The Science Engager In You

In this third episode, we discuss inclusion and accessibility in science with two special guests: Nicolas Bonne, an astronomer and Science Engager with a visual impairment from the University of Portsmouth, and Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, founder and director of DO-IT, a pioneering center at the University of Washington supporting the success of students with disabilities.

In this conversation, we discuss how Nicolas and Sheryl are challenging the boundaries of science education in order to achieve the equal participation by people with disabilities in their respective fields. We also explore the importance of deconstructing perceptions around disability, and of seeing - and listening - to the creative potential of difference by the ways of words and sound.

In our second episode, we talked to Edward Kang, a molecular neuroscientist and science educator from Chicago. Edward and his wife Amy co-founded the Laboratory Collective, an initiative that has opened new pathways for Science Engagement outside traditional teaching.

Together, they invite young students to solve scientific problems while being immersed in imaginary worlds. In this episode, you will hear about Edward’s creative approach, the challenges of turning to virtual teaching and working from home, and the power of storytelling to engage young students with science.

To know more about our episode’s guest

We are talking to Ana, Kyerewaa and Bernard from Portugal, Ghana and the United States. While they all found very different ways to engage the public with science, there is one thing they all have in common: Their journey from being ‘just’ a scientist to becoming a Science Engager wasn’t always easy. Following their shared belief that science has to get out of the lab and open-up towards a broad audience to really have an impact, they had to overcome a few obstacles. You will hear about who they had to convince and how science engagement becomes really relevant in many different aspects of society.

Like what you are hearing? Feel free to dig deeper and ask questions – and get in touch with this episode’s guests.

Welcome to “The Science Engager in you”. Join-in on a journey around the world to meet scientists and science engagers who have found amazing answers to the question: How to engage the public in science?   You will hear all about their journeys – inside-out – from scientist to stepping out of the science bubble and opening-up to engage with the world. And while their ideas are as unique as their backgrounds, stories and motivations itself, we made sure to really capture the essence of each story. How do inspiring opportunities arise, how do people really become an audience to actively contribute, in short: how does science engagement actually work?  So have a listen, to learn and expand above and beyond!

This podcast is hosted by Falling Walls Engage, right from our headquarter in Berlin.