Breaking The Facts: The Art of Scicomm

In this captivating episode, we embark on a journey of enlightenment and discovery with the remarkable Dr. Colleen Kelley, a luminary in the field of chemistry education. From her humble beginnings to international recognition, Dr. Kelley's story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication. As the founder of Kids Chemical Solutions, she has pioneered a groundbreaking approach to teaching chemistry, igniting a passion for learning in learners of all ages.

The episode explores Dr. Kelley's visionary use of comics as a tool to demystify the complexities of chemistry, transcending traditional boundaries of education and inspiring a new generation of scientists. Through her innovative methods, she challenges the conventional wisdom of science education, advocating for a more inclusive and engaging approach.

We are invited to ponder the profound questions raised by Dr. Kelley's work: What if the dissemination of knowledge were to break free from the shackles of convention and flow as effortlessly as art? How can we keep the flame of curiosity alive in the hearts of future generations?

As the conversation draws to a close, listeners are left inspired and enlightened, with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to challenging the status quo. Join us on this extraordinary voyage of discovery and transformation, guided by the belief that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

 "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Indeed, our alma mater plays a pivotal role in shaping the individuals we become.

For me, my alma mater has been instrumental in shaping my identity. It's where my passion for research was ignited, where I encountered remarkable individuals, and where I was inspired by educators who were not only knowledgeable but also exceptional teachers. The values instilled by our alma mater serve as guiding principles, influencing the trajectories of our careers and the paths we choose to pursue.

episode
a passionate researcher blending molecular biology, cellular nanoscience, and developmental biology. Mayank has studied at renowned institutions like Harvard Medical School  and ] my alma mater IISER Mohali, where he honed his expertise in understanding how cells work.

As a postdoctoral student at Harvard Medical School, Mayank investigates how organs develop, using advanced techniques like live imaging and CRISPR technology. Before this, he studied tiny molecular motors involved in cell division, shedding light on how cells divide.

Mayank's scientific journey began at IISER Mohali, where he explored blood stem cells in fruit flies. Since then, he's traveled the globe, gaining insights into various scientific fields.

For today’s ep we have Mayank's views on the changing landscape of research, his commitment to diversity and inclusion in science, and his dreams for the future of Indian science and beyond.

Rose Gregorio is a trailblazer in science communication. Rose shares her inspiring path, from her diverse experiences in communication roles across Europe and the Middle East to her current position as the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Officer at Horizon Lab within EIT Urban Mobility in Barcelona, Spain. With a Master's degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement from the University of Edinburgh and a wealth of hands-on experience, Rose offers valuable insights into the intersection of science and communication.

We explore Rose's reflections on her ongoing studies at Edinburgh and how they enrich her professional endeavors. She candidly discusses any challenges she faced, including misconceptions about science communication, and the importance of advocating for the field. Through her leadership in EU-funded projects, Rose shares heartfelt memories and encounters with visionary individuals, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative efforts in science communication.

For aspiring science communication enthusiasts, Rose offers indispensable dos and don'ts, emphasizing inclusivity and career prospects. As we discuss the evolving landscape of science communication, Rose provides invaluable advice for those navigating the job market. Finally, we explore the promising future of science communication, particularly in the context of AI advancements, offering a glimpse into the boundless opportunities ahead.

Tune in as Rose Gregorio inspires and empowers us to break barriers and communicate science with passion and purpose.

Join us on an illuminating journey with Miles, a passionate advocate for open science and a trailblazer in neuropsychology. In this captivating episode, Miles shares his remarkable academic odyssey, from his humble beginnings in academia to his current groundbreaking research on topics ranging from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to circadian rhythms. With infectious enthusiasm, Miles delves into the intricacies of neuropsychology, shedding light on the challenges he's faced and the progress he's made in this dynamic field.

Through thought-provoking discussions, Miles challenges common misconceptions in neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of scientifically informed citizens seeking reliable sources of information. As an ardent promoter of science communication through his channel, psyched!, Miles underscores the necessity of transparency in research and its pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering understanding among the public.

From sharing fascinating research insights to contemplating the future of neuropsychology, Miles offers valuable insights into his work and aspirations. As we conclude our conversation, Miles leaves us with a profound reflection on the significance of science communication in bridging the gap between academia and society. Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration of the mind with Miles, a true visionary in the field of neuropsychology and open science.

Inclusion and Representation are the values that I hold close to my heart. With the advancing of education and technological resources, we are still stuck somewhere in history, and fail to give voices to the unheard. The struggle has been long in academia, and as a brown woman in STEM who practises scicomm, these voices are mostly from people who look like me, who have been banned to narrate science to others because a singular perspective on science is the norm, and has been for long.

I have with me Tyus D Williams, who is a PhD student at UC Berkeley whose interdisciplinary focus spans predation ecology, urban ecology, and environmental justice. Tyus aims to unravel the intricate behavioral mechanisms influencing the spatial ecology of large carnivores, exploring how they navigate and compete amidst a rapidly changing world. His academic journey is driven by the central question of understanding these carnivores' responses to environmental shifts. Apart from his adventures in lab, Tyus is an amazing science communicator - hosting series such as SciQ Friday on X/Twitter and sharing amazing instagram reels filled with love and passion for science. You can connect with Tyus here -

The idea of identity, of not knowing who we are, what we stand for has been an internal struggle for many. For some of us our identities are restricted to the work we do, for some its our families, and for some it might be friends and our position in society. I thought of kickstarting 2024, with the debate of identity in academia. Don’t worry this is still a science communication podcast, but recognising and talking openly about the issues of suppression is essential to practise knowledge, seeking the truth and bringing more impact in research.  

Today’s guest, as I put it to him is “devilishy handsome” multifaceted professional with a deep commitment to mental health, education, and advocacy within diverse communities. As a  psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and lecturer at University of Toronto’s Mark S Bohnham Centre for sexual diversity studies - I have Rahim Thawer here with me. Rahim's expertise extends across various domains, from facilitating discussions on innovative approaches to queer relationships to advocating for harm reduction, sex positivity, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed practices.

This conversation is aimed to educate the masses about the gender vs sex debate, to inform the community about the marginilazation of LGBTQA+ and about above empower the masses to strive for they own voice. Connect with Rahim-

Tune in to hear Kaan Mika, who is a postdoctoral researcher understanding the memory of mosquitoes at ETH in Zurich. The heart of his research lies in understanding how these insects retain our scent, enabling them to return for more, delving into the intricate molecular workings of their brains and the formation of their memories. Originally hailing from Turkey, Kaan's passion for insects blossomed while working with fruit flies. Beyond his scientific pursuits, he's deeply engaged in science communication and boasts a talent for capturing captivating moments as an award winning photographer. What drew me to interview Kaan was his incredible zeal and passion towards creating content as a science communicator. His social media reels and work is straight out perfect, and he has mastered the art of delivering content to the masses. Currently a verified content creator and holding more than 14,000 followers, Kaan creates an impact daily with his work by sharing his science for all. This is a conversation you wouldn’t want to miss !  

In this episode of "Breaking the Facts: The Art of SciComm," we delve into Haley's journey—a physicist turned science writer. With a PhD in pulsar polarization and gravitational wave applications, Haley's expertise at MIT's Lincoln Lab drives captivating narratives of cutting-edge scientific advancements. Passionate about bridging academia and public understanding, her Astrobites contributions and AAS Nova media fellowship showcase a dedication to accessible science. Join us as Haley shares her trajectory, illuminating a route away from academia towards impactful science communication.

PS : This episode was set as the first episode of the season, but due to conflicting time neither me or Haley could come around editing this. But man, we so wanted to air this, and I'm glad it's on now :) 

Thank you for tuning in my dear listeners, you can always reach ou to Haley on X/ LinkedIn

Join us on an insightful journey with Shriya Naidu, a multifaceted individual deeply passionate about science communication. In this engaging podcast episode titled "Is SciComm Difficult to Pursue in India?" we explore Shriya's remarkable experiences and her unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between science and the public.

Shriya's extensive background in research, outreach, and community empowerment offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field of science communication in India. Her journey, from founding Stimulus to her influential role at the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of making science accessible to all. Discover the complexities, triumphs, and the immense potential of science communication as we dive deep into this captivating conversation with Shriya Naidu.

Important links mentioned -

In this enlightening episode of "Breaking the Facts: The Art of SciComm," we delve deep into the world of science communication in India and its broader global implications with our exceptional host, Siddharth Kankaria. Siddharth, a pioneer in the field, shares his invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that India presents for science communication.

We explore the cultural nuances and diverse landscapes that shape the Indian science communication scene, shedding light on the importance of intersectional science engagement practices tailored for the Global South. Siddharth's extensive experience, both in research and practice, provides a rich backdrop to our discussion, offering listeners a profound understanding of the evolving role of science communication in a rapidly changing world.

Tune in as we unravel the complexities, successes, and aspirations of science communication in India and its pivotal role in bridging the gap between science and society. This episode promises to be an engaging journey through the vibrant landscape of Indian science communication and its global impact.You can reach out to Siddharth on X/ LinkedIn -

Join us for a compelling and special episode of "On the Importance of Communicating Grief within Academia" as we welcome an exceptional guest to our podcast.

Dr. Marissa Edwards, a luminary in the realms of education, mental health advocacy, and research, graces our virtual stage. Her remarkable journey within the hallowed halls of the University of Queensland Business School has made a profound impact on the academic landscape, leaving an enduring impression on both students and fellow educators.

In this episode, we delve deep into Marissa's inspiring career, her transformative workshops spanning Australia, Europe, and the United States, and her invaluable contributions to the academic world. Join us as we explore the profound impact of Dr. Marissa Edwards and her tireless efforts to reshape academia for the better.

Useful links below-

As I begin the season four of Breaking the Facts, I would like to take a moment to appreciate how far we have come as a community. Now heard over 19+ nations, I wanted to expand upon my calling as a former undergrad at IISER Mohali - science communication. For my first episode I have Dr. Sadie Witkowski, a passionate scientist with a PhD in psychology from Northwestern University who specializes in brain cognition and memory consolidation through sleep.

A dedicated science communicator, Sadie's compelling articles grace popular outlets, while her insights on science storytelling captivate audiences at events like San Diego Comic-Con. As the visionary behind Northwestern’s SCOPE program, she empowers aspiring communicators. Founding the PhDrinking podcast, Sadie showcases graduate students' impactful research. Currently, as Director of Communications at IMSI, her engaging podcast, "Carry the Two," further spotlights her commitment to merging science and communication, making her an inspiring force in both academia and the public sphere.