. How did their efforts pay off? Was the return worth the investment of those funds? Here to talk about their NIH funded program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is Dr. David Fruman and Dr. Harinder Singh.

David is a Professor at UCI where he has been a faculty member since 2000. His research interest is signal transduction in lymphocytes, with an emphasis on targeted therapies for blood cancer and immune diseases. He previously served as Associate Director of the UCI Institute for Immunology and is currently the Associate Director of the UCI Cancer Research Institute. He is also co-leader of the Systems, Pathways and Targets program of the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is currently the Director of the Graduate Professional Success (GPS) BIOMED program, supported by an NIH Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) grant, which enhances the professional development of UCI graduate students and postdoc fellows in the biomedical sciences.

Harinder is the Associate Director of the GPS-BIOMED program at UCI. An academic coordinator with a PhD in cardiovascular biology and background in biomedical sciences, Harinder has multiple years of working experience in academia and science-based non-profit organizations. Harinder works at the local and national level providing better career development training mechanisms and avenues for junior researchers by connecting them to the best available resources. His leadership roles at multiple non-profit organizations have helped bring science and society together by building a close-knit community of science professionals.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guests, Dr. David Fruman and Dr. Harinder Singh. * [3:15] David talks about his work with the NIH BEST program. * [8:00] Does the public still place their trust in scientists? * [14:00] What are the plans to continue funding GPS-BIOMED after the NIH grant provisions have ended in September 2019? * [16:30] Advice for postdocs who are planning their career path. * [20:00] Harinder talks about the value of honing science communication and other professional development skills. * [24:20] Why there is a high rate of depression in academia. * [25:45] Serving the broadest possible audience at the minimum possible cost.

Connect with Dr. David Fruman and Dr. Harinder Singh * Dr. David Fruman on LinkedIn * Dr. Harinder Singh on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * The Loh Down on Science: NPR Podcast * Activate to Captivate * Graduate Professional Success in Biomedical Sciences (GPS-BIOMED) * UC Irvine's Public Policy Prep (P3) Program funded by Burroughs Welcome Fund * Elevator Pitch Workshop series and competition * Science Communication Skills Course

Background Information about “Professional Success in Biomedical Sciences (GPS-BIOMED) Website link: https://gps.bio.uci.edu

GPS-BIOMED is an NIH-funded program for UCI graduate students and postdocs in the biomedical sciences, and part of the campus-wide UCI-GPS (UC Irvine Graduate Professional Success) initiative. We aim to better prepare our scientists for a variety of careers within the biomedical research workforce, and empower them to become not only skilled researchers but also polished professionals. As members of the NIH-BEST Consortium, we work to create, identify and support innovative approaches to broaden graduate and postdoctoral training.

Our program is designed to meet the following goals:

Increase awareness and interest in diverse careers outside of academic research (EXPLORE).
Improve communication and other skills needed to pursue academic and non-academic career paths (TRAIN).

Provide hands-on experience through on-campus and external internships (EXPERIENCE).
Build networks that allow our members to prepare for and transition to diverse careers (TRANSITION).

UC Irvine's Public Policy Prep (P3) Program funded by Burroughs Welcome Fund :
Website link: https://gps.bio.uci.edu/uci-public-policy-prep/

UCI Public Policy Prep (P3), organized and funded by GPS-BIOMED, is designed to meet this need. We are thrilled to unveil our newest program that will incorporate: public policy seminars, communication workshops, trainee working groups led by local advocacy groups or campus partners, and visits to Sacramento & Washington D.C.

P3 GOALS:

Increase knowledge of & experience with public policy processes
Increase knowledge of & experience with advocacy related to science policy
Develop the ability of trainees to communicate effectively with members in the policy arena
Unique Programming:
1. Elevator Pitch Workshop series and competition - https://gps.bio.uci.edu/program-elements/train/elevator-pitch-series/
GPS-BIOMED Elevator Pitch Competition & Effective Communications Certificate Program led by Bri McWhorter. Bri is the founder of Activate to Captivate, where she teaches communication techniques from an actor’s point of view. She is a speech coach for our elevator pitch competition and has worked with GPS-BIOMED leadership to create a new certificate program: Effective Communications. The program covers presentation fundamentals including how to overcome nerves, make a presentation active rather than passive, utilize vocal variety and command a room. Check out videos from 4th Annual Elevator Pitch Competition here.

1. Science Communication Skills Course - https://gps.bio.uci.edu/science-communication-skills/
   Science Communication Skills (Phy Sci 220) Offered each Winter Quarter and taught by Sandra Tsing Loh, well-known author, actress and host of the NPR podcast: Loh Down on Science. Grad students and postdocs are taught how to engage and inform the audience in a few words, avoid jargon, and project in a professional manner. The course culminates in TED-style talks performed by each participant! Check out our TED-style talks here: GPS-BIOMED on YouTube!

Are there more diverse career paths for PhDs and postdocs? When those reports came out several years ago detailing a lack of training for PhDs and postdocs pursuing non-academic jobs, NIH went to work funding programs all over the country through its BEST grants. Years later, many of those programs are shifting gears as the grant funds are no longer available. David and Harinder were kind enough to talk about UCI’s efforts to secure the programs they’ve built so training can continue for researchers seeking postdoc jobs.

David reports that every site that received NIH BEST funding to create these PhD and postdoc training programs have decided to continue the programs even though the NIH funding has ended. These universities, like UCI, have discovered the unique advantage that PhD and postdoc focused programs give them as an intuition to broaden their influence and impact. In short, yes, there are more diverse career paths for postdocs than ever before and the NIH BEST efforts have been well worth the investment.

The critical role of science communication and professional development As many PhDs. and postdocs search for jobs, according to David, one of the best steps they can take is to focus on honing their skill set, including science communication. Many PhDs and postdocs can become so wrapped up in their professional and academic circles that they fail to develop broader skills that will help them later on in their career.

David and Harinder both point to helpful programs like UCI GPS-BIOMED’s Annual Elevator Pitch Workshop and Competition that encourages students and postdocs to hone their communication skills. Additional resources include, Activate to Captivate, a communications company that focuses on empowering individuals to activate their communication skills, and NPR’s The Loh Down on Science podcast.

Make sure to listen to Mark’s full conversation with David and Harinder on this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What recent changes have altered the landscape for postdocs? Are there more opportunities out there or fewer? What are universities and professional associations doing to help postdocs navigate these changes? Dr. Chris Smith joins the podcast to shed light on this critical topic.

Chris’s work focuses on training a scientific and biomedical workforce that is flexible and well-prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st Century. He has over ten years of experience conducting neuroscience research investigating the role of dopamine in reward, valuation, and decision making processes in the human brain.

Chris currently serves as the Postdoctoral Affairs Program Manager at North Carolina State University. He holds a BS in Neuroscience from Furman University and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:45] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Chris Smith. * [3:00] Chris talks about his childhood and what led him to his career path. * [6:50] How did Chris get involved with postdoc affairs? * [11:40] The postdoc landscape is changing, are universities adapting? * [17:50] What is Accelerate to Industry? * [23:45] Be flexible and explore as many opportunities as possible. * [27:30] Chris’s professional goal for 2019.

Connect with Chris Smith * Chris on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Accelerate to Industry A2i * A2i Partner Summer Institute Interest Form * Academic Partners website * Vanderbilt's BRET program * Vanderbilt BRET alumni career outcomes * Vanderbilt's Beyond the Lab * NIH Best Consortium * BEST Consortium Paper * The POSTDOCket * National Postdoctoral Association

The changing postdoc landscape. As a postdoc, how much were you exposed to alternative career pathways beyond typical roles in academia? Did your university set you up for success in this new postdoc landscape or have you found it challenging to find a good route? According to Chris Smith, the landscape for postdocs has changed significantly over the last ten years and many universities and associations have been slow to adapt.

Thankfully, some institutions like Vanderbilt and their Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) program are leading the way by making more data available for postdocs as they explore career options. Chris also highlights the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program as a practical solution addressing this growing need.

Be flexible and seize opportunities that come your way. As the economy continues to shift and evolve over the next decade, are you prepared to make any necessary pivots in your career? Or do you feel secure that your current or ideal career path will be unphased by shifts in the economy and academia? Leaders in the postdoc field encourage researchers to expand their skill set at any opportunity they get so they’ll be adequately prepared for an uncertain future.

In his conversation with Mark, Chris points to a recent paper published by the BEST group and the Public Library of Science (PLOS One) revealing that faculty wants their students to explore possibilities outside of academia. Chris also encourages postdocs to be flexible as they navigate their careers, he says that they should look for opportunities to develop transferable skills like writing on a wide range of topics.

To get the full scope of Chris’ informative conversation with Mark, make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Does your organization value the role of their introverts in the workplace? Are you an introvert who has struggled to find your voice? Do you want to help your workplace become more equitable for introverts? Here to help us understand introverts and how we can best empower them is Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler.

Jennifer is an author and global speaker hailed as a "champion for introverts." Her bestselling books, “The Introverted Leader,” “Quiet Influence,” and “The Genius of Opposites” have been translated into sixteen languages and help introverts throughout the world expand their leadership capacity.

Jennifer has been invited to deliver keynote speeches and seminars in Australia, Vietnam, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and Paraguay. She has also been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:45] Mark introduces his guest, Jennifer Kahnweiler. * [2:50] You might be an introvert if… * [6:15] What went into the second edition of Jennifer’s book, “The Introverted Leader?” * [9:40] Jennifer talks about the value of emotional intelligence. * [12:30] Three ways to engage in international collaborations and be more effective. * [17:00] How introversion shows up differently in men and women. * [23:00] Elevating the voices of introverts. * [27:30] Common challenges for introverts and how to address them. * [35:45] How social media can help introverts expand their brand.

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler * The Introverted Leader * Jennifer's website * Jennifer on Twitter * Jennifer on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Key characteristics of introverts. Chances are you are an introvert or someone in your family is one. We can’t all be the life of the party and everyone’s best friend. If you don’t understand how introverts operate, here is a brief rundown of some of their characteristics, keep in mind that introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum.

You might be an introvert if…

• You have to get away and get alone to recharge after spending time with people.
• You are energized by solitude, and you must have breaks alone.
• You are reserved, and you only express your thoughts after thinking about them.
• You are private at first and then slowly open up as you get to know someone.
• You have a low-key facial expression.
• You are humble and don’t like to boast about your achievements.

Throughout their conversation, Mark and Jennifer continue to elaborate on these characteristics as they expand their discussion on introversion. You can also further your education on introverts in the workplace by reading Jennifer’s book, “The Introverted Leader.”

Creating space for introverts in the workplace. Now that you have an idea of how introverts show up in the workplace, it’s time to consider what we can do in both professional and educational environments to encourage their contributions. According to Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler, pausing during a meeting to make sure more introverted people have the chance to speak can be helpful, especially if it comes from a person in power.

We should also keep in mind the role that gender expectations and “norms” play when it comes to identifying and reacting to introversion. Unfortunately, it is expected that women in the workplace should be bubbly and inviting while men should be stoic and unemotional. These gender stereotypes and expectations can cause undue stress and unique challenges for introverts.

While it might not be easy, taking intentional steps to hear from our introverted colleagues will end up enriching both learning and working environments.

To hear more from Jennifer on how to create inviting spaces for introverts in the workplace, make sure to listen to her full conversation with Mark on this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On YouTube: http://bit.ly/BSConTV * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What would you say are the most important aspects of postdoc research? Would the learning environment or the availability of mentors rank high on your list? What about the role of passion and enthusiasm for your field of study? Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson joins Mark in this episode of When Science Speaks to highlight the role of enthusiasm and storytelling in postdoc research.

Sarah is the Assistant Provost of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs at Boston University. She is responsible for providing services and programming for all postdoc scholars at Boston University, as well as supporting the development of University policies related to postdoc scholarships.

Before joining Boston University, Sarah was the US Deputy Director of Science and Innovation at the British Consulate-General, Boston. Dr. Hokanson holds a BA in Chemistry from Boston University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She completed a National Institute of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:08] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Sarah Chobot Hokanson. * [3:50] What sparked Sarah’s interest in science? * [7:30] Sarah talks about taking a position working for the British Consulate. * [12:00] What is the Postdoc Academy? * [15:00] How Sarah and her team create programs that appeal to postdoc researchers. * [18:00] Sarah’s advice for postdoc researchers. * [20:30] Why enthusiasm for your field is crucial. * [22:20] How to connect with the Postdoc Academy.

Connect with Sarah Chobot Hokanson * Postdocacademy[at]gmail.com * Sch1[at]bu.edu * Sarah on LinkedIn * Sarah on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned * National Postdoctoral Association

Don’t fake it, pursue what energizes you Have you ever found yourself stuck listening to someone who is dispassionate about their work? The experience tends to be incredibly dull and ultimately a waste of time. While It’s not fair to expect every researcher to come out with the most stunning and captivating presentation, a lack of passion and enthusiasm speaks volumes. What is the solution? Should you fake excitement for something that you don’t care about?

Most people are ill-equipped to take a topic they care nothing about and make it sound interesting. Don’t try to fake enthusiasm; your audience will see it coming from a mile away. If you find yourself in a field of study that you don’t care about, make a change as soon as possible. Not only will you benefit from switching to a subject that you care about, but those on the receiving end of your research will also benefit. If you are stuck, consider reaching out to your mentor or peers and utilize the network you’ve built to make a change.

Why storytelling is crucial to communicating your research Storytelling is an often neglected aspect of postdoc research. Even the phrase, “Storytelling” seems foreign in a world of facts, figures, and data. What does storytelling have to do with postdoc studies? It all comes down to effectively conveying your findings. If you can’t tell a compelling story with the data you’ve collected, you need to look at it from a different perspective.

Your research will only have the desired effect if you present it in a way that connects with your target audience. Are you presenting your findings to your peers? If so, you can get away with a lot of lingo and jargon, but you still need to make a compelling case. Are you presenting to an audience outside your field of study? If that’s the case, you’ve got to find a way to connect your research to something they can understand. You don’t have to abandon your data and figures, you must make them relevant to your audience. This aspect of your research will come more naturally if you are engaged and invested in your subject matter.

To hear Dr. Hokanson expand on this topic and much more, make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark on this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Did you ever face a moment where you wish you had some degree of insight that could help you move forward? What if there was a way to navigate your career path and ultimately locate that perfect fit where you could make a difference? Christine Cruzveraga joins Mark in this episode to talk about her work helping students and professionals find the right fit in their career.

Christine currently serves as the VP of Higher Education and Student Success at Handshake. In this capacity, she leads the effort to deepen partnerships with the higher education community to ensure greater student career success. Most recently Christine served at Wellesley College as their Associate Provost and Executive Director for Career Education.

She has held senior level positions and board roles at multiple institutions and organizations including Wellesley College, George Mason University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Christine earned her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:50] Mark introduces his guest, Christine Cruzveraga. * [3:15] What led Christine to her role at Handshake? * [5:45] Three types of people who can help you advance in your field. * [8:45] How to be a good mentee. * [10:15] Christine shares a story about how her brother found the right career path. * [15:20] Insights that will help you get traction in your career. * [22:30] How to stay adaptable and make yourself a valuable asset. * [25:30] Why you need to grow in emotional intelligence. * [27:45] Mark and Christine talk about their professional goals. * [31:30] Closing thoughts from Mark.

Connect with Christine Cruzveraga * Christine on LinkedIn * Christine on Twitter * Christine’s article, "Redefining “We” in Career Education"

Three types of people you need in your corner As you continue to navigate your career it is helpful to consider three types of people that can assist you along the way. Christine Cruzveraga developed these three categories to bring clarity to the often vague concept of a mentor/mentee relationship.

1. Mentor. A mentor is an individual who may or may not be in your profession. They are someone who will act as an honest sounding board who will give you both positive and constructive feedback. It is their goal to challenge you and help you see things from a different perspective.
2. Sponsor. A sponsor is someone who is typically more senior than you in your organization or company who can help pull you up and get you a seat at the table and open the right doors for you. Their goal is to help you grow in your career.
3. Advocate. An advocate isn’t necessarily your supervisor or even someone at your organization. They should be someone who has clout and is connected to your profession in some way. Their goal is to help you build your network and grow your influence and presence in the work that you do beyond just the work in your company.

Christine encourages students and professionals to keep an eye out for leaders who fit these descriptions and work to nurture those relationships. Make sure that you approach these relationships organically, don’t go for the big names, find leaders who you genuinely connect with and learn from them.

Tips to help you advance in your career Do you remember when you were a young student, and you struggled with a concept or an equation, then one day you have that moment when everything just clicked and fell into place? Perhaps for you, it was the extra help that you received from your teacher or maybe it was a peer who took the time to explain the concept to you. What does it take to find a similar “Ah-ha” moment when it comes to navigating your career?

Drawing on her years as a student and as a professional, Christine Cruzveraga wants to help as many people as possible to make the right decisions and advance in their career. In her conversation with Mark, Christine touched on five lessons she has learned along the way.

1. Repetition builds your reputation.
2. Strive to respond, not react.
3. People are your most important resource.
4. Hiring is the most critical decision you can make as a leader.
5. Authenticity is the best strategy.

Go deeper with these lessons from Christine by listening to this fascinating episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Do you ever find yourself so caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of your research that you don't know how to take advantage of professional networking opportunities? When was the last time you ventured out of your daily work routine and explored new professional development opportunities that piqued your interest? On this episode of When Science Speaks, you’ll hear from Dr. Christine Ponder as she touches on the need for professional networking and evaluating your definition of success.

Dr. Ponder is the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs at the Washington Square campus of New York University (NYU). She established the program in 2011 and has since been part of two large projects in postdoc career development, the NYU Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is funded by a Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand career preparation and outcomes for biomedical postdocs, and the NYC Advancing Computer Science Careers through Enhanced Networking and Training (ASCENT) program funded by the Computing Community Consortium, to do the same for Computer Science postdocs. Christine has a PhD in Genetics and Development from Columbia University and was a postdoc at Rockefeller University before joining NYU.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Christine Ponder. * [4:00] What does success look like for postdoc researchers? * [7:00] Why informational interviews are so valuable. * [9:15] Get out of your venue of research and network. * [13:00] Dr. Ponder talks about her office’s efforts focusing on communication and policy. * [16:00] How have postdoc researchers' interests changed over the years? * [20:00] The difference between political and partisan involvement. * [22:40] Mark and Dr. Ponder talk about their professional goals for 2019. * [25:45] Closing thoughts from Mark and Dr. Ponder.

Connect with Dr. Christine Ponder * Dr. Ponder’s LinkedIn page * PostdocsNYU on Twitter

Get out of your venue of research and network Everyone gets enveloped in their work from time to time, but you can unnecessarily stunt your career growth by missing out on professional networking opportunities. It is a good idea to put a plan in place or even mark a date on the calendar to remind yourself about the world outside of your research venue. Unfortunately, the best candidates for particular positions don’t always get the traction they deserve; you’ve got to be willing to make the professional connections necessary to advance your career.

Dr. Ponder says that professional networking played a large role in her ability to rethink and reevaluate her goals and career trajectory. When you network, you don’t always have to have career advancement in mind. You can use networking opportunities to broaden your horizons and connect with peers you usually wouldn’t get the chance to associate with. What do you have to lose? Consider prioritizing professional networking as you set your goals for 2019.

Reevaluating your definition of success As the new year progresses, many professionals are taking the time to reevaluate their definition of success. Do you have a definition of success in mind? Has it changed at all over the years or is it mostly the same? The need to reevaluate your definition of success will also arise once you reach the mark you’ve set. Once you’ve achieved your goal you don’t have to stop there. It is a good idea to keep pressing forward and to challenge your abilities and your capacity.

For a long time, Dr. Ponder’s definition of professional success was tied to securing a position in academia. Even though she entered her graduate degree studies with a goal of going back into the private sector, Dr. Ponder found her scope limited to academic work. Many PhD students find themselves tied to this idea that success can only mean advancing their career in an academic setting. Dr. Ponder’s experience highlights the need for students and other professionals to take the time to reevaluate their definition of success periodically as they progress in their career.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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With the start of a new year, many Americans commit to resolutions and ambitious goals they hope to accomplish throughout the year’s end.

Many organizations have ambitious goals as well, but all too often they fail to make these goals specific and connected to a deadline. UCLA’s creation of so-called “Grand Challenges” is a bold departure from such fuzzy, timid-by-comparison initiatives. UCLA’s Grand Challenges are inspiring endeavours to solve the most difficult societal problems by a fixed date by harnessing the University’s deep, diverse resources across disciplines. Leading UCLA’s Grand Challenge program is Michelle Popowitz.

Michelle is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Co-Founder of UCLA Grand Challenges. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Masters of Public Health at UCLA and her Doctor of Law degree from Loyola Law School. Under Michelle’s leadership, UCLA was the first university to commit to solving a specific societal grand challenge.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Michelle Popowitz. * [2:50] What led Michelle to her work at UCLA? * [8:30] How Michelle ended up working on Grand Challenges. * [19:20] Why it’s important to know your audience and tailor your approach. * [25:20] Helping the public understand the resources that universities offer. * [28:50] How Michelle and her team have disseminated their approach to other universities. * [31:00] From general incentives to specific goals. * [38:00] Mark and Michelle talk about their professional goals for 2019. * [42:15] How the Grand Challenge is like a startup. * [44:15] Closing thoughts from Michelle.

Connect with Michelle Popowitz * Michelle’s LinkedIn profile * UCLA Grand Challenges

Resources & People Mentioned * Report on University-Led Grand Challenges * Indiana University Grand Challenges * UT-Austin Grand Challenges * University of Alabama at Birmingham Grand Challenges * University of New Mexico Grand Challenges * Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think

Grand Challenges are Moonshot Goals Have you heard the term “Grand Challenges” before? Grand Challenges are also known as “moonshots” derived from President Kennedy’s moonshot goal to put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth. These ambitious goals have the potential to draw the public’s interest and fuel popular support for a positive societal change. Grand Challenges aren’t just for governments and universities; businesses are getting in on the positive publicity garnered by these ambitious goals. Recently, Mircosoft announced that they are investing $500 million to build affordable housing in the Seattle area.

In her work at UCLA, Michelle Popowitz is engaged in two specific and ambitious Grand Challenges. These two Grand Challenges are the biggest, most collaborative, and potentially most transformative efforts UCLA has undertaken to date. The Sustainable LA

Grand Challenge focuses on achieving sustainability in energy and water while enhancing ecosystem health in Los Angeles County by 2050. The Depression Grand Challenge is dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating the world’s greatest health problem. They plan to cut the burden of depression in half by 2050 and eliminate it by the end of the century.

Seize opportunities and explore the possibilities Too often many professionals have this idea that opportunities will just fall in their lap. Has that been your experience? Did someone come along and roll out the red carpet for you or did you have to forge your own path? Nothing happens without a price, either you pay the price, or someone pays it for you. Don’t let this discourage you in your efforts; half the battle is knowing the rules to the game. How have you forged your own path in your career?

Michelle Popowitz didn’t have any plans to start the Grand Challenges initiative at UCLA when she entered her role as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research. She went from putting out fires in her position as the Assistant Dean with the UCLA School of Dentistry to enjoying a significant amount of free time in the research office. Jumping into her role at the research department, Michelle set herself on a course she never would have imagined. Determined to make an impact and elicit positive change, Michelle started with small steps that eventually snowballed into founding the Grand Challenges at UCLA.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Have you ever watched an interview that went beyond boilerplate questions and got to the heart of the subject? It takes skill and a well-honed appetite for curiosity to move past the superficial and begin to peel back layers of intrigue. You don’t have to be an award-winning journalist to ask good questions. Embracing your curiosity and developing proper research and listening skills can help you in just about any career you choose.

Frank is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with more than thirty years of experience reporting from around the world. Well known as an anchor, Bureau Chief of CNN’s Washington, DC office White House Correspondent and talk show host on CNN, Frank is also a nationally renowned moderator who has engaged some of the world’s leading personalities and appears regularly on U.S. and international media. Frank currently serves as Director of The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, where he leads nearly two dozen world-class faculty and teaches classes on The Art of the Interview, journalism ethics, documentary and sustainability reporting.

Frank also created PlanetForward.org, a user-driven web and television project that brings students and experts together to examine sustainable innovations that “move the planet forward.”

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:00] Mark introduces his guest, Frank Sesno. * [3:20] What are the best qualities of an interviewer? * [6:40] Are the stakes higher for journalists asking tough questions today? * [11:45] Why preparation is so important for journalists and interviewers. * [16:20] Assets that scientists have when it comes to asking questions & public policy. * [19:00] How should scientists adjust their language when working with policymakers? * [21:30] Frank talks about the power of storytelling. * [24:45] To master the art of storytelling, you’ve got to look at the classics.

Connect with Frank Sesno * Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, & Spark Change * Frank’s website * Planet Forward

The power of questions Have you ever watched an interview that went beyond boilerplate questions and got to the heart of the subject? It takes skill and a well-honed appetite for curiosity to move past the superficial and begin to peel back layers of intrigue. You don’t have to be an award-winning journalist to ask good questions. Embracing your curiosity and developing proper research and listening skills can help you in just about any career you choose.

Consider in-depth research, asking questions, and listening as assets that you can use to engage with your peers and broaden your abilities. Don’t assume that these are common traits that everyone has; you can stand out and make an impact by training yourself to become a good listener and questioner. If you’d like to go deeper with this important topic, make sure to check out Frank Sesno’s book, “Ask More.”

Don’t just give data, tell a story We’ve all been there, you attend a lecture, and you care about the subject matter, but the presentation is dreadfully dull, what do you do? Some people will power through the bland presentation; others will pull out their smartphone for a quick escape. What if there was a way to make data, statics, and research findings relevant? According to Frank Sesno, the solution is to train scientists and researchers to become better storytellers.

The last thing you think of when a scientist or research comes to mind is a good storyteller. The good news is, these highly trained professionals are not destined to languish in the realm of jargon and insider lingo. Thankfully, innovative leaders like Frank Sesno are hard at work creating new avenues for scientists and researchers to get their message to a broader audience. In 2009 Frank formed Planet Forward to empower new voices and lead a global conversation on the planet’s future. Engaging a diverse audience of college students from across the country, Planet Forward uses storytelling, media, and educational events to tell the stories of invention and innovation that can move the planet forward.

Make sure to catch Mark’s full conversation with Frank on this exciting episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What is the value of investing in and encouraging mentoring relationships? As you look at the progress you’ve made in your career, can you point to a mentoring relationship that made a significant impact on your development? Leading the charge and championing mentoring relationships at the University of Chicago is Dr. Valerie Fako Miller.

Dr. Fako Miller is the Assistant Director of Postdoctoral Affairs in the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. She was a postdoc at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the National Cancer Institute where she served as the liaison between NIH fellows and training directors of NIH institutes. Dr. Fako Miller also served as President of the Bethesda chapter of the Association for Women in Science. She received her Ph.D. in pharmacology from the Indiana University School of Medicine after getting her Masters and Bachelors in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Valerie Fako Miller. * [2:30] How did Dr. Fako Miller discover her passion for Chemistry? * [4:10] Dr. Fako Miller talks about the value of quality mentorship programs. * [10:30] Are there any good resources on how to be a good mentee? * [13:00] Dr. Fako Miller shares insights about science communication. * [18:00] What has fueled the rise in interest in science advocacy? * [22:45] Should scientists stay out of politics? * [27:00] How scientists can get involved in science policy at the local level. * [29:00] Closing thoughts from Dr. Fako Miller and Mark.

Connect with Dr. Valerie Fako Miller * Dr. Fako Miller on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * National Research Mentoring Network * National Postdoctoral Association * 314 Action

Developing a healthy culture of mentoring One of the best ways to invest in the next generation of leaders in our country is to pour resources into programs that focus on mentoring relationships. While some disciplines have robust mentoring programs, others are just getting off of the ground. Following the facts, key leaders like Dr. Valerie Fako Miller are leading the way as they seek to empower and encourage postdoc researchers and other young professionals.

At the University of Chicago, in the Biological Sciences Division, Dr. Fako Miller and her team follow mentorship curriculum from the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN). NRMN works to implement and disseminate innovative, evidence-based best practices to improve mentoring relationships at institutions across the country. If you want to go deeper with the fantastic work that NRMN is doing, make sure to check out the link in the resources section at the end of this post.

Breaking the gridlock and opening lines the of communication There is no question that we are in the middle of a polarizing political climate. The problem is, how do we find a wavelength that both sides can use to open the lines of communication? From attack ads to misinformation, the way forward won’t be found by sticking to the same tactics that got us into this mess. The climate may be troubling, but there is hope, innovative leaders are hard at work encouraging and equipping young scientists with tools to bridge these divides.

In her work at the University of Chicago, Dr. Fako Miller is witnessing some excellent progress in the area of science communication. She says that a significant number of postdoc researchers are jumping in and flexing their science communication muscles. Recently, postdocs planned and led a symposium that featured a keynote address and a workshop centered on science communication at the University of Chicago. Hopefully, the more these young leaders learn how to communicate their research and expertise in effective ways the greater our chances are for an engaged and receptive audience.

Get the full conversation between Mark and Dr. Fako Miller by listening to this enlightening episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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For too long, research and post-doc studies have been limited to an exclusively academic environment. It’s time for a change in the form of increased internship opportunities. Raising this important call for grad students, PhD Students, and Postdocs is Dr. Shoba Subramanian.

Dr. Subramanian is the Director of Curriculum and Educational Initiatives, Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, at the University of Michigan Medical School. In her current role, she uses her scientific background for curriculum innovation and leads the career and professional development team in the office of graduate and postdoctoral studies. Shoba holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and completed her postdoctoral training at UCSF and also Carnegie Mellon during which time she had a productive research career in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell, and Microbiology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology and Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Madras and the University of Mumbai.

Before joining Michigan, Shoba held multiple faculty and leadership roles at CMU, such as the Assistant Department Head for Graduate Affairs, Assistant Teaching Professor, Assistant Director of MS in Computational Biology at CMU and also the Undergraduate program at CMU-Qatar. She has advised and taught hundreds of BS, MS, PhD students, and trainees and guided them to successful internships and full-time positions. She has a strong record of teaching and education. She has developed and taught multiple courses and workshops and she is the recipient of two faculty fellowship awards for innovation in education.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Shoba Subramanian. * [3:00] Dr. Subramanian talks about what she expects from her students. * [8:00] How students can hone their networking abilities. * [12:45] Dr. Subramanian opens up about the challenge of moving to the US. * [18:45] Why we need more hands-on educational opportunities outside of the classroom. * [25:20] How educators can support and actively engage post-doc researchers. * [31:15] Closing thoughts from Mark.

Connect with Dr. Shoba Subramanian * Dr. Subramanian on LinkedIn * Dr. Subramanian on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned * National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Building students up. When you were in school did you ever connect with an educator in a way that made you feel that they were rooting for your success? Support and encouragement from educators can go a long way in building students up as they advance in their academic careers. Thankfully, educators like Dr. Subramanian are stepping up to engage and equip the next generation of our nation’s workforce.

Shoba has a wonderful perspective when it comes to the growth and development of her students. She sees her role, not as a passive bystander but as an active and engaged participant. It is almost as if the success of her students equates to her sense of accomplishment as an educator and professional. Imagine if the academic community had more passionate faculty members like Dr. Subramanian who believe in their students and find ways to encourage and equip them every step of the way.

Increased internship opportunities will lead to innovation. Beyond an educator or mentor that helped pave the way for them, many successful STEM professionals can also point to that first real-world career opportunity they received. Unfortunately, these opportunities are hard to come by and for some students can take quite a long time to secure. What if there was a way to get postdoc researchers the internship opportunities they need that showcases the innovation they bring to the table?

Hard at work on this critical endeavor is Dr. Shoba Subramanian. As a faculty leader, Shoba has directly advised over 200 students and wants to see more opportunities open up. There are many researchers who are chomping at the bit for someone to give them a shot so they can get the real-world experience they need to succeed. While some disciplines have a great track when it comes to internships, many are still lacking. Dr. Subramanian is not alone in her efforts to highlight the need for increased internship opportunities; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released two reports over the summer of 2018; on this same topic.

To hear Dr. Subramanian expand on this crucial issue, make sure to catch her full conversation with Mark on this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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All too often higher education gets a bad reputation when it comes to administrative accountability. Imagine what it would look like if more educational institutions championed accountability and transparency. Helping to pave the way in this vital arena is Dr. Stephanie Huie.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Stephanie Huie is one of 7 Executive Officers for the University of Texas System. Responsible for strategy, policy analysis, accountability, and project management for the UT System (235,780 students) and its 14 academic and health institutions with an overall operating budget of $19.5 billion, Dr. Huie is Vice Chancellor for the Office of Strategic Initiatives for The University of Texas System. She leads a team of research and policy analysts to transform data into timely and meaningful information to support UT System initiatives and policy decisions across its 14 institutions with a focus on enhancing insight, transparency, and accountability. Most notably, Dr. Huie oversees the development and implementation of the UT System Dashboard, a web-based business intelligence system that provides analytics for policy decisions and measures productivity and accountability in higher education. She also developed a first-of-its-kind partnership with the United States Census Bureau to obtain national wage data for all UT System graduates. This data is presented through seekUT®, a free online tool that provides post-graduation outcomes of UT System graduates by program of study.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:08] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Stephanie Huie. * [3:30] Stephanie talks about tailoring content to your audience. * [8:00] What led Stephanie to partner with the US Census Bureau? * [12:00] Did Stephanie find any surprises from her demographic research? * [15:00] How did Stephanie end up developing a dashboard tool? * [19:20] Understanding the cost of higher education. * [23:20] The value of championing transparency and accountability. * [28:30] Advice for those who want to get engaged in research and policy work.

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Huie * Dr. Huie on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * US Census Bureau * data.utsystem.edu * seekut.utsystem.edu

Catering to your audience Have you ever been to a presentation or lecture that completely missed the mark? You know the ones where the presenters misread the room, and they push ahead with jargon and terms that the audience clearly doesn’t understand. Are instances like that inevitable or is there something that the presenter can do to help build a bridge and make it easier on the audience?

There is hope for professionals like you, a bored and unengaged audience doesn’t have to be inevitable. Dr. Stephanie Huie serves as a prime example of an educator who has successfully communicated her research in an engaging way. When she presents, Dr. Huie works hard to understand where her audience is coming from, tailoring her approach accordingly. Most notably, Dr. Huie was able to communicate her research findings to Texas state legislators in a way that helped them understand the investment of tax dollars in higher education.

The value of focusing on administrative accountability With the national conversation increasingly focused on higher education and its impact on the workforce, there is no better time to dive into administrative accountability. As tuition costs continue to increase, many state legislatures are paying close attention to the return on investment taxpayers should expect when it comes to state-operated higher education.

Dr. Stephanie Huie has achieved major strides with her work on the UT System Dashboard. This innovative approach provides analytics for policy decisions and measures productivity and accountability in higher education. The goal behind this effort is to help students, parents, and the general public understand some basic facts about the higher education system and the tools necessary to go even deeper with the data if they so chose. Dr. Huie’s work highlights the increased attention that leading administrators are providing when it comes to accountability and transparency.

Get a more detailed exploration of Dr. Huie’s work and hear her valuable insights by listening to this informative episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What do you think of when you hear the term, “Broader Impacts?” Have you ever received a brief and definitive explanation of the term? To remove all confusion and cut to the heart of what this term means is the Broader Impacts Guy himself, Dr. Michael Thompson.

Dr. Thompson is currently on the Senior Staff of the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Founding Director of the Broader Impacts in Research organization at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Thompson specializes in Impact Strategy, Professional Faculty Development, Broader Impact Research, Proposal Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and much more.

You don’t want to miss a minute of this episode as Dr. Thompson provides his helpful take on the definition of Broader Impacts and as he reveals some valuable communication tips.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark welcomes his guest, Dr. Michael Thompson. * [3:00] What is meant by the term, “Broader Impacts.” * [5:30] How did Michael get involved with Broader Impacts? * [10:30] The scholarly definition of Broader Impacts. * [12:00] Michael talks about the progression of his career. * [15:30] Tips for scientists who are navigating the course of their career. * [21:00] Advice for communicating with audiences who are new to your topic or field. * [29:00] Closing thoughts from Michael.

Connect with Dr. Michael Thompson * Dr. Thompson on LinkedIn * Dr. Thompson on Facebook * Dr. Thompson’s website

Resources & People Mentioned * The Fundamentals of Logic * National Science Foundation

What is “Broader Impacts?” The term, “Broader Impacts” is defined by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as “...the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.” The NSF further clarified its thinking on broader impacts in 2011 when it issued a report stating that broader impacts “may be accomplished through the research itself, through activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are directly supported by, but are complementary to, the project” and that all broader impacts activities must be meaningfully assessed and evaluated.

Dr. Michael Thompson went even more in-depth with his explanation of this term, going beyond what NSF has defined by reaching back to pre-modern America. Dr. Thompson says that the Choctaw Nation has a name for broader impacts called “I’yyi Kowa.” As a concept and practice, it meant that this service needed to ensure beneficial stability or “social balance” and advancement of their society.

Communication Tips It is no coincidence that most people fear public speaking more than any other situation, getting up to speak in front of others is nerve-wracking. What if there was a way to midgate those fears and hone your ability to communicate to your audience? Most professionals don’t have a problem with the content of their communication, it often comes down to delivery or adjusting their approach to their audience.

Dr. Michael Thompson was gracious enough to reveal his helpful tips for communicating to an audience that is new to your topic or subject matter.

• Be observant. Watch other communicators.
• Read and research communication techniques.
• Listen to yourself talk. Eliminate filler words (uh, um, and).
• Learn how to think while you are talking.
• Read something that makes you think before you speak.
• Practice speaking over and over.
• Be prepared for the unexpected.

These are just a few of the powerful insights that Dr. Thompson shares on this episode. To hear more about how he became a more effective communicator, make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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When was the last time a science and policy article went viral? If you are struggling to think of one, you aren’t alone. With the help of skilled professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Toney, the tide might be changing.

Dr. Jeffrey Toney is an educator and a scientist whose career has spanned academia and the pharmaceutical industry. He serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kean University in Union, Toms River, and Manahawkin, New Jersey, as well as Wenzhou, China. Kean University is focused on access and opportunity. His news media publications include Huffington Post, The New York Times, and The Hill. He also has published more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications and holds six US patents.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Jeff Toney. * [3:15] Jeff opens up about the intersection of science and his various interests. * [5:00] How did Jeff get involved with teaching at Montclair State University? * [7:30] Why scientists need to develop their communication skills. * [10:00] Jeff talks about how he connected Ariana Grande’s dog to human rights. * [11:30] How did Jeff get involved with public policy issues? * [14:30] Should scientists stay out of politics? * [16:20] The best public policy is driven by data. * [18:00] Jeff’s advice for scientists who want to get published. * [22:30] How did Jeff get involved with supporting entrepreneurial efforts in social justice?

Connect with Dr. Jeff Toney * Follow Dr. Toney on Twitter * Ariana Grande’s Wonder Dog

Resources & People Mentioned * Harry Kroto * Music for Relief * Mass Challenge * SurgiBox

Making science and policy work relevant in everyday life Which classes stood out to you the most when you were in high school? Did you look forward to gym class where you could show off your physical prowess? Or did you enjoy that class with the teacher who made even the dullest subject roar to life with relevance? It’s no secret that a vast chasm separates science and policy work from the popular consciousness. We need educators, scientists, and policymakers who can bridge the divide and help make these vital topics engaging for the average person.

Surveying this divide, Dr. Jeffrey Toney continually looks for ways to engage his students and help bridge the gap. With the understanding that the average scientist struggles in the area of communication, Dr. Toney makes it a point to mentor his students and help them overcome this significant barrier. Seeking to connect his passion for human rights advocacy with popular culture, Dr. Toney wrote an article for Huffington Post that received a lot of positive attention. Check out the link to his article located in the resources section at the end of this post.

The best public policy is driven by data With the recent mid-term elections, science and policy decisions have been thrust into the headlines once again. As the debates rage on at Capitol Hill, the question remains, what is the best way to develop public policy? Dr. Toney states that the best approach to public policy is to focus on data. Scientists are trained as Dr. Toney puts it, “to be agnostic about outcomes.” They don’t chase after something that they already think is true; they follow the data to establish new truth.

While Dr. Toney doesn’t advocate for a partisan approach, he sees the value of bringing scientific expertise to bear on policy decisions. Dr. Toney's engagement in policy work isn’t just theory; he’s actively engaged in important advocacy work on multiple fronts. From his work addressing human rights issues to serving on the advisory board of SurgiBox, it is clear that Dr. Toney doesn’t just talk about advocacy work, he’s actively engaged in it.

Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Toney’s fascinating perspective by listening to this engaging episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What does it take to kickstart a career in science advocacy? Do you need to make the right connections and relationships at the right time or is a "make it up as you go" type of endeavor? If you’ve wondered about getting involved with this critical work, you’ve come to the right place. Here to share her experience getting involved with science advocacy is Dr. Adriana Bankston.

Dr. Bankston is a skeletal muscle biologist turned science policy researcher. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Future of Research, a nonprofit organization with a mission to champion, engage and empower early career scientists with evidence-based resources to improve the scientific research endeavor. Her goals are to promote science policy and advocacy for junior scientists and to gather and present data on various issues in the current scientific system. Previously, Dr. Bankston was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Louisville. She obtained a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology from Emory University.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:05] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Adriana Bankston. * [3:15] What led Dr. Bankston to work in policy and advocacy? * [5:30] How did Dr. Bankston’s policy work resonate with her peers in the lab? * [7:15] Why is mentorship so important? * [11:30] How has Dr. Bankston’s Ph.D. experience impact her current work? * [15:00] An important lesson, find the subject that you are passionate about. * [17:30] What are Dr. Bankston’s future plans? What does she want to be working on? * [20:45] Interacting with policymakers and advocating for science. * [26:00] Dr. Bankston talks about her role at the Journal of Science Policy & Governance.

Connect with Dr. Adriana Bankston * Dr. Bankston’s website * Follow Dr. Bankston on Twitter

Resources & People Mentioned * Future of Research * Journal of Science Policy and Governance

Getting involved with science advocacy While there may be some individuals out there who lock on to science advocacy work early, for Dr. Adriana Bankston it was more of a “pulling at a loose thread” type of scenario. When she was working on her postdoc research, Adriana came across some fascinating information about her postdoc peers and their efforts securing employment. From that moment on, Dr. Bankston was hooked, she went on to connect with several organizations that were involved with science advocacy and preparing science professionals for the workplace.

One big takeaway from Dr. Bankston’s work is following that thread that captures your interest. Too often people either get pigeonholed or pigeonhole themselves into a specific arena where they lack a driving interest or passion. Don’t let practicality supplant your innate drive for curiosity, who knows, that thread you unravel could lead you to important work like Dr. Bankston’s. Make sure to follow Dr. Bankston’s fascinating work in science advocacy by checking out the links in the resource section at the end of this post.

Mentorship and planning for the future Throughout your education or career, have you benefited from a mentoring relationship? Have you had the opportunity to act as a mentor for someone else? Mentorship is one of those vital aspects of professional development that many people fail to appreciate or understand. Let’s face it; mentorship is not for the faint of heart. If you are going to engage in this sort of robust professional development you’ve got to carve out the time. Dr. Bankston recognized the value of learning from a mentor, so she made it a priority on her calendar, sacrificing time after work and even during lunch breaks.

In the end, Dr. Bankston is convinced that all that sacrifice was worth it. Not only did she grow as a professional, but her mentoring relationship also allowed her to see the value of looking ahead with a bold vision for the future. Looking forward, Adriana is intrigued by two paths in her field. On the one hand, she is considering the value of staying local with her advocacy work and focusing her efforts with university administrations to create new programs for postdocs. Then there is the more flashy and popular route of working specifically in the policy sector and seeing her work have a more wide-reaching impact.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Did you know that there is a distinct and valuable advantage to having more scientists running for office? When scientists step out and contribute to the political process, we get more people making policy decisions that value facts and evidence. During the midterm elections, ten new science-credentialed candidates were elected: one senator and nine members of the House.

The current members of the 115th Congress include one physicist, one microbiologist, and one chemist, as well as eight engineers and one mathematician. The medical professions are slightly better represented, with three nurses and 15 doctors, as well as at least three veterinarians.

Here to discuss the unique advantage of getting scientists elected to public office is Shaughnessy Naughton. Shaughnessy is an entrepreneur with a degree in chemistry and a passion for understanding the role of science in our everyday lives. With a background in research and drug discovery, Shaughnessy decided to get involved in politics because she is concerned about the future of science in the United States.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:43] Mark introduces his guest, Shaughnessy Naughton. * [3:00] Why we need more politicians who value facts and evidence. * [4:45] Is there a typical profile that 314 Action looks for in prospective candidates? * [6:30] Should scientists and medical professionals, “Stay in their lane?” * [9:00] Shaughnessy talks about her experience running for political office. * [10:45] How are scientists uniquely positioned to operate in politics and policy-making? * [12:45] What are the future plans for 314 Action?

Connect with Shaughnessy Naughton * Shaughnessy on Twitter * Shaughnessy on Facebook * 314 Action Fund website * 314 Action on Twitter * 314 Action on Facebook

We should celebrate scientists running for office Recently the NRA told medical professionals that they need to, “Stay in their lane” and stop talking about gun control. Should professionals like scientists, engineers, and health care workers sit on the sidelines while policies are created? According to Shaughnessy Naughton, the answer is a resounding, “No!” Shaughnessy is passionate about energizing and mobilizing as many science professionals as possible into the work of politics and public policy, at all levels of government.

Shaughnessy is so passionate about getting these professionals into politics because she recognizes the value of having legislators who champion a robust trust in facts and evidence. One of the main reasons we have failed as a nation to tackle issues such as gun control, health care, and climate change can be traced back to the fact that we fail to heed the findings from scientists and researchers. Learn more about Shaughnessy’s efforts to get more scientists running for office by checking out the resource section at the end of this post.

The unique advantage scientists bring to the table Let’s face it, right now our politics are personality driven. What if there were a way to get away from the personality and ego of political disagreements and get down to the facts? Shaughnessy Naughton wants to see more scientists running for office to deflate the giant ego trip and get us back to facts and evidence-based policy decisions. While each person brings a different perspective to the table, scientists tend to take a more collaborative approach to making decisions.

Recognizing a severe deficit of scientists involved in politics, Shaughnessy launched her campaign back in 2014. After running a business for over a decade, she stepped up to run for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 8th District. With no prior political experience, other than phoning legislators and knocking on doors for campaigns, she faced an uphill battle. Ultimately, Shaughnessy was not successful, but she did receive a tremendous amount of support from the scientific community. In light of her experience running for office, Shaughnessy founded 314 Action to encourage and unite the scientific community to do more than advocate for science, and to get involved in the political process.

To hear more about Shaughnessy’s valuable work with 314 Action, make sure to listen to this informative episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What does it take to get involved with science policy work substantively and effectively? Are the opportunities out there easy to find or do you have to do some digging? In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Wayne as she opens up about her journey into science policy work, why science shouldn’t stay out of politics, the value of civic engagement, and so much more.

Dr. Wayne is an award-winning biomedical engineer, TED Fellow, speaker, and advocate for women in higher education. She is also the co-host of the PhDivas Podcast. Dr. Wayne is currently a National Cancer Institute Cancer Nanotechnology Training Program Postdoctoral Fellow in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Elizabeth Wayne. * [3:00] Dr. Wayne opens up about how she got started with science policy. * [4:45] Why science shouldn’t stay out of politics. * [7:45] How to get involved with science policy work. * [11:15] The power of civic engagement. * [18:30] How failing early can help you succeed. * [24:15] Leverage your expertise!

Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Wayne * Check out Dr. Wayne’s website * Follow Dr. Wayne on Twitter * Connect with Dr. Wayne on Facebook * Listen to Dr. Wayne’s podcast, PhDivas

Why science shouldn’t stay out of politics Have you ever heard someone say that this field of study or that particular interest should, “Stay out of politics?” Is that truly a fair request? Don’t some of the most critical aspects of our lives intersect with politics at some point? The last thing that we need in our current environmental crisis is for scientists to stay out of politics. We need these experts and valuable voices to speak out and make sure that our elected officials understand the vital data they need as they shape science policy.

Dr. Elizabeth Wayne is hard at work making a case for increased science involvement when it comes to public policy. Looking at lessons learned from history, Dr. Wayne explains that going back to the 1940’s you can see a robust effort by many to fund scientific endeavors with federal funds. Her primary point centers on the fact that since the agencies that support many scientific endeavors were founded in politics, scientists have a vested interest in the political sphere.

Science policy and civic engagement If you are ready to get involved with science policy, where do you start? Dr. Wayne explains that one of the best ways to get involved when you are attending an educational institution is to look for the science policy work that is already going on. If that step is a dead end, she suggests connecting with the school’s federal relations department (i.e., the lobbyists for the school) to see how they can help highlight your work and its intersection with politics.

You don't have to be connected to an institution of higher learning to get involved. There is a huge need now, more than ever, for scientists and specialists to jump into the work of civic engagement. From making phone calls and emails to showing up to your representative's office, you have the power to move the needle and make an impact. Don’t let yourself get sucked into an attitude of apathy and resignation; you have the right and the power to lift your voice and become part of the solution in politics.

Make sure to catch Mark’s full conversation with Dr. Wayne as she expands on these important topics and much more.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What will it take to get more people engaged with civic activism? Too often, people think of voting as their primary means to make an impact politically. The truth is, you can do so much more than merely vote. Don’t let the media’s narrow focus on national topics blind you from what is going on in your backyard. Mark Epley is here to help unpack this concept of civic activism and how everyone can get engaged.

Mark currently works on Capitol Hill as the General Counsel to Congressman Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mark handles a wide variety of tasks for the Speaker and his daily agenda includes functions such as briefing the Speaker on current legal issues, organizing and participating in strategy meetings, and negotiating with the staff of other Representatives to build support for proposed legislation.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [0:45] Mark introduces his guest, Mark Epley. * [3:00] Mark talks about working in the US Capitol building. * [6:30] The role of civic activism in our democracy. * [8:30] What is the impact of storytelling in policy creation? * [11:15] How do elected officials conduct oversight of the Executive Branch? * [19:40] The value of effective writing in government work. * [24:00] Advice for individuals who want to get involved in policy work. * [28:00] Why it’s important to get involved in local politics.

Connect with Mark Epley * Mark Epley on LinkedIn

Civic activism matters If you are a professional in a given field, public policy needs your voice and input. While that may be difficult to do on the national scene, one place you can start is local. For example, if you are a scientist or engineer, you have a valuable perspective that your local politicians might be missing. Don’t let them move forward with that initiative, proposition, or project without lending your input and professional viewpoint.

It's vital people like you get out there and get involved. When you take the time to get involved, you not only bring your professional experience, you bring your story as well. While it would be nice if facts and figures were all it would take to change policy, the truth is, we need compelling stories. How can you leverage your story to make an impact in your community?

It may not sound sexy, but oversight is crucial What do you think of when you hear the term, oversight? For many, it gets cataloged as some boring topic that politicians are involved with but has no real impact on our everyday lives. While it may not sound sexy, oversight is vital to an ethical and functioning democracy. It would be disastrous if we fail to value and properly elevate the role that oversight plays in keeping our government and elected officials accountable in a system of checks and balances as intended by the U.S. Constitution.

Mark Epley says that oversight, in a nutshell, is, “A commitment to surveying facts in our system pertinent to the lawmaking jurisdiction.” He also explains that oversight is the ability for the government to investigate and find solutions to circumstances that harm the public. Highlighting the value of narrative, Mark also explains that through the exercise of oversight, Congress can get to the bottom of issues like airbag failures to name one example. If you’ve ever wondered what role oversight plays in our government and if it’s necessary, those questions get meaningful answers from Mark’s expert perspective.

Learn more from Mark and his unique insights as the General Counsel to Speaker Ryan by listening to this informative episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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What is the best way to set yourself up for success in the public square? Does it come down to knowing the right people or connecting to the right organization? Those strategies certainly help, but you should also consider cultivating a diversified skill set. Bringing her wealth of experience to this relevant topic is my guest, Chequeta Allen.

Chequeta is the consummate professional. She has led a multifaceted career in both the public and private sectors. At the University of SoCal, Chequeta taught Health Information Systems for nearly five years in the MHA program. Currently, Chequeta is making an impact in her role as the Product Marketing Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Salesforce.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:35] I introduce my guest, Chequeta Allen. * [3:15] Chequeta talks about her experience helping students at Stanford. * [5:20] It can be professionally beneficial to hone your skills & acquire various certificates. * [7:00] Why did Chequeta work on a scientific management project? * [10:25] What does it take to be a good mentor? * [13:00] The value of reading and following your interests.

Connect with Chequeta Allen * Follow Chequeta on Twitter * Check out Chequeta’s LinkedIn profile

Adapt or perish. In our everchanging world, the unvarnished truth is if you don’t adapt you’ll perish. That might sound extream or hyperbolic but, in reality, this lesson is getting played out in headlines and breaking news stories every day. If you don’t want to be another statistic, you’ve got to learn how to reinvent yourself in a way that makes you stand out from all the rest.

In her career, Chequeta has assisted a multitude of students and peers with navigating this treacherous landscape. In her opinion, the best course of action doesn’t always involve racking up degree after degree. Many professionals can benefit by joining something as simple as the local Toastmasters organization. The key here is to focus on professional development and building a diverse skill set.

Do you need a mentor? What has been your experience with mentors? Have you had a mentor at any point in your career? Have you considered taking the time to mentor someone else in your field? If you think about it, you are at the level of success you enjoy today because someone took the time to invest in you. Maybe for you, it was a professor, a peer, or a supervisor.

Looking back at her career, Chequeta can see a whole list full of amazing individuals who took the time to help guide and shape her education. According to Chequeta, a mentoring relationship is all about common ground. A healthy mentoring relationship isn’t just a one-way road. The mentor and the mentee should invest in this mutually beneficial exchange.

To hear more from Chequeta’s valuable perspective, make sure to listen to this episode of When Science Speaks.

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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Were you aware that we know very little about the ocean floor? It's true! In fact, scientists have mapped more of the surface of the moon than the ocean floor! Part of the reason is, in many ways, its easier to observe the moon's surface than the ocean floor. Here to help get people excited about science and oceanography, in particular, is Dr. Dawn Wright.

Dr. Wright is a leading authority in the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the field of ocean science. She has played a key role in creating the first GIS data model for the oceans. Dr. Wright is Chief Scientist of the Environmental Systems Research Institute (aka Esri). She has also been a professor of geography and oceanography at Oregon State University since 1995.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:10] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Dawn Wright. * [3:45] Why the world’s oceans are so important. * [6:30] Is the use of emotion an effective way to connect people to scientific work? * [9:10] How did Dr. Wright get interested in oceanography? * [13:10] Why have we spent more time mapping the moon than the ocean? * [19:00] How media, maps, and images help connect people to the ocean. * [21:30] Improving science communication. * [25:30] Spreading the power of science through maps.

Connect with Dr. Dawn Wright * Follow Dr. Wright on Twitter * Dr. Wright’s website * Let Science Speak

Resources & People Mentioned * Dr. Alan Townsend’s Story * Dr. Walter Smith * Dr. David Sandwell * Dr. Jonathan Foley * Compass * American Geophysical Union: AGU * Leopold Leadership Program

Why are oceans so important? The ocean matters significantly to each person on the planet regardless if they live next to one or not. Oceans provide over half of the oxygen that we breathe, they also regulate our weather patterns. Unfortunately, oceanography doesn’t get as much attention as other fields of science but it really does matter, we are talking about over 70% of the planet’s surface! Thankfully, spirited leaders like Dr. Wright are doing everything they can to appeal to the public’s sense of curiosity to explore this last frontier of discovery here in our own backyard.

One way Dr. Wright and her colleagues are working to get people excited about exploring the ocean floor is with the use of media and maps. Think back to when you were a kid and you came across a map, wasn’t that exciting? That thrill of exploration and charting a path to undiscovered regions is innate most of us. Dr. Wright finds that when people see images and video of the amazing world that exists under the surface of the ocean, it really unlocks a level of excitement that interest that wasn’t there before their exposure.

Let’s get people excited about science! Similar to Dr. Wright’s approach to getting people excited about exploring the ocean floor, the campaign, Let Science Speak, brings the human element to the forefront of science studies. Let Science Speak started as a direct response to escalating efforts to suppress environmental science and silence scientists. Their campaign includes short films, podcasts, editorials, social content and more. I think you’ll find this campaign beneficial and moving, make sure to check out the links some of the videos included in the resources section of this post!

Dr. Wright’s work, campaigns like Let Science Speak, and organizations like Compass and the Leopold Leadership Program are already paying dividends. Conversations about science and its intersection with everyday concerns seem to be skyrocketing. Dr. Wright is encouraged by the efforts around science communication and she sees it a movement that is gaining substantial momentum. How will Dr. Wright’s perspective impact your view of this subject?

Don’t miss a minute of this intriguing episode of When Science Speaks featuring Dr. Wright’s unique insights!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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When was the last time you changed your opinion about something significant based on scientific facts? If you are anything like the average American, chances are you can’t think of one! Does that mean scientific research and it’s dissemination into the public square is unnecessary? Here to address this important question is Dr. Bruce Lewenstein.

Dr. Lewenstein is Professor of Science Communication and chair of the Department of Science & Technology Studies at Cornell University. Trained as a historian of science, he works across the field of public communication of science and technology, including informal science education, citizen science, and communication training for scientists. Dr. Lewenstein holds a Ph.D. in history and sociology of science from the University of Pennsylvania.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:07] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Bruce Lewenstein. * [2:30] Dr. Lewenstein discusses popular public opinion regarding scientific research. * [5:20] Why is science so trusted in the public square? * [7:30] Where did the term, “Public understanding of science” come from? * [10:00] How to relate to those who deny scientific facts. * [13:00] The distinction between a belief and a fact. * [16:45] Why facts don’t change people’s attitudes. * [20:30] Exploring the term, “Citizen Science.” * [30:10] The evolving relationship between science and the media. * [34:30] Closing thoughts from Dr. Lewenstein.

Connect with Dr. Bruce Lewenstein * Follow Dr. Lewenstein on Twitter * Dr. Lewenstein's Bio * Dr. Lewenstein on LinkedIn

Resources & People Mentioned * Randy Olson * An Inconvenient Truth * Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style * Houston, We Have a Narrative: Why Science Needs Story * Galaxy Zoo * Carl Sagan * Dance Your PhD

Why scientific facts are generally trusted. Did you know that in recent years confidence in all professions, across the board has dropped? Even with that drop, consistently ranked at the top of the public’s trust in any professional group are scientists and medical specialists. Between seventy and eighty percent of the public have a positive view of scientific research. What has allowed the scientific community to enjoy such broad appeal and support from the general public? Has the media conditioned everyone to blindly believe someone wearing a lab coat or with a Ph.D. behind their name?

There are two primary factors that contribute to the public’s support for scientific research. The first factor is the clear benefit that science has on the lives of the average person, they get to enjoy the fruits of scientific research with the smartphone they hold in their hand! The second factor is the level of respect and deference that we collectively have for scientists in our society. When you look back at some of the most significant moments in our nation’s history like the moon landing, you can clearly see the influence and impact of science.

How to reframe the conversation. With so much broad support for the scientific community in general, why are so many individuals and people groups are rarely persuaded when presented with scientific facts? Dr. Lewenstein says that the primary cause for this obstinate reaction is the strong ties that people have to their communities. If an individual's tradition or culture has a narrative that refutes scientific facts, chances are, they’ll side with their community due to their strong emotional and psychological bonds. What is the solution?

Don’t waste your time hitting someone over the head, again and again with facts that prove your point, it won’t get you anywhere! Instead, you’ve got to take the more challenging approach, relate to these individuals on a personal level. It’s easy to lob “Scientific fact grenades,” but it takes discipline and patience to explore and identify common ground. At the end of the day, Dr. Lewenstein is convinced that opinions will shift and public perception will change when people take the time to listen to each other instead of trying to prove a point with facts alone.

Discover out more from Dr. Lewenstein’s expert perspective by listening to this informative episode!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * http://WhenScienceSpeaks.com * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17

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One of the most relevant and controversial topics in our society today is the intersection of politics and science. Many automatically assume that this topic is geared exclusively toward environmental concerns but the truth is, the intersection of these two important fields is much larger than that. Here to shed some light on this complex and timely topic is Dr. Yvette Seger.

Early on in higher education, Dr. Seger was drawn to policy and politics, but also to horses, so she converged her passions by double majoring in Zoology and Politics at Ohio Wesleyan. Dr. Seger went on to graduate school at Stony Brook University and then to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) where she pursued doctoral training in genetics. Currently, Dr. Seger serves as the Director of Science Policy at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of When Science Speaks * [1:30] Mark introduces his guest, Dr. Yvette Seger. * [3:30] Dr. Seger talks about her passion for politics and zoology. * [6:00] What is the role of politics in science? * [10:30] The value of negotiating and losing the battle to win the war. * [13:30] Why scientists should care about politics and advocacy. * [17:00] Tenacity is required to succeed in scientific advocacy. * [19:45] Dr. Seger shares some of the resources available with FASEB. * [23:50] What does Dr. Seger do day to day in her role as the Science Policy director? * [29:00] Dr. Seger talks about meeting with legislators.

Connect with Dr. Yvette Seger * Take a look at Dr. Seger’s work with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) * Follow Dr. Seger on Twitter

Explaining the role of politics in science Should scientists stay out of politics? Is there a way for science to stay neutral when it comes to political discussions? According to Dr. Seger, the answer is a resounding, “No.” She doesn't advocate for scientists to become partisan, rather, she wants to inform fellow scientists and the general public about the role of politics in scientific research. This is particularly relevant when it comes to funding, most scientific research and institutions rely on federal funding to stay solvent.

While it may seem like a public relations choreographed event, the truth is, when you see politicians visit research labs, it's often at the request of the scientists who run the operation. The goal here is to help representatives of Congress get a “boots on the ground” look at why federal funding is so important and to see how public funds are being used to make meaningful scientific advancements. These scientists and researchers would be foolish to ignore the intersection of politics and science as it would dramatically impact the effectivity of their work.

Losing the battle to win the war. One of the complicated aspects of the relationship between politics and science is the fact that politics tend to be more impassioned and messy where science is data-driven. In order to make these two important institutions of our society work together, scientists like Dr. Seger have to lead the way in finding compromises to move vital policy forward. Encouraging her team, Dr. Seger uses the metaphor, "You have to lose the battle to win the war," the lesson being, a strategic approach is often more effective than being right.

What does it take for a scientist to thrive in the realm of policy and advocacy? According to Dr. Seger, it comes down to two very important traits, problem-solving and tenacity. These two traits are, in many ways, “baked in” to the role of a scientist. At a base level, science is all about identifying and solving problems. In the course of problem-solving, roadblocks are going to emerge and setbacks are going to take place, this is where tenacity comes in. When deployed skillfully, these traits are immensely valuable when it comes to engaging with politicians who don’t usually see things in a data-driven manner.

To hear more about Dr. Seger’s worthwhile efforts as the Director of Science Policy at FASEB, make sure to listen to this engaging episode of When Science Speaks!

Connect With Mark and When Science Speaks * The When Science Speaks webstie * https://bayerstrategic.com/ * On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayerStrategic * On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bayer-Strategic-Consulting-206102993131329 * On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanielbayer/ * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayerstrategic/ * On Medium: https://medium.com/@markbayer17