Sci on the Fly
Sci on the Fly brings you experts who work at the intersection of science and public policy. Run by AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows – scientists and engineers passionate about policy – this podcast brings current issues to a general audience through lively and illuminating discussions. Read the companion blog at www.aaaspolicyfellowships.org/blog.
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“But Does It Change Anything?”: A Conversation with Dr. Irma McClaurin on Science, Policy and Writing to Change the World
02/13/2024
“But Does It Change Anything?”: A Conversation with Dr. Irma McClaurin on Science, Policy and Writing to Change the World
“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 in numerous publications, such as Ms. Magazine. Dr. McClaurin is a Black feminist trailblazer and founder of the at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, was recently featured in the PBS documentary "," and is a champion of science communication. She regularly leverages her expertise in the social construction of inequality to share knowledge to academic and non-academic audiences, and she currently sits on the board of the project. 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.
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Science Helps Us… Create the Future of Computing
12/21/2023
Science Helps Us… Create the Future of Computing
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 as education, climate, economic equality, personal use of computing, and artificial intelligence. 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.
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Rethinking Our Defense Against Unknown Biothreats
12/11/2023
Rethinking Our Defense Against Unknown Biothreats
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 importance of public-private partnerships in transforming this field. This conversation also covered the challenges women, people of color and immigrants face as scientists, the importance of mentorship in mitigating these challenges and her own mentorship and advocacy work to educate young girls about STEM careers as a AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador and guest on CBS’s “Mission Unstoppable” among other efforts. 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.
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Science Helps Us… Bring Nations Together
08/17/2023
Science Helps Us… Bring Nations Together
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 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.
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Science Helps Us… Imagine the Future
07/26/2023
Science Helps Us… Imagine the Future
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 scientist representation in the media. Plus, guest spots from STPF Fellows and alumni who featured as panelists at this year’s Fan Fusion! 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.
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Anthony Fauci: “Science helps us” Prepare for Pandemics
05/30/2023
Anthony Fauci: “Science helps us” Prepare for Pandemics
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 next pandemic. 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.
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Careers in STEM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
04/19/2023
Careers in STEM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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, successes, and future of DEI in STEM, we invited a panel of trained scientists who have integrated DEI into their scientific careers in different ways: STPF fellow Trenell Mosley, Juliet Johnston, and Bailey Duhé. 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.
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Climb Every Mountain
03/22/2023
Climb Every Mountain
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 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.
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The most important question
02/03/2023
The most important question
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 material. AAAS has made this material available as a public service, but this does not constitute endorsement by the association.
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Hand in Hand: Science and Environmental Justice
01/03/2023
Hand in Hand: Science and Environmental Justice
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 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.
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Dr. Marisa Franco discusses her best -selling book: Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends
12/07/2022
Dr. Marisa Franco discusses her best -selling book: Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends
According to a survey of 2000 adults, the average American hasn’t made a new friend in the last five years, and yet, 45% of people would go out of their way to make a new friend if they knew how. Former fellow and friendship expert Dr. Marisa Franco joins Dr. Stephanie Gage for a candid conversation about her NYT best-selling book “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends.” Their conversation explores the topics of loneliness, the importance of friendship, and how to make lasting friendships. 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.
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Putting the “A” in “STEAM”
11/04/2022
Putting the “A” in “STEAM”
What 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. “” 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 “” 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.
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A Year in Review
09/27/2022
A Year in Review
On a very special episode of Sci on the Fly, host and current STPF fellow Reshmina William sits down with four members of the STPF Class of 2021 as they reflect on the last year. Join Carly Champagne, Julie Snow, Bill O'Brien, and Leslie Brooks as they discuss their accomplishments and their advice for the incoming Class of 2022. 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.
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An Ocean of Sound
08/22/2022
An Ocean of Sound
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Heather Spence, a marine biologist and sound artist. She’s currently a marine and science advisor in the Department of Energy, where she is exploring the potential for marine renewable energy to power ocean observation systems. For her graduate research, she conducted a groundbreaking sound monitoring program on the MesoAmerican Reef. Heather also combined her acoustic recordings from the reef with music – she also performs internationally as a cellist and viola da gambist. Heather also shares the activities of the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Sound and Marine Life and the United Nations Ocean Decade’s Maritime Acoustic Environment program. In combining science and art, Heather hopes to inspire the wider public about ocean biology and conservation. 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.
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Marine conservation, science dance, and the importance of role models in STEM – with guest Dr. Lekelia "Kiki" Jenkins
06/29/2022
Marine conservation, science dance, and the importance of role models in STEM – with guest Dr. Lekelia "Kiki" Jenkins
On this episode, marine conservation scientist Dr. Lekelia (Kiki) Jenkins chats to Dr. Chris Parsons about reducing turtle by-catch in fishing gear and the challenges facing technological innovators that don’t come from a position of privilege. They also talk about Dr. Jenkins’ career, including how she “danced her PhD” and how she was as a role model (and statue model) for the “If she can see it, then she can be it” exhibit - which highlights female role models in STEM. 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.
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Black Holes In Fact and Fiction – With Guest Dr. Joe Pesce
04/28/2022
Black Holes In Fact and Fiction – With Guest Dr. Joe Pesce
On this episode Dr. Joe Pesce, Program Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences at the National Science Foundation, chats with Dr. Chris Parsons about black holes. Dr. Pesce is an astrophysicist with 30 years of experience and an expert on super massive black holes. He talks about the formation of black holes, the nature of the “event horizon” and super massive black holes in the center of galaxies. He also talks about how black holes and space science are depicted in popular culture, and what recent sci-fi movies get right and wrong about astrophysics.
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From the Distant Ocean Past to the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists
04/11/2022
From the Distant Ocean Past to the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists
Our guest on this episode is Dr. Terry Quinn, the Director of the Division of Ocean Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Quinn talks about his research on corals and reconstructing the historic climate record; the role of NSF in promoting ocean science and scientists; the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development; and also the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity and community engagement in the ocean sciences. 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.
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Science Communication and One Health
01/07/2022
Science Communication and One Health
The guest for this episode of Sci on the Fly, Dr. Deborah Thomson, is a veterinarian and “One Health” advocate who has served as a Science Policy Advisor in the United States Senate. She founded and led a global organization that inspires children and adults to value the interconnection between human health and the health of the environment, plants, and animals (called One Health Lessons). In this episode she talks the One Health Lessons training program and her new book “The Art of Science Communicat
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Whale Conservation and the International Whaling Commission
12/09/2021
Whale Conservation and the International Whaling Commission
Secretary of the International Whaling Commission, Dr. Rebecca Lent spoke with Sci on the Fly about the evolution of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) – one of the oldest international marine conservation treaty organizations and one of the first to be advised by science. The IWC has gone from a body of whaling nations trying to maximize their catches to one that uses cutting edge whale and dolphins science to inform international whale management and conservation policy.
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Beyond Carbon Neutral: Samuel Goodman, Part 2
10/21/2021
Beyond Carbon Neutral: Samuel Goodman, Part 2
Dr. Samuel M. Goodman is the author of Beyond Carbon Neutral: How We Fix the Climate Crisis Now. In the second part of this two-part episode, he talks about the history of the toxic element lead as a public health issue, and the similarities with the problem of climate change. He also discusses how fossil fuel jobs could transition as we become carbon neutral, as well as what individuals can do to help combat climate change.
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Beyond carbon neutral: Samuel Goodman, Part 1
10/21/2021
Beyond carbon neutral: Samuel Goodman, Part 1
Dr. Samuel Goodman is the author of Beyond Carbon Neutral: How We Fix the Climate Crisis Now. He was a AAAS S&T Policy Fellow at the US Department of Defense. He is currently an international trade analyst with the US International Trade Commission. In the first part of this two-part episode, Goodman talks about energy sector solutions to solving the climate crisis and why better policy rather than new technology is the approach we need to take to reduce carbon emissions.
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PODCAST | Genes, germs and science communication – with guest Dr Bill Sullivan
08/18/2021
PODCAST | Genes, germs and science communication – with guest Dr Bill Sullivan
The guest in this episode is Dr Bill Sullivan, the author of "Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are" (2019, National Geographic Books). Sullivan is a professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, where he studies genetics and microbiology. Dr Sullivan talks about his work from parasites to genetics, his new book, and about the importance of science communication.
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PODCAST | Affordable clean energy – with guest former Assistant Secretary Daniel Simmons
08/04/2021
PODCAST | Affordable clean energy – with guest former Assistant Secretary Daniel Simmons
In this episode, Mr. Daniel Simmons, Principal of Simmons Energy & Environmental Strategy and former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from 2019 to 2021, speaks to his experience as a political appointee within the DOE; advocating for affordable reliable clean energy; balancing leadership and family; and the importance AAAS Science & Technology Policy fellows supporting critical DOE missions.
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Bringing Home Americans Stranded Abroad due to COVID-19
07/20/2021
Bringing Home Americans Stranded Abroad due to COVID-19
Dr. Ambika Bumb is a Science and Technology Policy Fellow working in the Crisis Management and Strategy Office at the U.S. Department of State. Within this office, she was part of several tasks forces that played major roles during the coronavirus pandemic, including the Repatriation Task Force that brought home American citizens stranded abroad during the early months of the pandemic.
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A New Way to Fund Science with Meaningful Impacts: Ibrahim Mohedas
06/09/2021
A New Way to Fund Science with Meaningful Impacts: Ibrahim Mohedas
Ibrahim Mohedas earned his masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan. His doctoral research, supported through a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, focused on the use of ethnographic techniques during the design of medical devices for low- and middle-income countries, collecting data in healthcare settings in Ethiopia, Ghana and Rwanda. Dr. Ibrahim is currently a AAAS S&T Policy Fellow in the Office of the Convergence Accelerator at the National Science Foundation.
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PODCAST | Unhealthy waters–with guest Dr. Maryann Cairns
05/26/2021
PODCAST | Unhealthy waters–with guest Dr. Maryann Cairns
Dr Cairns is an environmental anthropologist who uses using creative research designs to safeguard the environment and human health. In this podcast she talks about a recent $1.5 million dollar collaborative National Science Foundation-supported research program which studied human exposure to pathogens in coastal areas in Costa Rica.
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PODCAST | From Tropical Jungles to the Arctic – with guest Dr. Roberto Delgado
04/28/2021
PODCAST | From Tropical Jungles to the Arctic – with guest Dr. Roberto Delgado
Dr Roberto Delgado has a doctorate in Biological Anthropology from Duke University, where he did research on the social behavior and calls of male orangutans. So how did he end up becoming the Program Director for the Arctic Observing Network (AON) in the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs – as far removed from the jungle of Borneo as one could imagine?
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Protecting Antarctica - Pt 2
04/07/2021
Protecting Antarctica - Pt 2
In this two-part episode, Dr. nature McGinn talks about how the AAAS Science & Technology Policy fellowship helped to give her skills and open doors for a permanent job in federal government and the work she does in her current position to help safeguard the environment and species in the world's last true wilderness area - Antarctica.
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Protecting Antarctica - Part 1
03/23/2021
Protecting Antarctica - Part 1
In this two-part episode, Dr. Nature McGinn talks about how the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship helped to give her skills and open doors for a permanent job in federal government, and the work she does in her current position to help safeguard the environment and species in the world’s last true wilderness area – Antarctica.
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Watch Your Posture: Another Problem of Extended Computer and Devise Use by Kids
03/16/2021
Watch Your Posture: Another Problem of Extended Computer and Devise Use by Kids
With so many children currently attending school virtually on laptops, tablets and other smart devices, there is concern about how the extended use of these devices affects them. While much attention has been given to the cognitive effects of extended device usage, Dr. Regina Pope-Ford has instead investigated the physical effects. In this episode, Dr. Pope-Ford, an expert in human factors and ergonomics, discusses her study of children’s comfort while using smart devices. She also discussed signs of bad posture that could lead to enduring pain, ways to correct the posture, and some things that parents and educators can keep in mind as schools continue to educate virtually. You can read . Host: Philip Ko, Ph.D., 2019-2021 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation (Twitter: @PhilKo19) Guest: Regina Pope-Ford, Ph.D., 2019-2021 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation Producer & Executive Producer: Philip Ko, Ph.D., 2019-2021 Executive Branch Fellow, National Science Foundation (Twitter: @PhilKo19) 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.
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