Outreach

Scientific outreach and science communication are extremely important to me. I believe that scientists are in a position of extreme privilege, and it is our responsibility to communicate what we’ve learned to fellow scientists and non-scientists. Only in this way can we make a difference.

Science outreach characters

ANTonia!

ANTonia is my project from the heart, and my attempt at teaching kids about ants as a model system. To do this, we must teach kids that ants, and other insects, are not “gross”, but rather, are amazing organisms that we can learn a great deal from.

Get your official Antonia gear here!

Morgan Melanogaster!

Morgan Melanogaster, named after Thomas Morgan, is a tribute to the amazing powerful of Drosophila genetics. I have worked with Drosophila for over 10 years and will forever be a advocate of this model system. My goal is to highlight major discoveries in Drosophila using Morgan.

Get your official Morgan gear here!

Zelda Zaprionus!

Zelda Zaprionus, designed after the agricultural pest Zaprionus indianus, is a system I have worked on. These fruit flies feed on fresh figs, and have unique blood cells. My goal with Zelda is to highlight the role of agricultural research and non-model systems.

Get your official Zelda gear here!

Jeffrey the Planarian!

Jeffrey the Planarian, designed after the amazing, yet under studied model system, is meant to teach students the science of regeneration. When a planarian is cut in half, it regenerates its head/tail! Even neurons containing memories can be restored.

Get your official Jeffrey gear here!

Mentoring other students

I love mentoring my fellow students of all levels, and I love learning about what they are working on!

Community Outreach

Currently, our lab has partnered with the Liberty Science Center in order to study Atta cephalotes. As part of our mission, we visit the science center and give talks on our work. We are also partnering with the science center to create 3D models of insects as a means to teach kids about these amazing organisms.

Digital Outreach

In times of COVID-19 and beyond, we must adapt to how we can benefit our communities. I actively participate in digital forms of outreach, including Skype-a-scientist.

Photography

One of my passions is to take photos of my model system(s). My hope is that by demonstrating the beauty of these organisms, we can shed the idea of “gross” insects, and more people will appreciate the beauty of these models, both on the inside and outside.