“But Does It Change Anything?”: A Conversation with Dr. Irma McClaurin on Science, Policy and Writing to Change the World
Sci on the Fly
“Change minds, change hearts, change behavior, achieve transformation.” That’s bio-cultural anthropologist Dr. Irma McClaurin’s motto and through writing and science communication, she’s been able to achieve that. STPF alum Saira Mehmood and current STPF fellow Meryleen Mena, both anthropologists, have a conversation with Irma McClaurin, who is also an STPF alum, about her time in the fellowship and her dynamic career as an engaged anthropologist in both government and academia. The three also chat about the power of the pen and Dr. McClaurin’s public writing, which has appeared...
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Science Helps Us… Create the Future of Computing
Sci on the Fly
Computing is a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives and rapid advances continue to shape the way we work and live. In the fourth episode of our “Science Helps Us…” series, Dr. Margaret Martonosi, acclaimed computer scientist and leader of the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate at the National Science Foundation (NSF), shares her insight into the future of computing with STPF alum Stephanie Gage. Their conversation explores Dr. Martonosi beginnings in computer science, her thoughts on leadership, and how the NSF is thinking about computing in areas such...
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Rethinking Our Defense Against Unknown Biothreats
Sci on the Fly
Dr. Harshini Mukundan, Program Manager and Scientist for Chemical and Biological Technologies at the Office of National and Homeland Security, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and visiting Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory sat down with host and AAAS STPF fellow Dr. Adejare (Jay) Atanda to discuss her research on pathogen agnostic disease detection and diagnostics, why this is important for biodefense against unknown biothreats, the role of technological innovations in pathogen agnostic detection and diagnostics, limitations of existing technological tools, and the vital...
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Science Helps Us… Bring Nations Together
Sci on the Fly
In the third episode in our “Science Helps Us…” series, we explore how hydrologic science can help bring people to the negotiation table. Water is a resource that defies political boundaries – managing it effectively can serve as a catalyst to international diplomacy. Our three guests highlight the important role that science plays in the shifting landscape of water diplomacy. We discuss science translation, the value of ensuring diverse voices have a seat at the table, and why all data are – to some extent – inherently political. This podcast does not necessarily...
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Science Helps Us… Imagine the Future
Sci on the Fly
In the second episode in our “Science Helps Us…” series, we explore the ways that science shapes the ways we tell stories – and how it helps make those stories a reality. Our guests, Brian Johnson and Rebekah Brubaker, put the “science” back into science fiction by convening the gold-star standard of science paneling at one of the largest comic cons in the country: Phoenix Fan Fusion. We discuss the benefits of the comic con format as a vehicle for science engagement, tips for budding science communicators, and why Ross from Friends is an unexpected role model for...
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Anthony Fauci: “Science helps us” Prepare for Pandemics
Sci on the Fly
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Joe Biden’s former Chief Medical Advisor sat down with host and AAAS STPF fellow Dr. Adejare (Jay) Atanda to discuss pandemic preparedness and response. Dr. Fauci also discusses the duality of his former role as a public facing physician-scientist, lessons from his service responding to COVID-19, and how scientists can leverage the power of the media for good. In the process, we learn about the risks from new and emerging technology… and how we can be better prepared for the...
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Careers in STEM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sci on the Fly
STEM careers have historically been performed by and for populations that do not represent the complete spectrum of unique lived experiences. In recent years however, the STEM community has been experiencing a sort of renaissance for diversity, equity, and inclusion -- or DEI. Efforts to address inequities in who participates in STEM and in who benefits from its advancements are becoming common talking points, but the breadth of resources, new initiatives, and think pieces can make knowing how to participate in these efforts as a scientist daunting or confusing. To weigh in on the challenges,...
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Climb Every Mountain
Sci on the Fly
When most of us think of “scientists,” we envision someone in a lab coat huddled behind a lab bench. AAAS STPF fellow Alexandra “Ali” Giese defies this stereotype – her work with glaciers has taken her all over the world, from the Himalayas to the Greenland ice sheet. It has also taught her the culture and importance of glaciers and mountains. Ali chats with host Reshmina William, telling the story of how she turned her “obsession with ice” into a career in climate science and of the international community she has befriended along the way. This podcast does not...
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The most important question
Sci on the Fly
As the world changes, scientists and policymakers must grapple with increasingly complex, global, and interdisciplinary challenges. AAAS STPF fellow Alex Loewi sat down with host and fellow fellow Reshmina William to discuss the importance of asking the right questions to tackle these challenges, the role of government in social well-being, and how the National Science Foundation is working on 21st century problems and innovations. This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this...
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Hand in Hand: Science and Environmental Justice
Sci on the Fly
As science and technology progress, so do the impacts of those advances and pollution on communities. Veronica Eady, Senior Deputy Executive Officer of Policy and Equity at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and a lifetime advocate for environmental justice aptly states, “science and justice go hand in hand.” Join Eady and host Reshmina Williams as they discuss the important role of science in advocacy, the value of tenacity, and the role of J40 in putting power back in the hands of communities. This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of...
info_outlineWhat role can the arts play in shaping scientific expression? How can scientists and artists better work together to share their insights with the general public? We sit down with Smitha Vishveshwara, a theoretical physicist, and Benny Starr, a hip-hop artist and activist, to discuss these thorny questions. In the process, we explore their creative journeys and the need for an artistic (and scientific!) process that incorporates authenticity, courage, and collaborative curiosity.
“The Joy of Regathering” premiered on September 17, 2022 at the University of Illinois' Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. This original work explores who we are at all scales - from the microscopic to the cosmic – through the lens of science, music, and movement.
Starr served as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the U.S. Water Alliance. His work “A Water Album” was recorded live in Charleston, South Carolina in 2018. The music reflects the life-bringing force of water and the existential threat that climate change poses to this flood-prone part of the world.
This podcast does not necessarily reflect the views of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members. AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.